Are all homeless alcohol and drug addicts?

1. 51

   D Madrigalposted 6 years ago

   Are all homeless alcohol and drug addicts?
   
   Some homeless suffer from mental illness and are unable to work.  They become disabled receiving disability payments only, which isn't enough to live on and therefore become homeless.

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2. 82

   Wesman Todd Shawposted 6 years ago

   I can't think of anything which could prompt one to use drugs or alcohol more than homelessness. If I've ever got any money, which is rare, and do happen to see a homeless person, then I'm more than happy to buy them an alcoholic beverage. A good drink can help you forget the misery for a short while.
   
   And the homeless are usually NOT getting disability or anything at all from the government. Homeless persons are generally so far out of touch with greater society they don't know where to start. You have to have current identification, and an address to get disability. How could you get a disability check when you don't even have an address? You can't.
   
   The homeless have often given up on everything. And who can blame them in this world? Our world isn't a paradise. It's more like a sewer where everyone is so judgemental, and so wrapped up in their own private nonsense, they've no time for to help someone they feel beneath them, such as the homeless.

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3. 61

   fpherj48posted 6 years ago

   DM...I can't say that I'm aware of any statistics in terms of the Homeless in America.....(OMG, "Homeless in America" qualifies 100% as an oxymoron...at least, it SHOULD!...What a disgraceful flaw on us)
   The suspected answer would probably be that many (the vast majority) are addicts.
   The statistics I'd be more interested in is:  Were they addicts prior to becoming homeless and did this nasty addiction contribute a great deal to their current situation?...OR....do they become addicts once they are destitute, homeless, unhealthy and have reached serious despair? 
   In any case, it follows that mental illness, if not a medical problem to begin with, it's understandable how it would manifest itself in these individuals.
   It is nothing short of miraculous that the homeless continue to survive beyond five years.  Think about it.  They are continually exposed to the elements, the dangers of the streets/gangs, food is scarce to non-existent except for having occasional access to City Missions or Food Pantries, no medical care & their bodies must sit & sleep on hard surfaces at all times.
   Homelessness is a Societal Disease that should shame every single Human Being.  It simply should NOT be.

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   1. 84

      Au faitposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Paula, can't tell you how disappointed I am that you are unaware of any stats on this subject.  I have written at least 5 articles on this subject and I give stats.  Who Are the Homeless of America?  Check it out.  More People Die From Poverty  etc.

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      fpherj48posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Ouch! I'm a bad girl. I went immediately 2 UR Hub "Who R.." & of course it's superb. Always great w/ details & stats,  Thank you!  I'll try harder 2 B aware & more active, although I've been backing off slowly.  U'll be one I read on my r

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   3. 84

      Au faitposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Paula,   Be sure to read the others on that subject too.  My aim is to destroy the stereotypes that hurt all homeless people. Recently read that half of all homeless people are over 50 years old.  SS cuts?

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