Drugs and Youth Homelessness: Reducing the risk

Abstract

The increase in youth homelessness in the UK and also internationally, although a cause for public concern, is proving resistant to efforts to contain it. Perhaps an association with drug misuse is one of the most serious social consequences of this trend, threatening the health of many young people with long-lasting effects. The family history and the current privations of the lives of 200 young, homeless drug users in Greater Manchester were studied in depth. The primary aim was to reveal the nature and range of coping responses to the hazards they faced. A major way of coping was through self-medication with drugs. The young and newly homeless, if not using drugs already, were likely to be absorbed into a drug-oriented community. lf they were, like many young people, using drugs recreationally, then their involvement was likely to increase. Older, long-term users were using more drugs and using them more frequently. Possible interventions are discussed that recognize the heterogeneity of the homeless population and the complexity of their needs, taking into account personal history and current levels of support.