Alcoholism, drug abuse, and the homeless
Description:
The authors found credible estimates of the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse that suggests that alcohol abuse affects 30-40 percent and drug abuse 10-15 percent of people who are homeless. A review of policies that address substance abuse among people who are homeless finds that interventions alternate between control and rehabilitation. However, the authors believe that the unique needs of a changing homeless population require an integration of alcoholism and drug abuse recovery services and should include homeless subsets: women, adolescents, and the mentally ill. Furthermore, the authors state that alcohol- and drug-free housing is essential to support and maintain recovery and that psychology can contribute in the development of effective programs for homeless individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism. (authors)
Type of Resource:
Journal
Publication Date:
1991
Volume:
46
Issue:
11
Pages:
1139-1148