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Homelessness and vulnerability among adults with and without alcohol problems
1School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
Substance Use & Misuse
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Alcohol use impacts vulnerability to homelessness by affecting resources, social networks, and mental health. Problem drinking may lower protective factors, increasing risks for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Social Science
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Homelessness research often compares individuals by alcohol use levels.
- Few studies examine how drinking status influences homelessness determinants or vulnerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if alcohol consumption affects factors contributing to homelessness and vulnerability.
- To analyze the interplay between drinking status and resources, social networks, disaffiliation, and mental health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a 1986 Chicago sample (n=535).
- Examination of resource availability, social network characteristics, disaffiliation, and mental health problems in relation to homelessness and drinking status.
Main Results:
- Resource problems appear to be a consistent determinant of homelessness, irrespective of drinking status.
- Alcohol use problems may increase the resource threshold for vulnerability.
- Drinking-associated issues can diminish social network protection, exacerbate disaffiliation impacts, and worsen mental health.
Conclusions:
- Drinking status significantly modifies the risk factors associated with homelessness and vulnerability.
- Interventions for homelessness should consider the complex role of alcohol use in exacerbating social and mental health challenges.
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