Problemas ligados ao álcool em centros de emergência (PLACE)—People experiencing homelessness with alcohol-related problems in Lisbon's emergency shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic: a description and analysis of a harm reduction intervention

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1165322
• Publication Date: 2023-05-19T12:02:02Z
• Authors: Filipe Oliveira A...; Ana Neto; Ana Gama; Ana Subtil; Ricardo Fuertes; Claúdia Pereira; Joana Tavares; Raquel Luis Medinas; Ana V. Silva; Sónia Dias
• Keywords: Brief intervention; Pandemic; harm reduction

Introduction Alcohol-related problems disproportionally affect people experiencing homelessness. As the first wave of COVID-2019 pandemic spread in 2020, a number emergency shelters were opened Lisbon. Increased difficulties obtaining alcohol could have led to an increased incidence withdrawal. Therefore, low-threshold harm reduction intervention was introduced these shelters. This consisted fixed medication treatment, made available immediately for those with specific conditions, without need medical evaluation or abstinence from alcohol, together offer subsequent access specialized addiction centers. The Problemas Ligados ao Álcool em Centros de Emergência (PLACE) study (alcohol-related shelters) is retrospective mixed-methods observational study. It describes demographic, health, and social characteristics shelter users participating program aims evaluate as well experience patients, professionals, decision-makers involved. Results A total 69 using self-reported alcohol-related problems. Among them, 36.2% accepted pharmacological intervention, 23.2% selected appointment. take-up associated better housing outcomes. description individual's trajectory after leaving provided. Discussion suggests that non-abstinence-focused interventions can be useful well-tolerated treating this population.