Commentary: Harm reduction, managed alcohol programs and doing the right thing

In this commentary to the special issue on managed alcohol programs, the necessity of working from a harm reduction orientation when supporting people who experience homelessness is explored. While not all people who experience homelessness have substance use disorders, many respond to experiences of trauma and exclusion through the use of substances, and in many cases this leads to problematic use. In a context where people who are homeless regularly experience the control and regulation of their lives through emergency services, harm reduction approaches provide a welcomed alternative through humane, respectful, effective and client centred approaches to addressing substance use disorders. The articles in this volume demonstrate the value of managed alcohol programs to support people whose consumption of alcohol is problematic. The emerging evidence base for managed alcohol programs has important implications for policy and practice.