Homelessness and Addiction: How Do They Relate?
On any given night in January 2019, 567,715 people didn’t have a place to call home. According to HUD’s Annual Point-in-Time Count, that means 17 out of every 10,000 Americans are homeless. Unfortunately, homelessness and addiction often go together.
For example, some studies show around 40% of the homeless population struggle with alcohol misuse. Furthermore, over 26% struggle with homelessness and drug misuse. Mental illness also affects homelessness and addiction more than the average American.
While there are resources for the homeless population, it can be challenging to connect an individual with the right program. However, for people struggling with homelessness and addiction, it’s even more difficult.
What are the Causes of Homelessness?
The country’s economy directly affects the rates of homelessness. However, individual factors such as lifestyle, physical, and mental health play a significant role in being homeless. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, critical factors in homelessness in the U.S. include the following.
In the 1970s, there was plenty of affordable housing. So, if an emergency or crisis caused the need for new housing, it was easy to find. However, in the 1980s, affordable housing became harder to find.
Now, rent prices keep rising, but the minimum wage is not. As a result, over 8 million households pay over half their income toward housing. Without more affordable options and assistance, many people face evictions and homelessness.
There are inextricable links between health issues and homelessness. While health problems can lead to homelessness, homelessness can exacerbate health issues. According to HUD, those living in shelters are twice as likely to have a disability than the general public.
When a person’s health becomes disabling, it can be difficult to maintain housing. This results in homelessness and a deeper struggle for assistance. Furthermore, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS can be up to six times higher in the homeless population
In America, domestic violence is, unfortunately, a prevalent problem. As many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are survivors of domestic violence. That equals about 10 million people every year living in abusive situations.
Many of these survivors lack the financial support to escape their situation. Therefore they turn to homeless programs to find safety. In 2019, homeless shelters and programs provided over 48,000 beds each night to survivors of domestic violence.
What Challenges Do Homeless People Face?
The challenges people face when they are homeless include food insecurity, lack of sleep, and an unkempt appearance. But, they also may face violence, ridicule, and legal issues. Frequently these challenges become overwhelming, and people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.
Combining homelessness and addiction further complicates the problem. Getting off the streets often starts with stable housing. And, homeless shelters are typically the first step in stable housing.
However, many homeless shelters and programs have a no-drug policy. So for people who struggle with homelessness and drug misuse often have nowhere to turn. But, if treatment for substance use disorder was easily attainable, then many homeless people could gain access to these programs.
Does Substance Misuse Cause Homelessness?
There is a stigma surrounding the homeless population that they all struggle with drug and alcohol misuse. While substance misuse often leads to homelessness, it’s a chronic disease that requires support and treatment.
Do the Causes of Homelessness Lead to Substance Use Disorder?
Although misusing drugs and alcohol can lead to being homeless, homelessness often leads to substance use disorder. Homelessness and drug misuse are common as people seek to escape their situation. But, using drugs and alcohol only worsens their situation by making it harder to find a job and get off the streets.
At Sana Lake Recovery Center, we recommend that our members undergo an intensive care treatment regimen after their detoxification treatment. It helps them learn about substance use disorders in an immersive and supportive environment.
A residential program involves highly intensive care. It is ideal for individuals who require heavily structured treatment and assistance to achieve success.
Counseling professionals at Sana Lake help members to determine what treatment is right for them through an in-person assessment. We have family counselors and well as mental health counselors to help you identify and work through unique areas in your life.
Mental Illness, Homelessness, and Drug Misuse
Like addiction, mental illness is another cause of homelessness. Homelessness and drug misuse often occur in people struggling with:
- Bipolar disorder
- Paranoia
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Major depressive disorder
- Severe anxiety
A mental illness may cause cognitive and behavioral issues, making it difficult to maintain employment and stable housing. Many people struggling with mental illness and homelessness are at an increased risk of developing substance use disorder.
Homelessness and Drug Misuse is a Public Health Issue
Unfortunately, the homeless population is often looked down upon. The stigmas about homeless people include they are lazy and misuse drugs and alcohol. Although it is not always true, the problem of homelessness and addiction is often ignored.
Being homeless is rough. People are exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures. They also likely live in unsanitary environments. Along with lack of basic necessities, and the prevalence of substance misuse, the health effects can be severe.
When it comes to homelessness and addiction in women, the public health issue is more pronounced. Homeless women have more unexpected pregnancies than the general population due to a lack of access to contraception. Homeless women also have less access to prenatal care. And since many homeless women misuse drugs or alcohol, they are in greater need of this care. However, these women have very few avenues for help
The Challenges of Homelessness and Addiction Treatment
It’s possible to treat homelessness and addiction successfully. Yet, the barriers to treatment need to be removed. Homeless people have a challenging enough time meeting their daily needs, let alone finding ways to seek treatment.
Finding things like shelter and food are more important than seeking treatment for drug or alcohol misuse. Furthermore, the homeless population is generally not connected to their families anymore. Without the support of loved ones, it’s harder to seek and maintain recovery.
For example, most homeless individuals lack transportation. And public transportation costs money they don’t have. So providing transportation to meetings and treatment centers or giving vouchers for public transit is one way for cities to help end homelessness and drug misuse.
Get Comprehensive Treatment at Sana Lake Recovery
Are you or someone you love struggling with homelessness and addiction? It can be extremely difficult to ask for help, especially when battling homelessness. But, our caring and compassionate peer support staff and therapists are waiting to welcome you in. Contact us today and get started on the road to recovery.
The average lifespan of a homeless individual is 42 to 52 years old. They are more likely to become ill and be hospitalized. Additionally, homeless children are typically much sicker and struggle with academic as well as behavioral issues.
Many church groups, charitable organizations, and volunteers are out on the streets teaching people about resources that can help. As more people know about the resources to combat homelessness and addiction, the more people seek recovery and build a better life.
There is always more to substance use disorder treatment than just stopping the misuse of drugs or alcohol. However, when treating homelessness and drug misuse, there is more to overcome than the typical person. A comprehensive approach to treating homelessness and addiction must include the following.
A stable and healthy living environment is crucial to recovery. It’s nearly impossible for a person struggling with drug or alcohol addiction to stay clean living on the streets.
Many homeless people struggling with substance use disorder also have co-occurring mental health disorders. For this reason, dual diagnosis treatment centers are the most successful because they also address the underlying causes of addiction and mental illness.
Living on the streets and trying to survive not only takes a toll on a person mentally and physically but spiritually as well. Holistic therapies can help people build self-worth and self-love while building confidence to maintain lasting recovery.
Job re-entry programs can help build the skills needed to re-enter the workforce. These programs also work with people to find employment which will encourage lasting recovery and self-worth.
Medication management is important because many people struggling with homelessness and drug misuse are also struggling with co-occurring disorders. Many times medication is needed to treat these disorders. To avoid misusing or selling medications, facilities may monitor their use.
People working 40 plus hours a week may find it hard to afford treatment. So imagine how discouraging it is for a person who can’t even buy a meal. Offering scholarships and connecting with charitable organizations can help cover the cost of addiction treatment.
Get Comprehensive Treatment at Sana Lake Recovery
Sana Lake Recovery Center is a Joint Commission Accredited addiction treatment program. We offer a safe and trustworthy facility for people struggling with substance abuse.
