Substance Abuse

Though commonly believed to be the major cause of homelessness, substance abuse problems cannot, alone, be blamed for the vast increases in the number of homeless in the 80’s or for the major cause of homelessness in the 90’s.  In fact, there are no studies that have been produced that can accurately tell the percentage of the homeless population that has addiction disorders.  According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, it is likely that less than 33% of the homeless have a substance abuse problem.

For those homeless that do have addiction disorders, getting help without health insurance is extremely difficult.  Nearly half the homeless people that seek treatment for chemical dependency don’t get it (NCH).  Recent Medicaid changes will increase the number of homeless people with substance disorders.  Those who have substance abuse problems will lose Social Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.  This made 40,000 people homeless in 1996.  It is expected to make 50,000 more people homeless per year. 

Other studies show that the government is not doing enough to help, as well.  Although the homeless population with addiction disorders is growing, the federal government has no funds that go directly to help this problem.  If the government does not take the proper steps, the homeless population with addiction disorders will continue to grow at an alarming rate.