Food Insecurity Among Drug Addicts in Israel: Implications for Social Work Practice

ABSTRACT

The intent of this article is to introduce the problem of food insecurity and hunger as a concern for social workers addressing drug addiction and the needs of addicts in Israel. This article discusses the results of a study comparing the food insecurity problem among addicts and non-drug addicts. Specifically, the objectives of this study were: (1) to conduct an analysis of the level of food insecurity in Israel; (2) to examine which individual characteristics are related to food insecurity among addicts and non-addicts; and (3) to better understand how food insecurity can be addressed in the context of social work treatment for addicts. Policy and practice recommendations are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Food insecurity
• hunger
• addiction
• drug addicts
• food programs
• social work