Disaffiliation, substance use, and exiting homelessness

Area of Science:

• Social science research
• Public health studies
• Homelessness research

Background:

• Homelessness is a complex issue with significant public health implications.
• Understanding factors that facilitate exits from homelessness is crucial for effective interventions.
• Social affiliation and service utilization are potential pathways out of homelessness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between social affiliation and exits from homelessness.
• To examine if this association differs between individuals with and without current substance-use disorders.

Main Methods:

• A county-wide probability sample of 397 homeless adults was followed for 15 months.
• Data collection occurred over a 15-month period culminating in 1992.
• Statistical analysis explored the relationship between social affiliation (family/friend support, service use) and homelessness exits.

Main Results:

• Overall, social support and service use were linked to increased likelihood of exiting homelessness.
• This association was significant only for homeless adults without current substance-use disorders.
• Homeless adults with current substance-use disorders did not show this relationship between social affiliation and exiting homelessness.

Conclusions:

• Social affiliation facilitates exiting homelessness for individuals without substance-use disorders.
• Homeless individuals with substance-use disorders may require different or prior interventions, such as substance-use treatment.
• Service providers should consider tailoring approaches for homeless populations with co-occurring substance-use disorders.