Substance Abuse and Homelessness

The homeless community is greatly affected by substance abuse.  For some, substance abuse occurs prior to becoming homeless while others are homeless before they become involved with drugs or alcohol.

 The majority of homeless people suffering from substance abuse are dependent on alcohol.  The effects of alcohol involve impaired judgment, anxiety, sweating, trembling, irritability and insomnia.  Other homeless people choose drugs such as heroin, crystal meth, or crack cocaine.  Heroin affects the mind and body as a downer with disorientation and weight loss.  Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant which causes one to be extremely energized while developing tooth decay and sores.  The affects of crack cocaine are similar to those of crystal meth because it is also a stimulant, although an addict will also develop insomnia and loss of appetite.  The side affects of the substances along with living conditions of being homeless, cause many to be paranoid and unable to prioritize their needs.  The appearance of those on drugs or alcohol also becomes diminished while being homeless.   

According to the National Coalition for Homeless, the single largest cause for homelessness is substance abuse.  It is reasonable to believe that people who are homeless use substances to cope with their situation.  The treatment needed to help those with substance abuse issues are not readily available for the homeless community.  Because of that, the homeless people who want to become sober have difficulties finding treatment programs or shelters that will accept them.     

In order to support their habit, the homeless people refer to panhandling or theft.  Both panhandling and theft will support their fix, while also affecting the community.  Those suffering from substance abuse while being homeless, are caught in a cycle that negatively effects their future and health.  Community members also witness the odd behavior from the homeless people on alcohol or drugs.  The odd behavior can consist of hallucinating, talking to themselves, disoriented, or extreme mood changes.  

For the homeless, the high caused from the drugs are a brief relief of their problems.  As the addiction intensifies, the long term affects set in and the motivation to better themselves decreases.  The homeless also have a hard time remaining sober because many of those around them are suffering from substance abuse.  Overall, the issue of substance abuse and homelessness needs to be treated at the same time.  If there were more housing available that offered treatment for substance abuse then the success rate would be better.  The success rate would not only help those suffering, but also help those in the community.       

References:

Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, 2011. Retrieved from:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_abuse_alcoholism_signs_effects_treatment.htm

National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006. Retrieved from:

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/addiction.pdf

Heroin Addiction Symptoms and Effects, 2012. Retrieved from:

http://www.timberlineknolls.com/drug-addiction/heroin/signs-effects

What are the side Effects of Crack Cocaine?, 2012. Retrieved from:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/112009-side-effects-crack-cocaine/