The Impact of No-Drug Policies

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There is, unfortunately, substantial demand for homeless shelters in the U.S. Yet many beds sit empty night after night. One of the lesser-known reasons for this is the strict no-drug policies enforced in many shelters. These rules, while designed to protect residents, often end up excluding the very people who need help the most.

Many shelters operate under zero-tolerance policies for substance use. But addiction is a reality for a significant portion of the homeless population, leaving them with an impossible choice: attempt to detox cold turkey or remain outside. Some try. But withdrawal symptoms ranging from painful to life-threatening often make staying unbearable. Others know the risk and never enter in the first place. These policies can sometimes potentially push them further into danger.

Some cities are beginning to experiment with “low-barrier” shelters that prioritize safety and harm reduction over abstinence. These shelters may offer access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), connections to mental health services, or simply provide a warm bed without judgment. Early data shows these models improve health outcomes and reduce chronic homelessness. To read more about these, click the following link: Advisory: Low Barrier Models of Care for Substance Use Disorders

Sources: 

Homelessness and Polysubstance Use: A Qualitative Study on Recovery and Treatment Access Solutions Around an Urban Library in Southern California, USA

Victimization, safety, and overdose in homeless shelters: A systematic review and narrative synthesis

Ssrn_id2776421_code1572922.pdf

Roughly 260 shelter beds for Portland homeless aren’t being used | kgw.com

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