The Growing Problem Of Drug Addiction In Homeless Women

One of the most difficult things I’ve had to witness is the growing trend of homelessness that has expanded throughout parts of Orange County in these past few years. It is all too common now to see a homeless person on the freeway off-ramp, or placing tents along the Santa Ana river trail. My response is usually the same, I’m filled with distress; how did they end up here? The population of middle-aged and older homeless women in metropolitan cities is on the rise, and 67.6% homeless women are 41-61 years of age with sample showing.  When we look at this population it is important to consider frailty and substance abuse as issues that are more common in this population. Recognizing that substance abuse can be the cause of homelessness in some cases or self medicating in others.
 
An alarming increase in substance abuse among homeless people have also been noted in several studies. Downtown Women’s Action coalition recently reported that “43.9% had abused or been dependent on drugs in their lifetime and 64.2% had used or been dependent on drugs,” in the past year. These results are shocking when you take into consideration that these are elderly women. Their substance abuse can form into a dependency that can cause serious harm them and effect their longevity and overall health. However, there is a possibility to make a positive change. Considering that women are more prone to these issues, to make positive impact by providing simple solutions such as focusing on physical and psychological well-being can reduce drug dependency among this population.
 
If you know of anyone that could use the assistance of a substance abuse and addiction counseling services, please give us a call.
 
Community Mental Health Journal Community Mental Health Journal (2017) "Impact of a Community-Based Frailty Intervention Among Middle-Aged and Older Prefrail and Frail Homeless Women: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial." 

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