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.
Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, 2011. Retrieved from:
National Coalition for the Homeless, 2006. Retrieved from:
Heroin Addiction Symptoms and Effects, 2012. Retrieved from:
What are the side Effects of Crack Cocaine?, 2012. Retrieved from:
The majority of homeless people are sick addicts. They are individuals that need help and rehabilitation. Drugs like meth, crystal, etc, has taken over these people's lives and has let it control them. It is hard for these people stay sober and ass the use of drugs increase the percentage of homelessness increases as well. Something needs to be done to prevent this but it is an ongoing issue,
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