Substance Use
Drug and alcohol abuse can be both a cause and result of homelessness.
Substance use can cause individuals to face a housing crisis. Oftentimes, addiction leads to the loss of a job or the breakdown of supportive relationships. Other times, individuals who are already experiencing homelessness may be living where substance use is prevalent, and/or turn to drugs and/or alcohol to deal with their situation.
The combination of substance use and homelessness limits the resources individuals have to break out of their situation. Some shelter options are called “wet shelters” which means they allow people to stay who are actively engaging in substance use. While this tolerance creates housing for individuals dealing with addiction, it can also foster a tense environment. Sometimes wet shelters can form a barrier for individuals to reduce substance use, or prompt individuals to begin using. Other times, wet shelters are the refuge people need to take further steps to supportive housing and recovery.
Substance use can cause individuals to face a housing crisis. Oftentimes, addiction leads to the loss of a job or the breakdown of supportive relationships. Other times, individuals who are already experiencing homelessness may be living where substance use is prevalent, and/or turn to drugs and/or alcohol to deal with their situation.
The combination of substance use and homelessness limits the resources individuals have to break out of their situation. Some shelter options are called “wet shelters” which means they allow people to stay who are actively engaging in substance use. While this tolerance creates housing for individuals dealing with addiction, it can also foster a tense environment. Sometimes wet shelters can form a barrier for individuals to reduce substance use, or prompt individuals to begin using. Other times, wet shelters are the refuge people need to take further steps to supportive housing and recovery.