Drug and alcohol misuse prevalent among homeless

Drug and alcohol misuse is a significant issue among homeless people in terms of both frequency and levels of use, a new report has said today.

The report, by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, examined the issue of homelessness and drug and alcohol misuse in Northern Ireland.

Of the 154 homeless people interviewed, 37% said they were current drug users and 45% reported frequent heavy drinking.

Risk behaviours associated with drug and alcohol misuse and the incidence of mental ill health among the homeless people interviewed was also high.

Those interviewed indicated a need to address the range of services available to homeless people with problem drug and alcohol use, both in terms of treatment and the provision of accommodation.

However, despite the levels of drug and alcohol misuse reported, homeless people prioritised securing accommodation over addressing their drug and alcohol problem.

The issues of homelessness and drug and alcohol misuse are not well integrated at a policy and strategy level, although there has been some evidence of effective integrated practice at operational level.

The research was commissioned by the Drug and Alcohol Information and Research Unit on behalf of the Information and Research Working Group.

(MB/GMCG)