A study shows that nonabstinence-based housing does not enable alcohol use, but actually decreases it
A controversial project using a housing-first approach with chronically alcoholic homeless people in Seattle has been shown to decrease overall alcohol consumption levels. The program, which is funded by the City of Seattle, allows homeless shelter residents to continue to use alcohol, with an overall goal to reduce both alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Now a study has found that the approach results in “across-the-board decreases in alcohol consumption and problems”, according to lead researcher Susan Collins.
We speak with Susan Collins, a research assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at University of Washington.
