Homelessness

Homelessness

Substance dependence/addiction is a renowned cause of homelessness. The reliance on substances usually depletes an individual or family’s financial resources rapidly. Most homeless people are more likely to use substances than those in the general population. For others, substance abuse is a coping mechanism, while others end up homeless due to the use of substances (ACLU, n.d). It is difficult for homeless people to avoid abuse of substances due to stress. In addition, mental illnesses tend to coexist with homelessness. At least 45 percent of homeless people suffer from mental conditions (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009). This increases the chances of substance abuse through self-medication. Such patients are rarely accepted into mental health care programs. The lack of insurance programs to access medical care exacerbates the situation further.

Women who are subjected to domestic violence are likely to experience homelessness. In 2003, at least 46 percent of homeless women in Minnesota reported having been in violent relationships (Recovery Worldwide, LLC., 2021). Women in abusive relationships lack the necessary support they need to avoid homelessness. Loss of income or total dependence on abusive partners exacerbates the situation. Therefore, homelessness arises as women and their children flee from abuse.

Already, homeless individuals may experience post-traumatic stress disorder. The condition in which homeless people live tends to worsen the mental illnesses and disorders they have. The lack of access to mental care is one of the factors that worsen the mental health of homeless individuals. The lack of motivation to keep the psychiatrist’s appointments usually occurs when patients suffer from depression, substance abuse, trauma history, and anxiety, among others (Balasuriya, Buelt, & Tsai, 2020).

Tackling homelessness

The current conditions that worsen the health of homeless people or lead to loss of shelter need to be tackled proactively (Treatment Advocacy Center, 2016). First, the provision of decent shelter houses that reduce the stress that the individuals must go through is important. For instance, women and children fleeing from homelessness are exposed to more problems and risks. Such women may like for their children to still attend school as they seek out income opportunities. Thus, such shelters where individuals have some form of privacy and pay minimal rent to motivate them to keep working are necessary.

Secondly, it is important to increase access to counseling services and mental care health services for the population. Homeless individuals experience immense stress due to their condition. It is necessary that they easily access care, remain mentally stable, and honor their doctor’s appointments. Such services should be rendered by all public health facilities and other willing private entities as a corporate social responsibility initiative. Finally, the homeless should be enrolled in programs that enable them to rebuild their lives gradually. These programs should help with substance abuse and other negative behaviors. They should also partner with other players to offer basic needs to those who lack employment while giving income-making opportunities to everyone. The process of seeking affordable shelter for rent is necessary for individuals who feel ready to exit the homelessness situation.

 References

ACLU. (n.d). Domestic Violence and Homelessness.

Balasuriya, L., Buelt, E., & Tsai, J. (2020). The Never-Ending Loop: Homelessness, Psychiatric Disorder, and Mortality. Psychiatric Times, 37(5).

National Coalition for the Homeless. (2009). Substance Abuse and Homelessness.

Recovery Worldwide, LLC. (2021). Drug Abuse, Addiction, And Homelessness. Retrieved from https://www.rehabspot.com/drugs/who-addiction-affects/homelessness/

Treatment Advocacy Center. (2016). Serious Mental Illness and Homelessness. Retrieved from Treatment Advocacy Center: https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/evidence-and-research/learn-more-about/3629-serious-mental-illness-and-homelessness

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Identify five (5) issues related to homelessness (substance dependence/addiction, psychosis/schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress
disorder, neurocognitive deficits, domestic violence, perceptions of
the homeless and homelessness by others, other forms of mental
illness).

Homelessness

After you identify at least five (5) issues, provide a thorough description of how EACH issue could put a person at risk for
homelessness.
Provide at least five (5) suggestions based on research to help
those who are homeless. Write an email to your friend Lisa explaining what you found, offering some suggestions on what she may do to help. Use references from this module and include APA in-text citations.

Please use this website to do the majority of this paper. You can type additional findings in the search bar on the site listed below.