I just read a post on Mental Health Update, "Homelessness and drug use", which was posted by John Gale this morning.
Here's an excerpt:
"Homelessness and drug and/or alcohol abuse often go hand-in-hand. Homeless people who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to demonstrate ineffective coping skills, low levels of self-efficacy and to end up in prison. They are also vulnerable to hepatitis and HIV, victimization, sexually-transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, depression and suicidality. A focus-group study of 54 homeless and drug-using people between the ages of 18 and 24 looked into their attitudes to drugs and what they saw as the facilitators of and barriers to good-quality health care. Participants saw substance abuse as a health risk and a barrier to care but also as an adaptive response to psychological pain and survival on the streets."
I am glad that people are studying these issues because they need attention.
It is more than apparent to me that someone who is homeless would abuse alcohol and other drugs.
Homeless people are worried about shelter, the weather, food, bathing, clothes, what little belongings they have, the police, people they encounter, and many other issues. It is extremely stressful to be homeless. They become stuck in poverty and can not see a way out. They begin living moment by moment. Their future prospects, hopes and aspirations begin to fade as the pressures of their situation bear down upon them and eventually they loose hope as they begin the process of acceptance and survival.
Homeless people, like most people, use alcohol and other drugs to reduce stress, escape and to feel better or different.
Why wouldn't they?
Can you honestly say that you wouldn't?
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