Does substance use disorder cause someone to be homeless?
Society often portrays substance use disorder and homelessness through a narrow lens, leading to stereotypes and misinformation. It’s easy to make assumptions when we see individuals living on the streets, imagining that addiction alone placed them there or that everyone who is homeless struggles with substance use. But the reality is much more complex. Many people facing homelessness turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism after losing their homes, jobs, or stability. The truth is, we may not fully understand the struggles that led them to this point.
In this blog by MAT Care Clinics, we will shed light on the intricate relationship between substance abuse and homelessness, explore the various factors that contribute to this cycle, and highlight how recovery is possible, even for those facing the most difficult of circumstances.
Understanding the Link of Substance Use Disorder and Homelessness
Homelessness affects approximately 653,104 people in the U.S. on any given night, according to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. Among the many challenges these individuals face, there is a significant and complex relationship between substance use disorders and homelessness. While addiction can sometimes lead to homelessness, it is equally common for homelessness to result in substance use. For many, the mental and physical strain of living on the streets, combined with stress, isolation, and trauma, can drive them to alcohol or drugs as a means of coping, as highlighted in the Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless.
For those who are already struggling with addiction, homelessness can exacerbate their substance use. The instability, lack of safety, and constant stress can make it incredibly difficult to stay sober or find treatment. Dependence and homelessness form a vicious cycle: without housing, it’s hard to access addiction services, and without addressing substance use, it’s nearly impossible to regain stable housing.
Factors Contributing to Substance Abuse and Homelessness
Several factors contribute to the intertwined nature of substance use disorder and homelessness, creating a cycle that’s hard to break:
Mental Health Issues: Many people who experience homelessness also struggle with untreated mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or schizophrenia. Without proper treatment, they may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.
The study “Mental Illness and Youth-Onset Homelessness” analyzed data from 919 homeless adults in Dallas and Oklahoma, finding that 29.5% had experienced homelessness starting in their youth, and 24.4% cited mental illness as a reason for their current situation. The study found strong links between early homelessness and mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and severe mental health conditions.
Lack of Affordable Housing: The affordable housing crisis forces many individuals onto the streets, where they are vulnerable to turning to substances to cope with their living situation. In many cases, even those who were not previously dependent on substances might begin using them as a way to endure the harsh conditions.
Unemployment and Financial Instability: Losing a job or facing overwhelming debt can lead to homelessness. The stress of unemployment, coupled with a lack of financial resources, can push some individuals toward substance use to cope with their uncertain future.
Social Isolation: Homelessness often strips people of their support networks. Without friends or family to turn to, many feel alone and disconnected from society. Substance use may provide temporary relief from feelings of loneliness and rejection.
Trauma and Abuse: A history of trauma—whether physical, emotional, or sexual—can play a significant role in both substance abuse and homelessness. This situation is especially true for women and youth experiencing homelessness, who may have fled abusive relationships or unstable home environments. In fact, according to SAMHSA, trauma played a role for 68% of men and 76% of women who were homeless and receiving treatment for substance abuse.
How Can People Experiencing Homelessness with Substance Use Disorder Receive Help?
Addressing homelessness and substance use disorder requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply treating addiction or providing temporary shelter. Solutions must focus on long-term recovery, housing stability, and mental health support. Here are a few critical strategies you can help with if you have a loved one experiencing this situation:
1. Housing First Approach
Programs like Housing First prioritize providing people with stable housing without the precondition of sobriety. Once individuals have a safe and stable place to live, they are in a much better position to address their substance use and other health issues.
2. Integrated Treatment Programs
Providing integrated services for both mental health and addiction is critical to breaking the cycle of substance use and homelessness. Many clinics and shelters offer wrap-around services that include medical care, counseling, and substance use treatment in one place, making it easier for people to access the help they need.
Explore program resources here.
3. Outreach and Harm Reduction
For individuals still living on the streets, outreach programs and harm reduction services (such as needle exchange programs and overdose prevention) can help mitigate the risks associated with substance use while encouraging individuals to seek treatment when they are ready.
Achieve Recovery with MAT Care Clinics
At MAT Care Clinics, our primary focus is on medication-assisted treatment (MAT), but we also recognize that comprehensive recovery often requires extra support. For individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing, we encourage seeking additional services such as counseling and social support alongside MAT.
Whether you’re dealing with substance use disorder, homelessness, or both, it’s crucial to reach out for help. Call us at (833) 622-0628 or schedule a free consultation. Our centers in Nashua and Manchester provide a compassionate and supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and work towards long-term recovery.
