Factors Associated with Substance Use Among Homeless Young Adults

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with substance use among homeless young adults. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined the influence of social networks and economic factors among a group of homeless young adults with differing levels of alcohol and drug use. In addition, for those with an alcohol use disorder, the role of future time expectancies was examined. A sample (n = 185) of homeless young adults aged 18 to 23 were recruited from a community drop-in center and interviewed utilizing self-report instruments. Findings suggest that social networks, economic factors, and future expectancies are significant predictors of the level of substance use among homeless young adults. Being able to identify those areas that place homeless young adults at risk for substance abuse and dependence has implications for effective intervention.

KEYWORDS:

• Employment
• future time perspective
• homelessness
• social networks
• substance use

This research was supported with funding and administration from the Center for Social Work Research at the University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (5K01-DA015671).

Notes

∗∗∗ P ≤ .001.

^a Dependency is reference group.

∗∗P ≤ .01;

∗∗∗P ≤ .001.

∗∗∗ P ≤ .001.

^a Dependency is reference group.

∗ P ≤ .05

∗∗ P ≤ .01; ∗∗∗ P ≤ .001.