The Pour Update : Treating Alcoholics with Wine - The Fifth Estate

It starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. It’s called “the pour” -- an hourly dose of wine that’s given to chronic alcoholics. It’s a bold move, but still a controversial way to deal with alcoholism.
It’s known as the Managed Alcohol Program, and Ottawa is one of eight cities across Canada that has adopted the program.
Mark Kelley first visited the Oaks a year ago -- a former hotel that is now home to about 50 residents who are given a new chance at life: a permanent home, health care they desperately need, food, friendship and, of course, alcohol.
On this journey, we catch up with some residents to see where they're at now: Jimmy, whose story went viral when we told it last December with 2.5 million views on Facebook; an Inuit artist who has found new hope; and the doctor behind it all who now plans to devote even more time to the program.
Alcohol doesn’t discriminate -- it can devastate the lives of the poor and the privileged.
Ottawa’s program is winning the attention of doctors, politicians and treatment centres across the country -- and around the world. The same question remains across borders: whether the drink that has destroyed so many lives could now help save them.
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About the fifth estate : For four decades The Fifth Estate has been Canada's premier investigative documentary program. Hosts Bob McKeown, Habiba Nosheen, Gillian Findlay and Mark Kelley continue a tradition of provocative and fearless journalism. the fifth estate brings in-depth investigations that matter to Canadians - delivering a dazzling parade of political leaders, controversial characters and ordinary people whose lives were touched by triumph or tragedy.

[@opalgoon6154]

I'd like to shake that doctors hand, he took his rights with honor, protecting people of all kinds with no judgement...we need more and more doctors like him!

[@brandonbowdoin7523]

Amen.

[@roberthutchins4297]

Great comment!

[@noelruiz3526]

Great man.

[@pdg1877]

He’s an Angel!😇

[@desthomas3020]

Bet this angel off a doctor,didn't support the covid vaccine. He saw the devil and said no.

[@lindadobson9854]

I'm just happy to see them safe and warm!! 😍

[@heathermclachlan4667]

Wow what an incredible doctor!! That is a good man.

[@heretic71186]

This is so awesome. They need places like this in America.

[@brendanhynes1252]

And the UK too

[@barbmoody4892]

Yeah I had to go to Canada for ibogaine to get off of opiates. AMERICA could use a lot of things - empathy and compassion in the face of addiction would be a great place to start.

[@butchlane4609]

The lack of understanding within the medical community about mental health is a major contributor to so many of the problems we all encounter. My ex-partner was an alcoholic, it's heartbreaking the damage that is inflicted and so often they want it to end as badly as everyone else.

[@SuperHazel9]

Wonderful, great documentary, Jimmy has the kindest saddest face I have ever seen he is so honest and his face say's it all, I love him.x

[@Strength1111]

Hes my grandpa

[@georgedavis4362]

I agree!

[@WasaMada]

Jimmys the man

[@robertaglass]

Thank you for the update! I love what this program is doing!

[@judithjackson1086]

I love this!!!!harm reduction and empathetic care...because social conditions such as homelessness, lack of food security, under and unemployment on the rise, has led to rise in substance abuse of all kinds and other health issues...so it's better to help people deal with their issues

[@jamesl9371]

We need this in every city in Canada! Especially in B.C.! And similar programs for drug addicts

[@andrewphillips5509]

Well done Jimmy, one day at a time, God bless you and others!

[@meninthemaking]

Also, the host of this program did a great job. I'm sure this was not easy for him at times but he did it with poise.

[@Funnylittleman]

He treated everyone with the utmost respect which is something those poor people don’t get much of.

[@kizzysalahuddin5593]

👍👍Jimmy....total thumbs for the big book song may God bless you on your journey, great doctor too

[@sholahola2kaiinaoii]

Jimmy... When I looked into his eyes I saw his sadness... He reminds me of another man's eye's " Christy Hennessy " and a song called ' roll back the clouds ' have a listen.... For me the words are the story told in the eye's..... I would love if Jimmy could hear this song❣️ who knows perhaps he can 🤷

[@daniellez.2462]

Jimmy!!!! I loved this episode, thank you for following up ❤

[@wolfyboy76]

The Big Book saved my life! Amen to that brother!

[@ghanditw]

i saw this in action my m8 was a alcoholic i kept his cider in my room and gave him a glass on a morning to stop him rattling. he is now sober and leading a productive life again. there is life after addiction for some of us.

[@lindadobson9854]

ghanditw. Thank you for your kindness🌷

[@debradesimone9777]

This is such an amazing program!! God doesn't make junk. No one deserves to be thrown away because of an addiction. I have 6 years drug and alcohol free and that is a gift from God that I wouldn't have believed I could get 6 years ago. This world needs more people like you doctor. People that just want to mak a difference in someones life. Angels come in all forms!!!!!!!Thankyou for caring.

[@kathryndwright]

There is still too little compassion in the US for a place like this. But for so many homeless people this is a start to better health and self respect.

[@berryvox1973]

Supposedly, there's four in Minnesota. Not sure about other states. www.twincities.com/2010/12/04/at-st-paul-wet-house-liquor-can-be-their-life-and-death/

[@carpediem6568]

The US is a joke when it comes to any social programs or progress. Non profits can't do it all, and Republicans hate social programs. They've told me so. As long as we have a Party that runs and hides at any unpleasant social problem, we'll never catch up to Canada.

[@MrBikboi]

That is a factious generalization, I'm not from the states however I can see you're obviously projecting a huge amount of bias towards them. Do your research lady.

[@MrBikboi]

@@carpediem6568 I suggest you do your research as well into what the Republican party HAS done for the states in these few years, stop eating up what the media feeds you bud. So they've told you "so" directly eh? You must have some insane connections to be able to receive a statement like that from the governing party of the US, goof.

[@carpediem6568]

@@MrBikboi Your Party is trash, inside and out. They stand for nothing but destruction: Of the environment, our financial health, putting as many disadvantaged as possible on the street, and killing anyone who is unlucky enough to not have health insurance at their job. Destruction, death and bankruptcy,, that's what the 'Republican Party has deteriorated into, trash. You can't be a decent person and support what the GOP now stands for. When I was young the Party was something to be proud of. But that was before the radicals took over. Do some history reading at the library. Used to stand for balanced budgets and affordable health insurance and a clean environment, all things supported by Richard Nixon. When Reagan came along, that was the end of conservatism and the beginning of radicalism. Republicans never looked back and get more mean, extreme and nasty everyday...shame, shame, shame.

[@Me-yf9lt]

God bless all the staff that help these gentlemen. The doctor running this program is a real hero.

[@abutterfly7975]

Jimmy is such a dear soul and I like his song!!

[@Kelly-ig7ci]

Harm reduction is sometimes the only way. I’m a drug addict myself and have been through 6 rehabs and 5 detoxes. The stigma of addiction is getting better with the newer generations but will always have a misunderstanding and rightfully so. A person shouldn’t be judged by their addiction because you never know what pain these people are trying to escape. This is a great program and I think there should be more like it. Simply smiling when in active addiction is a task so to see these people social and smiling is proof it works. A++

[@KPHVAC]

I hope you are doing well with your recovery. If not I hope you find a sober path again soon. Addiction sucks but it can be overcome. I'm 5 years sober now. Stay strong.

[@JustSomeSophie]

While I understand the controversy, you can see the difference it makes for these people. Jimmy's story moved me, I had a drink problem at 18 years old. My health was not great, I have been legally disabled since I was 14 and until 18 I never had access to alcohol or cigarettes and I found that addiction was so easy to fall into, but not so easy to get out of. I succeeded in getting out of the drink, though I did it cold turkey and it was a living nightmare, but I know it doesn't work for everybody. I'm 22 now, and while my health is still deteriorating with the conditions I have and my mobility getting worse, I no longer have a problem with alcohol. I do drink, on the rare occassion, but not even once a month, on my best friends birthday and on my own I may have one or two drinks, but nothing that would trigger an addiction problem again. I'm doing better, without alcohol, it only ever adds to problems and is such a wicked demon to fight. Thankfully I never became homeless, I was highly functioning and paid my bills somehow, I am one lucky being to still be here and to have never had such a rough experience of becoming homeless due to addiction. I love The Oaks and what they do, it's a shame the UK (where I live) has not taken up the same idea, I feel it would benefit so many people and could trigger recovery in a significant portion of those ones. I wish all of The Oaks residents the best in their lives and their recovery from alcoholism, I wish them success and love in everything they do. I do hope Jimmy continues with his flower making, they were such lovely things, and even more beautiful gifts - something that holds such sentimental value and skill is a gift worth more than gold and jewels.

[@yaboypowda]

i even have a ps2 in my bedroom lol.. god love em... ps2 is still awesome tho

[@barbmoody4892]

Just like a methadone clinic - managed addiction. What a compassionate approach.

[@alyssajoyblack5007]

Harm minimisation saved my life from a very different plague- severe OCD causing a seriously life threatening eating disorder. My doctors- GP, psychologist and psychiatrist- all understand I am not curable, but would never give up on helping me live the best life possible. I don’t see why someone with such severe substance abuse disorders should be treated with any less respect, dignity and hope. And Jimmy, I just want to hug you and say you have undoubtedly made a difference. What an incredible doctor too. I genuinely wish the best for everyone on this doco xxx

[@kuukivi]

Wether I think this is a success or not, I'm absolutely thrilled to see new approaches to treating addiction approaching still. This place can offer such hope and dignity that may be the starting kick towards true sobriety and a better life.

[@carlawaco9615]

As a society, we must demand harm reduction programs everywhere. Even those who disagree with the concept can't argue the societal savings. The ethical & humanitarian values of this program are priceless. One can't place a pricetag on dignity. These types of programs are win, win for us all! The disenfranchied actually get help, communities win all around while property taxes decrease. Sounds pretty amazing! Harm reduction works!

[@londonshutdownl.s.d6530]

Peter and Jimmy are so cute. I came to watch the update for Jimmy

[@maxwellmc9734]

So glad to see them doing well heartwarming. ..xx good luck all...xx

[@norahglavin5226]

That was thee best program I have seen on any---about alcoholism ever . The Doctor is outstanding and has such respect and as for the Host of the program,, he needs TO be honoured for how respectful and dignified he is to all who came into his path ,,,,well done to everybody who took part. O BY THE WAY I HAVE CRIED ALL THROUGH JAMMIES STORY

[@MrBikboi]

This is fascinating, what a phenomenal idea. Harm reduction saves lives, addiction IS a mental illness glad to see vaping is an acceptable alternative to cigarettes as well, lot of propaganda out there, the UK has been putting out fantastic non bias articles on vaping, stating time and time again that it IS 95% safer than cigarettes and is an effective measure for smoking cessation. Providing these people with a safe community is just a rich experience for them.

[@ladykaitan]

I love this program and this content is brilliantly human, touching and so relevant. Thank you 5th estate!

[@alexcarter8807]

3 bottles of wine a day, wow. I was up to 2, and it was pretty bad. I just did a taper down myself and am on my 5th day alcohol-free, it's pretty nice not to need that stuff. The trouble is, in the US there's no treatment for alcoholism so you either stay an alcoholic or if you're very lucky, determined, and willing to put up with a fair amount of discomfort, you can use wine to taper yourself off of wine. The sequence is, if you're drinking hard liquor, you need to change over to wine. Then you need to start decreasing/diluting the wine.

[@KPHVAC]

Switching to wine seems like a good idea to me if you are a heavy drinker and can make the switch. I was drinking about 20 shots of Vodka a day. I slowed down for a few days and then quit. I gave it up and started drinking again a few times over 6 months. I've been sober since May 4h 2016. Stay strong.

[@margiheyden7001]

I live in the U.S. and think this program could and should be adopted by this country. I'm a sober alcoholic and could have benefitted from a MAP program... God bless the doctor , staff and residents!

[@whelmsleybirkshire330]

The change in Peter in a year made me cry. Great show and social program.

[@polarbearsrus6980]

Wow, what a concept. This is too sensible for words. I'm flabbergasted.

[@Candypoot]

I'd love an update, if anyone has any news?

[@softlystroll]

What a fantastic human being this doctor is.

[@christopherrowell3777]

Alcohol addiction is the worst I am going through it now I have lost nearly everything I would sell my right hand for a drink when I go to long it's absolutely horrible and it happened really fast with me it's like I plan my life around it if I have to go somewhere I worry I don't have a drink

[@brettmitchell8014]

Alcohol is one of the worst drugs there is. It's the one drug that if you detox and withdrawal cold turkey it can actually kill you. If you do detox please do it in a hospital. Drug addiction is a serious matter and from personal experience due to being addicted to opiates I know, so as a recovering drug addict myself I wish you the best. There is hope though and you can recover man.

[@elleharrop1526]

How are you doing now? 😊

[@christopherrowell3777]

@@elleharrop1526 iam so pleased to say iam 12 months sober it nearly killed me i had a stomach bleed and was admitted to hospital November last year I spent a week in hospital recovering in which time I went through nearly every stage of withdrawal it was horrible I really thought it was the end but it was the beginning of my new life iam 12month sober and feeling fantastic its one of the worst experiences in my life and would not wish this on anyone but iam definitely living proof it can be done with the right support if the alcohol didn't take me suicide would have but I feel so much better now and plan never to drink again

[@elleharrop1526]

@@christopherrowell3777 Amazing! You should be so proud of yourself 😊 x

[@christopherrowell3777]

@@elleharrop1526 thank you means a lot it wasn't easy but iam out the other end now and don't plan on returning to it hope your well

[@embassyofmars4161]

The Doctor is a Hero.

[@bryanlint9327]

It is good to see hope for these people.

[@marinadubois7347]

Jimmy, looks so much better. His skin is so much better.

[@maegfry3260]

People may scoff at this but as a recovering alcoholic , I know that this works. Either that or being raced to emergency from a seizure and given copious amounts of Valium to get through the delirium tremors. ( which most of these people could not afford , therefore taxpayers having to cough up).

[@HowardARoark]

Does it stop them from drinking ?

[@stephenbrand5661]

@@HowardARoark if they want to stop

[@HowardARoark]

This is blatant encouragement for drinking.

[@MrKnutriis]

Wow - learn something new every day on KZbin. Great

[@seekgodinprayeraskjesuschr4687]

This place is great I like the fact that nobody is judging their and you're in an environment where people want to see you succeed but don't throw you out on the streets if you don't. The guy was singing the song about the Bible the big book he called it. You know it's not a sin to drink it's sinful to be drunk all the time these people aren't drunk all the time they might catch a buzz but that's what alcohol is for. Getting drunk is taking the experience too far. All the other countries around the world need to look at Canada and come in the Canadian people and their Health Care system for treating their people like human beings and not stigmatizing them or throwing them out like garbage may God bless this doctor and all the good people that work and live there.

[@TheJohanIII]

This was great !!!

[@GenerationJonesi]

Good stuff. Harm reduction needs to be implemented more widely.

[@brandonbowdoin7523]

I love the doctor's take on it. Easier to start treatment, when they can be in the mind set. So maybe they will listen to advise.

[@brandonbowdoin7523]

No disrespect to either. Does the doctor, remind anyone else, of Robin Willams? Patch Adams, by chance. Looks wise, and the unorthodox, idea of treatment?

[@marylougeorge9890]

Wow. Way cool. These people get to have a life.💖

[@holdensmomma2010]

Wonderful idea.

[@mother420earth]

God bless this place

[@crepeitup]

I feel sad for these guys but at the same time there is a child like personality and simple living.

[@HowardARoark]

All paid for out of tax-payers pocket!

[@williamdougie6213]

@@HowardARoark whats your point?

[@warrat93]

@@williamdougie6213 i think his point is he is out of his depth and he knows it and only knows the political talking points......

[@stephenbrand5661]

@@HowardARoark worth every penny and then some

[@HowardARoark]

Its social engineering to create alcohol dependency - its part of the program to break down human society in preparation for the NWO.

[@scoobysienna]

id like to see how the people are getting on.to see if theres ant change.because some look much better from the first episode.i wish we had something like this in uk

[@ricdavid7476]

Amazing stuff

[@olivedog1880]

Jimmy is awesome

[@meghamer3065]

I think this is a brilliant idea.

[@joshie1956]

I hope you are still all as well as you can be.🕊🕊

[@christopherhayes743]

The doctor.is a lovely good man

[@tonykennedy8592]

How can you not root for a guy like Jimmy.

[@travisbull2152]

Too bad American can't be more compassionate like this. America is messed up when it comes to harm reduction programs. It simply would rather throw you in jail and have your money. At least it's that way in Oklahoma anyways. Sad but true.

[@Funnylittleman]

In Oklahoma we have harm reduction for opioids, it’s just costs a fortune or a good insurance plan.

[@sidstovell2177]

Watch Canada's answer to the US COPS show: Under Arrest and see what life is like for alcoholics on the streets; and the government workers that have to deal with that mess. Harm Reduction makes sense to me. From my old age, what is scary, is the way the young are drinking these days. Going to be a lot more folks on the streets in the future.

[@whoswhoatthezoo9372]

Jimmy’s great ! such a smiley guy. Jimmy, if you ever happen to see these comments 👍Hi from overseas Australia 🇦🇺🦘

[@dr.nug7103]

That lady is lucky to have parents at the age of 50.

[@windycitypretty1]

I had the same thought.

[@jackyblue67same10]

I don't judge nobody anymore I used was 1 of the world's worse I'll admit but then I got an addiction to pain pills thanks to pushy doctors in america & I now know the feeling of addiction I always thought it was my punishment from God for judgeing others he gave me a taste of it & now I've learned the hard way .Only God has a rite to judge not us God Bless all addicts no matter what their addiction may be .These r good people helping these addicts just wish their where people in america with a heart like these people have .God Bless All & Peace to the world Amen.

[@calvinweeder1067]

But would you have learned the same lesson if you didn't think you were God's special little project?

[@C.E.Thomas1952]

Dr Turnbull is the St. Theresa of alcoholics. He restores our faith in the best of humanity. What an inspiration.

[@khunopie9159]

Best Happy Hour ever!

[@londonshutdownl.s.d6530]

8:56 wait a minute what is Noel Fielding doing on that truck? Lol

[@jellyboy123]

peters looking better. i like to see a update on them all.

[@jeannineterese1037]

This only works as long as they stay in that facility. Very sad

[@abdullahmohammady7568]

If the same people are there a year on is it actually working or just made them dependant?

[@virginiajones4780]

We sure do lotes like him in Oklahoma to

[@serget2168]

Canadian journalism before being paid by the liberal's 600 million dollars and today's journalist don't want to do the work for it You see it in so many levels what it's supposed to be like before the censorship Great documentary about the addiction and mental health issues i truly hope more things like this happens sooner than later

[@user-xh8jt7tu1z]

the recycled clips from original video starts at 8:00

[@Zman888]

the first part was shot a year prior, there had to be a bit of showing what happened before :)

[@philippecasteleyn9327]

The song : The sons of pioneers.

[@Strength1111]

Jimmy is my grandpa

[@freeguitarlessonschannelby6694]

Alcoholics suffer from a lack of folate which is B9 most people don't get enough folate and it's very important for you to age well but there's a lot of things that are important to like B12 B6 B1

[@jamiesplinter8758]

Alcohol is no joke

[@BibinBCherian]

Bit sad to see her back, but it's the nature of addiction - nobody should judge.

[@Strength1111]

Looking for Jimmy

[@theodora1053]

Why does Peter remind me of Richard Ramirez..

[@atkpirate7831]

God I love Canada.

[@IgorBojanic-dk4fl]

I went downtown. ..👣👣

[@foxylady9110]

Makes sense they started off drinking more and more this is just weaning them off booze in reverse

[@hughgass2984]

an update would be nice....NOT a RECAP-viewer beware

[@krishalliwell3846]

It's all about harm reduction

[@meninthemaking]

It seems like they need the mental health element to push these people to the other side.

[@joekoski4074]

We're all numbers to the government buddy.

[@ATLTraveler]

Wait so Corrin was sober then all of a sudden she can decide to get given 3 bottles of wine again just like that??

[@susanquirk4872]

I’m not usually into victim mentality, but this documentary put a different facet on things. I really respect the wonderful doctor reaching out compassionately to these people. It also showed the dear personalities of these people struggling with this awful addiction. Keep up the good work Doctor.

[@blackwidowspider9852]

Luckily looks like none of them have liver diseases? Like liver failure alcoh Like liver failure alcoholic hepatitis cirrhosis Starting with fatty liver

[@LisaDawnn]

How do they keep track of who received the hourly pour? If their names are simply checked off, human error can still occur so this is the prefect environment to exploit RFID chipping. It's already being utilized in some Alzheimer/dementia facilities (in case patient gets lost) so this is an ideal segue to use the 'chip' to keep track of what the 'impaired' can't.

[@megawhitething6521]

I am hopelessly addicted to alcohol therefore I don't drink. The only thing that works when someone is addicted to this level is abstinence.

[@normancontrol3928]

absinthe?

[@t.jackson2613]

Marquis Desade that's very uneducated. This seems to be working. Methadone has about 50 percent success rate. Everyone is different and saying the only way to help someone is one way bc that's what helps u isa myopic way of looking at life.

[@opalgoon6154]

Marquis Desade that is a very reckless way of thinking, not everyone can cope without there drug of choice...good that you could, you should be grateful and humble.

[@LittleErnieWise]

One size fits all eh? Such insight.

[@Ekasmer549]

I think maybe someone didn’t research the *Peter Principle* before making this…

[@iamjacksbrokenfemur8401]

I picked up on that, too.

[@americannightmare2109]

The big book saved my life. As he is sitting there drunk off taxpayer dollars. Only when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing..only then can one change

[@staceylempiala3451]

They arent drunk. You, as an alcoholic, should know that and get off the high horse to stop misleading people. It's great aa worked for you. It doesnt for 95% or more of other people.

[@KPHVAC]

I think a lot of people are very lost and might not know how to work past their demons. I barely got through addiction at 29 years old and I had many advantages that others don't have.

[@c_farther5208]

What a great and sophisticated way of treating addiction. Too bad they can't give these people the exact same taste and serving nothing alcoholic at all. Now, that's a great experiment.

[@vladg5216]

They're not addicted to the taste, they're addicted to the effects

[@hearanecho]

They should serve heinemen 0 same taste of beer no alcohol and not tell them and see if it's a placebo affect

[@Rick_Cleland]

@@hearanecho Alcohol withdrawal / DTs are _not_ a placebo effect.

[@kellyviolette1419]

“Learning to listen is the essence of intelligent living.” ― Sadhguru, Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy

[@jessicajohn1962]

Really interesting but incredibly repetitive, as if we, the audience suffered from short term memory loss 😂

[@greatlakeblake]

robin williams

[@maxwellmc9734]

My friend has weeks to live alcohol has killed him, didn't get me..

[@carlawaco9615]

I'm sorry about your friend. I hope you learn more about alcoholism. Living around it doesn't help you understand the suffering of the one who has the disease. It may even harden your heart as you protect yourself (unintentionally) against the pain. I've been on both sides of that fence. They are both horrific places to be, but no one can know alcoholic suffering except an alcoholic.

[@sebastianpuka555]

Sad to see how much she detoriated ,since last time. Drinking kills

[@pachagirl79]

This is absurd.