Addiction And Homelessness

Homeless persons can be defined as individuals without permanent housing who may live on the streets; staying in a shelter, mission, single room occupancy facility, abandoned building, or vehicle; or who are in any other unstable or nonpermanent situation. Homeless persons are more likely to become ill due to the unhygienic environment they must strive in. They have greater hospitalization rates compared to the general population and are more likely to die at a younger age. The relationship between addiction and homelessness is complex due to various factors that will lead them into such addictive patterns to live in extreme weather and rough situations. Many people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs never become homeless, but people who are poor and addicted are clearly at increased risk of homelessness. Homeless children are much sicker and have more academic and behavioral problems. Insufficient personal income and the lack of affordable housing are the major reasons for homelessness.