Connection between homelessness and substance use
Being homeless is stressful, frightening, and dangerous. It’s no surprise that substance use is a common challenge for people without safe, stable housing.
Support for people experiencing homelessness
Programs, services, and other resources are available for those with needs related to health care, nutrition, or housing.
If you are without safe, stable housing, you are not alone: Over half a million people were homeless in the United States last year. And if you use alcohol or drugs to try to cope with the fear, stress, and daily struggle of homelessness, your experience is shared by many people in similar situations.
If you or loved one has housing and substance use challenges, know that resources are available and recovery is possible.
Every person who experiences housing insecurity or homelessness has a different background, circumstance, story, and situation. But whether you’re residing in a short-term shelter or are living most nights on the street, you likely have many related worries — emotional, financial, and physical.
Being homeless is stressful, frightening, and dangerous. And it can be hard to find shelter, permanent housing, or compassionate care.
Drugs and alcohol are often easier to come by and may seem to offer pain relief. You might use drugs or alcohol out of anger and frustration, to get through a cold night, to ease pain, or to quiet your thoughts.
However, this can lead to or worsen a substance use disorder — and endanger your life. That’s in part why studies show that people who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness are more likely to:
Anyone can develop a substance use disorder, a mental health issue, or a chronic illness. However, if you’re experiencing homelessness, these challenges can take longer to resolve. This is especially true if you’ve been without a safe place to live for a long time.
If you have needs related to health care, nutrition, or housing, explore the following programs, resources, and services:
Food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and local food banks. Find out if you’re eligible for SNAP and WIC and locate a food bank.
Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) and other grant programs and resources funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which assist in paying for housing.
Supportive housing for homeless veterans, funded by the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA). The HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines permanent housing and wraparound care — including substance use treatment. Access HUD-VASH for veterans.
Permanent supportive housing, which combines affordable and/or subsidized housing with voluntary support services to end chronic homelessness. Learn more about permanent supportive housing.
Recovery housing (or “sober housing”), which offers a safe, supportive, drug-free living environment for people in recovery. Learn more about recovery housing.
Temporary shelter support, including for runaway and homeless youths, pregnant people, and others who are homeless. This support can be a bridge to permanent housing. Locate public and private resources.