Homelessness and Substance Addiction

Although many of us are aware of substance abuse on the streets, our understanding of the issue often comes with labels like "tweaker" or "druggie." Unfortunately, it's much easier to distance ourselves from the issue at hand by shifting the blame to individuals, rather than our lacking social support system. Surely everyone chooses whether or not to indulge in highly addictive substances, right? Well, the issue turns out to be much more complicated.

To start, about 70% of American adults reported drinking alcohol in the last month, according to a survey conducted in 2019. While indulging in alcohol is widely accepted in our culture, that doesn't negate the fact that it can have consequences for our general health and safety. (It's the 3rd leading cause of preventable death, tobacco usage being the 1st). Despite the potential risks of addiction, dangerous driving conditions, etc., the average Portlander still drinks nearly three gallons of alcohol a year.

In 2018, about 10 million Americans abused prescription medications while about 800,000 used heroin. And 2 out of 3 drug overdoses were caused by opioids. These statistics don't emerge from any single community- anyone can misuse prescribed drugs. (Your aunt's evening glass of wine and Xanax pill isn't very abnormal these days!)

Why, then, do we tell each other not to give homeless people on the street a few dollars, because "they'll just spend it on drugs or alcohol?" Why is it acceptable for some to indulge in substances and not others?

And when we actually talk to people spending their days and nights outside, the issue of substance abuse becomes a different conversation.

Interviews in a 2017 Willamette Week article explain the tragic role of drugs like meth, referring to it as "antifreeze." Many homeless individuals turn to drugs after becoming homeless in order to cope with harsh weather, loneliness, exhausting day-to-day routines like packing up and moving all your belongings, or to stay awake at night for safety.

Is it really that surprising that people surviving on the fringe of society, looked down upon or ignored by passersby, would want an escape from reality? And don't they still deserve some empathy and compassion regardless?

Thankfully there are some organizations that agree, and seek to support people in our community with housing and rehabilitation programs. Because, after all, it would be quite difficult to become sober without a permanent shelter and perpetual exposure to life on the street.

Central City Concern provides addiction/mental health services, primary care, job assistance, and housing. Their Blackburn Center brings all of these services into one building for efficient support; click here to learn more.

And next time you think twice about giving someone a few dollars on the sidewalk, remember that some will spend it on basic necessities like food, socks and hygiene products! 

By Jesselynn Amerling