Drug use among homeless people is higher compared to their housed counterparts. Research shows that an estimated 39% to 70% of homeless youth abuse drugs or alcohol. Substance use in the homeless population is two to three times higher than among non-homeless young adults.
According to the National Drug Control Policy, 30% of people experiencing chronic homelessness has severe mental illness. Addiction can make a person homeless and force them to live on the streets, struggle to find food, and stay away from loved ones. These challenges can increase stress. However, there are many shelter centers for homeless people where they can get the right programs and support groups.
✨ Key Statistics:
- Substance use in the homeless population is two to three times higher than among non-homeless young adults.
- An estimated 39% to 70% of homeless youth abuse drugs or alcohol.
- Approximately 30% of people experiencing chronic homelessness have a severe mental illness.
- Addiction and homelessness can affect relationships, employment, housing stability, and access to basic needs.
Homelessness And Drug Addiction: What Is The Connection
Addiction and homelessness are directly linked but both can make a person’s life more difficult. Many people who struggle with drug addiction become homeless. There are many homeless people who use substances to overcome stress and other mental health problems. Substance use can lead to substance use disorder and serious mental health issues. People face different challenges while facing addiction and homelessness, such as finding food, a place to live, and money to meet their basic needs.
The National Coalition for the Homeless states that approximately 257000 homeless people have a severe mental illness or chronic substance use disorder. Substance abuse can lead to homelessness. Addictive disorders can disrupt relationships with family and friends and cause job loss. A recent study shows that 38% of homeless people are dependent on alcohol and 26% abuse other drugs.
Impact of Mental Illness on Homelessness
Most researchers agree that the connection between homelessness and mental illness is complicated, but it is a two-way relationship. An individual with mental illness may face cognitive and behavioral problems that make it difficult to earn enough income to meet daily needs. The individual may focus less on their work as a result of poverty and lack of income. The link between mental illness and homelessness can increase the risk of alcohol use disorder and other drug abuse.
Homeless individuals have less access to health care and higher rates of physical and mental illness. These people use different substances to cope with their illness. The rate of mental illness among people who are homeless in the United States is twice that of the general population. 47% of homeless women are diagnosed with depressive disorder. Every year, 2 to 3 million people in the United States experience an episode of homelessness. It is important to get the best addiction treatment to quit addiction. Our House of Zen offers different addiction treatments to avoid further challenges and homelessness for addicted people.
What Percent of Homeless People Are Drug Addicts
Substance use is a main concern among individuals experiencing homelessness. It is not true that all homeless people struggle with addiction. Many people use substances for temporary relief from their problems. The person becomes dependent on drugs to solve their problems. It decreases the ability to achieve employment stability and get off the streets. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 38% of homeless people are dependent on alcohol and 26% abuse drugs.
What Percentage Of Veteran People Are Drug Addicts
It is reported that the rate of illicit drug use increases when a person leaves military service. Veterans use marijuana more than other illicit drugs. Recent reports show that 3.5% of veterans used marijuana within a one month duration, while 1.7% used illicit drugs other than marijuana. One government report states that more than 10% of veterans are admitted to luxury rehab care to recover from heroin and cocaine addiction.
Homelessness And Drug Abuse Statistics on LGBTQ Community
LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning communities. They face discrimination in many areas of their lives. They face difficulty finding support, especially when they are harassed in shelters. Some transgender youth go alone on the streets to protect themselves from harassment.
According to a survey, 68% of youth are rejected by their families, and 65% face other mental health issues. When family and society reject LGBTQ youth, they turn to opioids to overcome stress and depressive disorders. Dependence on substance use may lead to other chronic mental health issues.
Do you need Support for Addiction and Mental Health Recovery?
House of Zen LA provides a supportive environment where you can get care for substance use and begin building a healthy life.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Homelessness And Substance Use Disorder
Homelessness and substance use are the result of many factors. The high cost of housing can lead to homelessness. Homelessness, job loss, and family conflict can be the hidden risk factors for addiction. A person can be affected by many chronic mental illnesses through drug addiction. Both homelessness and substance addiction can be caused by various risk factors.
- Self Medication
Homelessness can cause depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Many people use drugs and alcohol to temporarily escape from emotional pain and to manage psychological issues. You need to use self-medication that helps you recover from opioid addiction by using coping strategies.
- Lack Of Social Support
Homeless and addicted people don’t get any friends and family support. That’s why the vulnerability to substance use increases. People use drugs and alcohol to turn their loneliness into a busy life. Constantly taking these substances can increase the risk of severe physical and mental issues.
- Lack Of Job Opportunities
Many people become homeless due to stress and cannot focus at work, which is why they are terminated from their jobs. People who live in poverty lose their jobs, which can lead to drug addiction. Drug and alcohol addiction can make the condition even worse.
- Less Awareness Of Drug Addiction Treatment
There are also many people who are already drug addicted but they do not have enough ability or knowledge to go to an addiction center and get treatment. Visit us at House of Zen LA to get addiction treatment for effective recovery.
- Co-Occurring Disorders
Mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress are common factors present in homeless individuals. These conditions can lead to substance use disorder and can be challenging if you don’t stop using drugs. Studies show people with mental health issues and substance use disorder are more likely to die prematurely than the general population. Mental illness can cut 10 to 20 years from a person’s life.
What Drugs Are Commonly Used Among The Homeless Population
Homelessness and substance use are very common in the population and can cause different mental health illnesses. Many drugs play a role in experiencing homelessness.
- Prescription Opioids And Heroin
Heroin and other prescription opioids can be addictive and can be severe after excessive consumption. The issue of opioids is rising as a national crisis. There are many people abusing prescription drugs and heroin use has increased. According to a study, 2.5 million people had opioid use disorder and were still involved in prescription drug or heroin abuse.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is more common among the older generation of the homeless by National Coalition for the Homeless (2017). Many people use drugs and alcohol to feel accepted in the homeless community.
- Meth
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that produces euphoria and increases energy. It makes physical dependence strong. Suddenly stopping methamphetamine can cause serious issues including fatigue, depression and severe cravings.
- Cocoiane
Cocaine and methamphetamine are the two stimulants that are commonly used by youth to elevate mood and energy. Cocaine is hard to quit and stopping its use instantly can cause strong psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
A Better Life Starts With One Call
You do not need to wait until addiction creates more problems in your life. Reach out today to explore treatment options that can help you safely begin recovery and maintain long-term sobriety.
How House of Zen Combines Treatment To End Homelessness And Addiction
House of Zen not only gives treatment but also helps you return to a healthy life. Our certified staff use different therapies to reduce the risk of addiction and homelessness. They provide a personalized treatment plan according to the person’s needs. We arrange individual and family counseling sessions in which we help addicted and homeless patients develop the ability to face challenges bravely without taking the support of opioids. In family counseling sessions, we also teach the family how to deal with your family member if they are addicted and want your support. Do not make them alone and homeless; rather, give moral support that everything will be fine.
Get Evidence-Based Treatment For Drug Addiction
Professional treatment enables individuals to receive comprehensive medical care. The certified team at House of Zen provides the required support for long-term sobriety. Combining evidence-based treatments improves recovery outcomes.
Medical Detox
We offer a medically supervised detoxification to individuals struggling with moderate to severe substance addiction. The professional healthcare team provides essential medication and monitors withdrawal symptoms. It ensures a smooth transition during the recovery journey.
Inpatient Treatment
Individuals receive 24/7 care during inpatient treatment for alcoholism. Individuals participating in the residential program may receive personalized counseling, group therapy, and relapse prevention skills to overcome severe substance use disorder.
Intensive Outpatient Program
Individuals struggling with mild to moderate drug addiction can consider an intensive outpatient program to receive scheduled treatment and continue daily responsibilities. This level of care provides the ultimate flexibility to individuals.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment for addiction combines medications with counseling and therapy. It is a comprehensive treatment approach that helps individuals recover from physical and psychological dependence.
Start Your Drug Addiction Treatment At House Of Zen LA
Starting the confidential treatment at House of Zen should be your priority when you are struggling with drug addiction. We offer a structured recovery plan to address the underlying causes of substance use and help clients to maintain long-term sobriety. Let’s get in touch and start your drug addiction treatment today!
Frequently asked Questions about drug addiction and homelessness
Which US state has the most homelessness?
California has the highest number of homeless people in the United States. Studies show that 161,000 individuals experience homelessness there. Many other states like Hawaii and New York also have high rates of homelessness.
Which gender is mostly homeless?
Men make up the majority of the homeless population in the US. Men are about 1.5 times more likely to face homelessness than women. Rates of homelessness among men have increased over the past decade. In 2024, 460,000 men and 303,000 women experienced homelessness on a single night. About 39% of homeless men were unsheltered in 2024.
What percentage of homeless people are drug addicts in the USA?
It is estimated that 39% to 70% of homeless people abuse drugs or alcohol. According to a SAMHSA study, 38% of homeless people are dependent on alcohol and 26% are drug abusers.
What is the connection between homelessness and addiction?
Homelessness and addiction are closely linked. You cannot say that addiction is the only reason people become homeless or that homelessness is the only reason people become addicted to different drugs. Substances can lead to job loss, family conflict, and many co-occurring disorders.
What percent of homeless people are alcoholics?
About 38% of homeless people are using alcohol in the United States. Most research shows that alcohol use disorder among homeless adults is 36 to 37%.
What percentage of homeless people are drug addicts or mentally ill?
It is estimated that 26% of people are drug addicts. The rate of mental illness among homeless people is twice that of the general population. 47% of homeless women are diagnosed with depressive disorders.
What percent of the homeless are LGBT?
The national survey shows that 20 to 30% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, and 65% are facing mental health issues such as distress, depression, and anxiety.
