The Dangerous Link between Homelessness and Addiction

Homelessness is one of the most tragic cases humanity could experience. Imagine the sadness of living without a roof over your head or money to buy a good meal. Ultimately, you can imagine why so many people suffer from depression and frustration as they continue to live in grimy, unsafe locations across the planet. Many people who have been victimized by homelessness will, as a result, turn to illegal activities like prostitution to make money and will subsequently turn to drug use. Let’s take a closer look at the dangerous link between homelessness and addiction.

Does One Trigger the Other?

How many times have you watched a film set in a city and have seen a homeless character holding a bottle of whiskey or shooting up crack? As part of our social stigmas, people are inclined to automatically think that one problem cannot occur without the other. “Poor and homeless people are typically alcoholics and drug addicts,” some people may say.

In reality, the question about whether homelessness triggers addiction, or vice versa, is about as open-ended as the “chicken and the egg” debate. Sometimes, mental illness can trigger addiction and homelessness, while addiction can sometimes drive a person to become homeless due to a loss of finances, stemming from drug use.

The Frequency of Addiction

Regardless of what caused what to happen, the fact of the matter is that addiction is still an unfortunate commonality among the homeless population, more so than among the general populace:

• 38% of homeless people consume alcohol.
• Older homeless people use alcohol than younger counterparts.
• 26% of homeless people use drugs besides alcohol.
• Younger homeless people use other drugs more than older homeless people.

Seeking Treatment for Drug Addiction or Alcoholism   

Alcoholism and drug addiction are dangerous sicknesses that should never be taken lightly. All it takes to fall off the wagon and become sick is to take that first sniff, snort, injection, or shot before you are rolling downhill into insanity. Still, you can always push the train back up, but it will be a difficult hike. However, with the right mixture of perseverance and determination, you can easily get back on track and be happy once more. 

Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is coping with the same illness? In both cases, get in touch us at with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of drug withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.

If you are seeking more information about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.