But he believes the issue is a complex and multilayered challenge that requires a collaborative approach to help the many people impacted by it. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt mentioned them in his own speech during the Key to Home event, saying that some residents refuse to believe the homeless population is native to the city. But data from the Point In Time Count shows, year after year, that homeless people in Oklahoma City do, in fact, become homeless in Oklahoma City. The use of « homeless relocation programs » in other states — where cities provide one-way bus tickets elsewhere to people experiencing homelessness — has added fuel to rumors that Oklahoma City is falling victim to the practice.

However, getting help means taking the step to reach out, whether through a rehab center, a homeless shelter, or a mental health organization. Limited access to mental health services, lack of insurance, transportation challenges, and stigma surrounding addiction hinder individuals from seeking or receiving appropriate help. Many turn to substances as a form of self-medication for untreated mental health problems or past traumas. Research consistently highlights a close link between substance misuse and homelessness. Studies reveal that more than a quarter of homeless individuals, and in some reports up to 70%, struggle with alcohol or drug dependence.

Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

This approach acknowledges the impact of trauma on an individual’s life and recovery and strives to create an environment where they feel safe, respected, and empowered. Supportive housing programs, such as SAMHSA’s PATH program, combine affordable housing with on-site services like mental health counseling, case management, and substance use treatment. These programs are crucial in helping homeless individuals with addiction establish a foundation of stability and receive the support needed to maintain recovery.

• But in reports and findings that have been conducted, the link between substance abuse, mental health disorders, and domestic violence is apparent.
• Many studies emphasize the significance of social influences, such as peer groups and street culture, in reinforcing substance use behaviors.
• Due to the many hardships those in the LGBTQ community face daily, they already suffer from high rates of drug and alcohol abuse.
• As a result, they are forced to live in high-stress environments, such as shelters or on the streets, which can worsen mental health issues and trigger substance use.
• It’s also important that staff at a treatment center are flexible and experienced in caring for this part of the community.

Addressing both problems simultaneously through comprehensive strategies is essential for fostering stability and recovery among affected populations. Many women find themselves homeless after experiencing domestic-related issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or other sexual trauma. The combination of the traumatic issue(s) and the severe mental illness that often accompanies trauma and homelessness can increase the risk of developing a substance abuse issue, particularly heroin and cocaine. Substance use disorder, along with PTSD, are two of the five most common mental health disorders impacting homeless veterans today, according to the U.S.

• This means the actual number of homeless individuals with a substance use disorder is much higher.
• Even when treatment is available, the cost can be prohibitive for those without financial resources or stable income.
• While economic distress results in homelessness, it’s also a leading cause of substance abuse and use disorder.
• The use of « homeless relocation programs » in other states — where cities provide one-way bus tickets elsewhere to people experiencing homelessness — has added fuel to rumors that Oklahoma City is falling victim to the practice.
• More than 1 million people are homeless, with approximately 30 percent of these people suffering from mental illness and 50 percent chronically addicted to drugs, alcohol or both.

Detox, along with individual counseling and twelve-step programs, address the patient’s living situation. People who suffer from homelessness often lack the resources necessary to seek treatment for mental or physical health problems or substance abuse. The following article will explore how substance abuse plays a role in understanding the links between homelessness and addiction.

Often they suffer from medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, AIDS, pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases and other serious conditions. A one-size-fits-all approach to fixing the problems of homelessness or addiction just doesn’t work when the people needing the help have many serious problems, and no two people have the exact same set of needs. Homeless individuals with co-occurring addiction and mental illnesses often find it difficult to get help. Many programs for the homeless won’t accept people with a substance use disorder, and many treatment programs for addiction don’t treat co-occurring disorders. But treating both the addiction and the mental illness at the same time, each in the context of the other, is essential for successful recovery.

What Is Speed and How Can It Impact Your Life?

The SAMHSA website allows you to search for government-funded or free treatment centers offering detox, inpatient, and outpatient treatment. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders have the highest rate of homelessness, with how many homeless are drug addicts 109 out of every 10,000 homeless. With no money, no home, and no ability to get either, children, teens, and young adults find themselves in a unique position when homeless, which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. While some children, teens, and young adults are homeless because the rest of their family is homeless, many more become homeless for other reasons. Kids become homeless mainly because of family problems, economic problems, and abductions.

Substance use among this population frequently acts as a coping mechanism against the stress, trauma, and harsh living conditions they face on the streets. Homelessness has a profound effect on substance use disorder (SUD) and the chances of recovery. 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. Many communities offer state-funded treatment facilities for low-income and homeless people who require substance abuse and mental health treatment. Additionally, thanks to the passing of the Affordable Care Act, more rehab facilities are accepting Medicaid and Medicare.

Individuals struggling with homelessness often struggle with low income, mental illness, medical debt, and medical health problems. Combinations of mental illness, low income, and high or unexpected bills (accidents, medical care, mental healthcare) are among the most common causes of homelessness. This ties into self-medication or using drugs and alcohol to cope, increased exposure to drugs and alcohol, and lack of real options regarding comfort and relaxation. Self-Medication – Homelessness causes considerable mental, physical, and emotional stress, especially for families. Homelessness challenges the self, the sense of self-worth, and one’s public image, leaving many feeling worthless, ashamed, and responsible for their lack of a home. While homelessness most often stems from bad luck with some poor decision-making, people take these burdens entirely on themselves, claim responsibility, and this is a traumatic thing.

How does homelessness impact substance use disorder and recovery?

Until policy changes are made and the depth of the problem is addressed, experts warn that very little will change. As of 2019, 567,715 people in the United States were sleeping on the streets, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing, according to the U.S. While there are many resources available for people experiencing homelessness, it can be challenging to connect these individuals with the right programs or support groups. Efforts like Housing First policies and supported housing programs that integrate mental health and substance use treatments have shown promise.

Does Homelessness or Addiction Come First?

It is crucial to note that these numbers show a strong correlation, but not necessarily causation, between addiction and homelessness. Many factors can contribute to both issues, and it is often a combination of these factors that result in an individual becoming homeless and struggling with addiction. Gary Jones, a government affairs director with the OKC Metropolitan Association of Realtors, said a major driver of the city’s homelessness was a lack of housing affordability.

Trauma-Informed Care

These groups offer a platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and strategies for maintaining sobriety, ensuring that individuals have ongoing support throughout their recovery journey. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a highly effective approach for managing opioid and alcohol addiction. This treatment combines the use of FDA-approved medications, such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, enabling individuals to engage more fully in recovery activities and decrease their risk of relapse. Also, there are significant disparities in access to addiction treatment and mental health services for BIPOC communities, making it more challenging for them to receive the care they need. « 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.

Substance Abuse and Homelessness Statistics

People with mental health issues are also at risk of turning to drugs or alcohol to alleviate their symptoms. When it comes to substance abuse and homelessness in women, public health issues are even more pronounced. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists reports that the rate of unintended pregnancies among homeless women is much higher than that among the general population of women.

Let’s start by looking at how many people who are currently experiencing homelessness actually have a mental illness or a substance use disorder. Based off of the 2019 Point in Time Count that was conducted this past January, only 33 percent of the people who were unsheltered reported substance use disorders, and only 26 percent reported mental health issues. Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment addresses the complex interplay between mental health disorders and substance use disorders. By treating both conditions simultaneously, this approach improves outcomes for individuals with co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD alongside addiction. This comprehensive care model involves medical, psychological, and therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual’s needs. To effectively address the traumas that many homeless individuals have experienced, addiction and mental health treatment providers should implement trauma-informed care.