Homelessness and substance abuse are considered as two interlinking factors. From previous studies, arguments in terms of mutual correlation between homelessness and substance abuse have been proposed. Homelessness is viewed as a predisposing factor for conjuring substance abuse problems for both male and female. However, some also argue that substance abuse dependency occurs prior to the events of homelessness. Various stereotypes concerning substance abuse and homelessness between males and females are analyzed in order to show certain correlations between the two variables.
As far as the LAHSC (Los Angeles Homeless Services Coalition) 2007 census is concerned, there are approximately 3. 5 million people living in United States without homes. Around 1. 35 million from this number are children with percentage variations of 39% for children under the age of 18, while 42% are under the age of five. Homeless statistics are rising annually and part of its most significant effects is the increase indulgence of homeless individuals to illegal substances (e. g. marijuana, illegal drugs, etc. ).
Since 1980s, studies on homeless individuals have resulted to high rates of mental problems, and most especially, substance abuse ranging from moderate to severe conditions. In fact, according to Miller (2004), substance abuse problems on homeless population have even exceeded the substance abuse population among normal individuals (p. 62). From this given sense, the subculture, stress components, psychological depressions and feeling of abandonment are the usual psychological origins of this type of addiction and behavior.
According to Conrad, Matters & Hanrahan (1999), homeless persons with substance abuse disorders often experience a level of disability that makes it extremely difficult for them to access the fragmented treatment, services, benefits, and housing systems (p. 1). Hence, from the initial data, there is a possibility of occurring linkage between cases of substance abuse and homeless population. As for this study, the emphasis is to determine the potential links between substance dependencies and abuse, and homeless men and women.
Statement of the Problem The study explores the possibility of homeless situation that leads to a state of behavioral craving towards illegal substance as a form of diversion, but eventually causes dependence and, on long-term basis, substance abuse. By incorporating the previous studies and research on homeless individuals and their cases of substance abuse, the study furthers its scope in determining of the possible components (psychological, physical, social or emotional) that may lead to such behavior.
From the propositions of Miller (2004), homeless conditions may lead to substance abuse or dependence, while the same end component may also lead to homeless condition, which implicates a vise-versa chain of effects or rather proportional equivalences (p. 62). However, the study explores the accuracy of the previous claims – homeless conditions lead to substance abuse and dependence, which is being emphasized in the study as the primary statement of the problem.
Purpose of the Study Various researchers (Miller, 2004; Levinson, 2004; Conrad, Matters & Hanrahan, 1999) have pointed out the mutual risks (being homeless and/or substance abuse) in the occurrence of both conditions. From the scientific point of view, the mutual relationship between the two is not considered as coincidental or brought by circumstantial conditions; rather, being triggered by the occurrence of either homelessness or substance abuse.
Although, argument are being triggered by the claims of mutual interrelationships or if whether one can trigger the behavioral manifestation of the other one, which indicates proportionality of effects. Hence, as with the main goal of the study, the very purpose of the research is to figure out the probable relationships of substance abuse and the occurrence of homeless conditions among men and women. The research validates the probability of linkages being proposed by different researchers through the means of literature gathering and analysis.
Rationale for the Research The main rationale of the study involves the clarification of the arguments proposed by previous researchers indicating or negating the relationships between homeless conditions and substance abuse. According to Levinson (2004), substance abuse and homelessness have been posited as risk factors for one another. Studies have found that drug use has always been associated with episodes of homelessness and suggest that drugs are displacing alcohol as an important precursor to homelessness (p.8).
Meanwhile, Wright, Rubin and Devine (1998) negate mutual relationships of homelessness and substance abuse problems. According to their statement, substance abuse, such as extensive alcoholism is the consequence of homelessness but not actually a cause (p. 25). Hence, the study analyzes the contributing factors and relationship between the substance abuse problems among males and females prior or after the occurrence of homelessness situations.
The primary goal of the study is to determine and validate the relationship of homelessness towards substance abuse problems, such as drug dependence, alcoholism, etc. In order to guide the overall research, certain questions need to be answer throughout the study. 1. Is there a mutual relationship between homelessness and substance abuse problems among males and females? 2. Is there an existing gender variations based on substance abuse that affect the incidences of homelessness?