Increased Risk for Substance Use and Health-Related Problems among Homeless Veterans

The first aim of this study was to compare self-reported causes of homelessness between veterans and nonveterans. A second aim examined whether homeless male veterans were more likely than homeless male nonveterans to experience current problems with addictions, mental health, and physical health. Additionally, a third aim was to compare frequency of emergency room visits and treatment needs between the two groups.

Veterans reported higher rates of substance use and mental health problems as a primary cause of homelessness when compared to nonveterans. Homeless veterans were more likely than nonveterans to report current problems with addictions, mental health problems, and physical problems. Finally, over half of homeless veterans (53.1%) reported an ER visit in the past year compared to only 40.9% of nonveterans.

Veterans may be more likely to become homeless due to addiction and mental health and over half of homeless veterans are presenting to hospital emergency rooms. Given the greater utilization among homeless veterans, emergency rooms may serve as a prime opportunity to provide brief treatment and referrals for needed services.

Via: http://ht.ly/S9Oxh 

By: Dunne EM1, Burrell LE 2nd1, Diggins AD1, Whitehead NE1, Latimer WW2.

• 1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
• 2Department of Health Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, New York.