Homelessness and Substance Abuse Term Paper by Top Papers

The paper relates that homelessness and substance abuse go hand-in-hand; substance abuse is a consequence and a precipitating factor of homelessness. The paper reveals that twenty to thirty-five percent of homeless people have substance abuse issues, ten to twenty percent of homeless people have an additional issue of mental illness, and in the United States, less than 25% of people presenting substance abuse issues actually receive treatment. The paper discusses how there are two barriers that block substance abusers from getting the help they need-structural and interpersonal barriers. The paper also explains how homelessness exacerbates the lack of treatment received for substance abuse issues; homeless people have a greater need for treatment, yet they face more difficulties in getting the treatment they need (Zerger, 2002).