title: Alcoholism, drug abuse, and the homeless.
abstract: Credible estimates of the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse suggest that alcohol abuse affects 30% to 40% and drug abuse 10% to 15% of homeless persons. A review of policies that address substance abuse among the homeless finds that interventions alternate between control and rehabilitation. However, the unique needs of a changing homeless population require an integration of alcoholism and drug abuse recovery services with programs for women, adolescents, and the mentally ill. Alcohol- and drug-free housing is essential to support and maintain recovery. Psychology can contribute in the development of effective programs for homeless individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McCarty
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Argeriou
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Huebner
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lubran
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011640:Public Policy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs