Abstract
BackgroundManaged alcohol programs are a harm reduction approach for people with severe alcohol use disorder that provide alcohol in a structured setting. We examined the patient experience of receiving alcohol after the implementation of a hospital-based managed alcohol program.MethodsUsing an interpretative descriptive methodology, we conducted interviews with five patients. The criteria for enrollment included continuation of community managed alcohol program or provision of alcohol for stabilization in hospital and ability to provide consent.ResultsFive themes emerged in the analysis: (1) Reasons for alcohol use highlighting factors leading to alcohol consumption; (2) I’m very appreciative indicating participant’s perception of hospital-based managed alcohol program; (3) From just vibrating to calm and It’s kinda like a pacifier for me recognizing the impact of hospital-based managed alcohol program on managing withdrawal and on psychological health; (4) I have no need to go anywhere at all demonstrating engagement in healthcare; and (5) Might be nice to have a selection for other people indicating the need for a broader selection of alcohol.ConclusionsThis study helped to explore the effectiveness of a hospital-based managed alcohol program as experienced by the patients. Overall, participants had a positive experience on hospital-based managed alcohol program. Their perceptions can be used to inform implementation of managed alcohol programs in other hospital settings.
Highlights
Managed alcohol programs are a harm reduction approach for people with severe alcohol use disorder that provide alcohol in a structured setting
There are challenges associated with the medical management of people with severe alcohol use disorder admitted to hospital settings, especially individuals experiencing homelessness: patients leaving against medical advice before treatment is completed [1], consuming non-beverage
In a number of studies looking at community-based managed alcohol program (MAP) (CMAP), these programs have been associated with a variety of positive health outcomes including decreased overall alcohol consumption, reduced non-beverage alcohol consumption [9], decreased alcohol withdrawal seizures, and reduced emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and police encounters [10, 11]
Summary
Managed alcohol programs are a harm reduction approach for people with severe alcohol use disorder that provide alcohol in a structured setting. There are challenges associated with the medical management of people with severe alcohol use disorder admitted to hospital settings, especially individuals experiencing homelessness: patients leaving against medical advice before treatment is completed [1], consuming non-beverage. The use of beverage alcohol, given in a structured setting called a managed alcohol program (MAP), is a method of harm reduction for people with severe alcohol use disorder (AUD)—especially for those consuming non-beverage alcohol such as hand sanitizer or mouthwash—who have not responded to conventional treatment options. MAPs have been shown to improve the perceived overall quality of life and feelings of safety for participants [13]
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