99% of people Multnomah County placed in ‘supportive’ housing remain housed a year later, report says By Nicole Hayden | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Substance Abuse and Homelessness: Statistics and Rehab Treatment Homelessness and addiction often occur simultaneously, and, unfortunately, many people struggling with both issues are unable to get the help they need. Substance abuse can develop due to the stressors associated with homelessness. On the other hand, addiction can also contribute to home loss.1 Additionally, many homeless people suffer from addiction as well as other co-occurring psychiatric disorders, which can further complicate their living situations.1 Seeking treatment can be beneficial for those who are homeless and struggling with substance use disorders. However, many people who are homeless don’t know where to turn for help when they’re struggling with substance abuse issues. Or, they may not feel that they have the resources to get help. If you or someone you care about is struggling with homelessness and addiction, you may benefit from learning more about substance abuse, homelessness, and the treatment options available to those who are struggling with both complications. Homelessness & Addiction According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, substance abuse is more prevalent in people who are homeless than in those who are not.1 In many instances, substance abuse is the result of the stress of homelessness, rather than the other way around. Many people begin using drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the pressures of homelessness.1 It can be more challenging for people who are homeless to stop using substances, because they may not have easy access to treatment, often have smaller social support networks, may have decreased motivation to quit drugs or alcohol, and may have other, higher priorities, such as finding housing or food.1 Statistics on Homelessness & Addiction Current and accurate rates on the coexistence of homelessness and addiction can be difficult to determine due to the nature of these two conditions.2 p.1 prevalence Generally speaking, available statistics indicate that rates of addiction are higher in people who are homeless.2 The 2020 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress (AHAR) reports that on a single night in 2020, 580,000 people experienced homelessness in the U.S.3 According to the 2013 AHAR, 257,000 people who were homeless had a severe mental illness or a chronic substance abuse issue.2 The 2015 AHAR reports that more than half of adults living in permanent supportive housing (an intervention that provides affordable housing to chronically homeless people) had a mental health disorder or a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) points out that people who are homeless have a high risk of overdose from illicit substances.3 One study found that homeless people had a higher risk of opioid overdose, with an adjusted risk rate of 1.8% for homeless vs. 0.3% for low-income people who had housing.5 Most research shows that around 1/3 of people who are homeless have problems with alcohol and/or drugs, and around 2/3 of these people have lifetime histories of drug or alcohol use disorders.6 According to SAMHSA, 38% of homeless people abused alcohol while 26% abused other drugs.2 A 2014 report from the United States Conference of Mayors indicates that substance abuse was one of the top three causes of homelessness in single people as well as families.2
