The Managed Alcohol Program (MAP) helps Yukoners with severe alcohol use disorder. This program is a harm-reduction initiative that provides safe, structured care. It aims to reduce the harms of alcohol use and improve the wellbeing of those who take part.
It’s not a social venue, but a clinical program focused on care and stability for voluntary participants.
How the Managed Alcohol Program works
MAP provides supervised, controlled alcohol to stabilize participants' drinking. Participants also get access to health, housing and social supports.
The program helps reduce:
- harmful alcohol consumption patterns;
- alcohol-related injuries and health problems;
- public intoxication; and
- emergency health service visits.
Every participant has a personalized care plan, which may include:
- medical treatment; and
- mental health and social support.
Who is eligible?
The program is for Yukoners with severe alcohol use disorder. Eligibility is based on the following:
- severe alcohol use disorder;
- risk of alcohol withdrawal or alcohol-related harms;
- homelessness or unstable housing;
- frequent use of emergency services like hospitals or EMS due to alcohol;
- history of non-beverage alcohol use;
- history of public intoxication;
- complex substance use and mental health challenges; and
- continued alcohol use or cravings despite past treatment efforts.
Participation is voluntary, and participants are closely monitored for safety and wellbeing.
Benefits of the Managed Alcohol Program
MAP helps participants:
- improve their overall health and stability;
- access essential services like housing and medical care;
- reduce harm from alcohol use;
- create opportunities for social and cultural connection; and
- foster independence, skill building and access to peer support.
MAP also helps reduce pressure on health and emergency services. It lowers the number of hospital visits, calls to emergency medical services, trips to withdrawal management, and interactions with police.
Things to know about the Managed Alcohol Program
- Participation is voluntary. Participants choose to join the program and work with staff to create a care plan.
- Alcohol is provided in a controlled, supervised setting as part of a larger care plan.
- The program focuses on harm reduction, not abstinence, but some participants may reduce or stop drinking over time.
- MAP takes a holistic approach, addressing health, housing and social needs.
Download the MAP information sheet.
If you have questions, email MWSUmanagedalcoholprogram@yukon.ca or phone the MAP Clinical Supervisor at 867-332-9206.