Homeless Population Essay

A shared label and belief about the homeless population consists of the idea that most are drug addicts and alcoholics. While substance abuse is prevalent among this population it is important to understand the background and reasoning behind what makes the statistics. The purpose of this paper is to explore the homeless population and understand how it in and of its self is a culture who is bound together by different mechanisms. Important questions are looked at in detail such as, which came first; homelessness and then substance abuse; or substance abuse and then homelessness? The culture of the homeless lifestyle explores different coping mechanisms and triggers that initiate and continue unhealthy norms and values. Mental Illness is also explored as well as trauma past and present. With the overwhelming societal outlook amongst this population as a whole, it warrants further research, questions, dialogue and treatment opportunities such as integrating the community, as well as utilizing case management resources.
Keywords: homelessness, substance abuse, substance dependence, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), triggers, culture, norms, values, community, case management Homelessness is defined as a …show more content…
Numerous studies have been directed over the past few decades regarding trauma. Homelessness in and of itself is traumatic due to individuals experiencing loss, isolation, stigma and feeling as if they have low protection (SAMHSA, n.d). SAMHSA also reports that people who experience homelessness are at a higher risk than other populations to be vulnerable to becoming victims of abuse and violence. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (2012), the frequency of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among individuals undergoing homelessness is very great. The same article reports that the traumatic experience leading to homelessness is sometimes homelessness