Politicians and organizations have been trying to put up solutions and projects for the homeless. Moreover, another program prepared in Sydney, Australia aims to answer the problems of homeless people battling chronic alcohol dependence-by actually supplying them more booze.
St. Vincent's Hospital and Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education organized and funded a new program called Managed Alcohol Program or MAP that provide housing, health and social services at a centre wherein they can avail standard drinks hourly from 7am to 10pm, under one radical proposal.
Lead researcher Dr. Nadine Ezard shared to AAP that MAP operates out of the country. However, in Australia, shelters, housing and other service programs focusing on the homeless call for abstinence.
According to the research, people without homes and are alcohol dependent experience higher rates of chronic illness, assaults, injuries, hospitalizations, mortalities and higher levels of contact with the criminal justice system. A huge population from the group also suffer from mental illness and brain injuries.
After reviewing limited literature and references on MAP's, the researchers carried out a small survey of potential MAP users in Sydney and estimated the expenses and savings in establishing a pilot 15-person facility in Sydney. A net benefit of at least $485,000 was estimated of the program. The survey's participants were also asked about what they think of a day shelter or a residential facility that will either allow them to bring their own alcohol or provide a drink every hour for 15 hours a day.
Majority expressed a positive response for a MAP (residential model) and willingness to spend 90% of their income where alcohol was supplied. This might suggest that MAP's could also stop people from consuming "non-beverage alcohol"-products that contain alcohol but are not really meant to be consumed, such as hospital handwash and methylated spirits.
