Practical considerations for residential-managed alcohol programs: lessons from Ottawa Inner City Health

Abstract

Abstract Background Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a leading contributor to global morbidity and mortality, disproportionately affecting people experiencing homelessness. Managed Alcohol Programs (MAPs) represent a harm reduction-based strategy for individuals with severe AUD and homelessness, providing controlled amounts of alcohol alongside comprehensive health and social supports. While evidence of MAP benefits continues to grow, important questions remain about how best to integrate social and medical care, and how to tailor services to align with participants’ goals, values, and broader social and structural contexts. Main body This commentary explores the operational strategies and clinical practices of the Ottawa Inner City Health (OICH) MAP, which has been running since 2001. We describe how the program is embedded within supportive housing and leverages an interdisciplinary team—including peer workers and an Indigenous healer—to deliver person-centered care. Key components include structured alcohol delivery tailored to individual needs, meal provision, social supports including life skills training, medication administration and comprehensive physical and mental health services. Clinical care is tailored to participants’ day-to-day circumstances, challenges, and goals in managing their AUD, with particular attention to hygiene and nutrition, proactive screening for health decline, and timely management of common health complications. The program operates through strong partnerships with community organizations, pharmacies and subspecialists, to enable integrated, coordinated care. Collaborative and trauma-informed approaches reduce reliance on emergency care and foster a sense of dignity, stability, and community. Conclusion MAPs have evolved from experimental interventions into internationally recognized harm reduction models. The OICH MAP demonstrates how the integration of housing, healthcare, and social supports can address the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and severe AUD. However, challenges remain in scaling these models, refining screening protocols, and developing evidence-based policy frameworks. This commentary offers practical insights to inform the effective operation of MAPs and calls for continued research and dialogue to ensure they remain adaptable, sustainable, and aligned with the realities of the populations they serve.