Substance use outcomes among homeless clients with serious mental illness: comparing Housing First with Treatment First programs.
The Housing First (HF) approach for homeless adults with serious mental illness has gained support as an alternative to the mainstream "Treatment First" (TF) approach. In this study, group differences were assessed using qualitative data from 27 HF and 48 TF clients. Dichotomous variables for substance use and substance abuse treatment utilization were created and examined using bivariate and logistic regression analyses. The HF group had significantly lower rates of substance use and substance abuse treatment utilization; they were also significantly less likely to leave their program. Housing First's positive impact is contrasted with the difficulties Treatment First programs have in retaining clients and helping them avoid substance use and possible relapse.
Padgett
Deborah K
DK
Silver School of Social Work, New York University, 1 Washington Square North, New York, NY 10003, USA. dkp1@nyu.edu
Stanhope
Victoria
V
Henwood
Ben F
BF
Stefancic
Ana
A
D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011638:Public Housing; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult