Detoxification is often the critical first step in a comprehensive treatment plan, preparing individuals for long-term recovery by addressing the immediate physical effects of substance use. Unsheltered homeless populations are more likely to use substances than their sheltered peers, often a combination of alcohol, crack cocaine, heroin, and/or cannabis. For example, the Los Angeles study found that unsheltered women were more likely to have used alcohol or non-injecting drugs in the past six months than their sheltered counterparts. Along the same lines, a study in Harris County, Texas, found that sheltered young adults were less likely than their unsheltered counterparts to have used alcohol, marijuana, or synthetic marijuana in the previous month.
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A survey conducted by the United States Conference of Mayors found that substance abuse was reported as the largest cause of homelessness among single adults in 68% of cities surveyed. UCSF study finds that less than half of homeless individuals regularly use illicit drugs, with methamphetamines being more common than opioids, and many struggle to access treatment. In a compassionate society, all members are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their economic condition or health status.
These multifaceted programs address the root causes of substance use and help individuals build a stable, drug-free life. One prominent approach is the cycle theory, which suggests that substance use and homelessness reinforce each other in a repeating pattern. Individuals experiencing homelessness may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress, trauma, or physical discomfort. This dependence can impair their ability to maintain employment or housing, leading to further instability and prolonged homelessness. Homelessness has a profound effect on substance use disorder (SUD) and the chances of recovery.
Being unsheltered is often paired with serious mental illness
Outpatient programs and non-residential treatment centers can provide a broad range of services in addiction treatment that the homeless need. Homeless patients, in particular, need care plans that treat their condition holistically instead of only treating specific symptoms of addiction and mental health in isolation. Because the homeless often suffer from comorbid conditions, they need access to an experienced, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals on-site that can coordinate customized treatment plans for these patients. In order for treatment to be successful, homeless addicts need access to stable, safe housing while in recovery. It’s also important that staff at a treatment center are flexible and experienced in caring for this part of the community.
During January’s homelessness census, 14 percent of those surveyed reported struggling with substance abuse, and another 10 percent with alcohol addiction. About 20% experienced a non-fatal overdose at least once in their lifetime, with 10% of people experiencing an overdose while they were homeless. The researchers suggested that targeted distribution strategies could improve access to the medication naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose. While drug use increases the risk of homelessness, becoming homeless increases one’s risk of using illicit drugs, the researchers found. Of study participants, 33% said they had used meth at least three times a week in the past six months and about 10% reported regular opioid use. People, particularly those who are unsheltered, may use meth to help them stay alert in unstable situations, the researchers said.
Statistics like those Wells’ cited can give residents and elected officials ammunition to blame homeless people for their predicaments and provide cover for not exploring solutions that may be costly or controversial. While the study is limited to California, the researchers said the results are likely to reflect similar patterns across the nation, particularly in regions with a high percentage of unsheltered homeless people. California accounts for 12% of the U.S. population but has a disproportionate size – 28% – of the country’s homeless population, and nearly half of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The CASPEH team administered 3,200 surveys and 365 in-depth interviews with people experiencing homelessness between October 2021 and November 2022 in eight regions of California representing urban, rural and suburban areas. BHHI has been releasing a series of reports since 2023 on various aspects of homelessness, including pregnancy, aging and intimate partner violence.
The Benefits of Yoga in Addiction Recovery
These figures emphasize the urgent need to address substance abuse within the homeless community. Understanding the intersection of homelessness and addiction is critical for addressing this widespread social issue. Homelessness often overlaps with substance use disorders, and addressing both effectively requires data-driven insights and compassionate strategies. This page provides a detailed analysis of the relationship between homelessness and drug addiction, offering up-to-date statistics, insights into root causes, and information on treatment options. These include systemic poverty, economic inequality, and lack of affordable housing, which increase vulnerability to both homelessness and substance abuse.
Addressing the health needs of unsheltered people requires further research and targeted interventions, researchers say
Additionally, they found that 68% of cities reported that substance abuse was the largest cause of homelessness among single adults. Homeless people suffer from alcohol and drug addiction at a higher rate than those who have permanent residences. Due to their financial situation, they also don’t have access to the level of care needed to address their drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. Initiatives like distributing Narcan (Naloxone), which can reverse opioid overdoses, and providing overdose education save lives and serve as entry points into treatment. These approaches recognize that harm reduction does not solely focus on abstinence but on minimizing health risks and engaging individuals in care. Programs like Housing First, which prioritize providing permanent housing without preconditions, have demonstrated success.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s new harm reduction initiative is helping prevent needless deaths. “We say that we want to be a ‘big league city,’ but being a ‘big league city’ means we have big-league problems,” Jones said. Similarly, Lexi Taylor-Hill, co-ambassador for the Oklahoma City Youth Action Board, said another oft-heard (but incorrect) notion is that children become homeless by running away out of disobedience to their parents’ authority. But that’s not true, she said, and this thinking ignores the real everyday struggles of many young people. Cross-cultural surveys on the homeless and the precariously housed have found similar rates in the U.S. and UK, followed by Belgium, Italy, and finally, Germany.
- While discussing this topic, I often hear people cite mental illness or substance use disorders as the primary cause of homelessness.
- Many studies emphasize the significance of social influences, such as peer groups and street culture, in reinforcing substance use behaviors.
- In general, people who suffer from mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and other mental disorders often use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication, and this is true for homeless populations as well.
- For the homeless, it’s crucial that the limiting factors involved in homelessness are addressed.
About a quarter reported having naloxone, a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose, but Kushel said it should be in the hands of every opioid user and everyone around them. Prior Benioff reports based on the survey have covered intimate partner violence and pathways to homelessness. When we look at studies examining why people become homeless the data once again points to different causes than you might’ve read on NextDoor or Facebook.
The Connection Between Homelessness and Addiction
This comprehensive care model involves medical, psychological, and therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual’s needs. Homelessness caused by drugs and alcohol is common, but in some cases, homelessness is the cause of substance abuse. Some homeless individuals turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their situation, which is extremely stressful and often demoralizing. Unfortunately, substance abuse only adds to the problem, making it more difficult for homeless people to find and keep employment and work to get off the streets.
The lack of access to essential services hinders their ability to secure housing and effectively address their substance use problems. About 65% of people experiencing homelessness reported using illicit drugs regularly, or at least three times a week, at some point in their life. Mental health disorders often coexist with substance abuse in this group, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
The harsh environmental conditions, such as hunger, exposure to violence, and traumatic experiences, create frequent stressors that may lead individuals to use alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms. Studies across various regions highlight that substance use disorders are both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. For example, 38% of homeless individuals depend on alcohol, and 26% abuse other substances, while many began substance use before or after losing their homes. Many individuals experiencing substance use disorders are at increased risk of losing their housing. Substance abuse, particularly involving alcohol and drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and opioids, can impair an individual’s ability to maintain employment and relationships. These challenges often result in job loss and strained personal connections, which diminish financial stability and housing security.
- Continued research and collaboration between stakeholders, including healthcare providers, social service agencies, and law enforcement, are necessary to develop effective and sustainable solutions.
- This dependence can impair their ability to maintain employment or housing, leading to further instability and prolonged homelessness.
- Addressing these issues effectively involves trauma-informed care, harm reduction programs, and comprehensive services that focus on both mental health treatment and housing support.
- “The data gathered from the Point In Time Count is most useful in identifying trends over time, what interventions are working and where we may have gaps in our system,” said Jamie Caves, the city’s homeless strategy implementation manager.
Homeless youth often face social isolation and lack stable support systems, leading them to seek solace in substance use as a coping mechanism. “Most of the time, what happens is an intersection of supports has failed, and natural supports aren’t there to manage and care for unaccompanied minors or young adults,” Taylor-Hill said. But OKC’s percent of homeless on drugs Point In Time Count this year showed that 23% of people surveyed were experiencing mental health issues or addiction, slightly lower than the national average of 26%. Erin Goodin, president of City Rescue Mission, one of the largest homeless shelters in Oklahoma City, said she regularly hears the misconception that everyone experiencing homelessness has mental health or addiction issues.
