Homelessness is a huge problem in America. In cities throughout the country, men, women, and even children are sleeping on the beach, living in abandoned buildings, or finding rest right on the streets. What makes matters worse is that many of these Americans are also using drugs and alcohol. And another contributing factor to the problem is that there often exists mental illness among the homeless.
However, research has shown that if you can find a stable home to live in, there’s a greater chance of getting sober and staying that way. According to a report released in 2003 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, there are approximately 38% of homeless men and women who also have an alcohol dependency and/or a drug addiction.
Furthermore, according to this report, substance abuse is the largest cause of homelessness.