Annibach, I stand corrected. I know that reduction regimes re alcohol are used with community detoxes, and in rehab they will be given drugs such as Librium to stop fitting. Methadone is also used on a reducing scale or heroin addicts.
My point is, is that homeless hostels should not be making sobriety a condition of admittance without relevant and timely support. Many homeless people have been let down time and time again by services including the care system, mental health services, ex-services services, drug and alcohol services. Everyone seems to work in silos with strict criteria that are designed around mythical 'outcomes' and tick boxes. Unfortunately human beings are all different, their situations and histories, personalities, resilience and support vary enormously. It's pointless forcing a detox on someone without helping them deal with the issues that they are trying to seek oblivion from.
Care leavers make up a disproportionate share of the homeless. My argument, is that if they were given comprehensive counselling and support whilst young, they might have a better chance. Instead they receive a lottery of care where many fall through the net, never getting the support they need fully. Once 'adult' they are ill equipped to cope. It's truly tragic.