You’re confusing cause and effect. Usually people use drugs and have mental health issues because they are homeless. They’re not homeless because they have those maladies. Homeowners weather those challenges just fine. And living on the street creates drug and mental health issues. If I had to sleep on the sidewalk, I sure as hell would want to be high all day. Wouldn’t you?
A homeless drug addict is just a middle class drug addict with a smaller bank account balance.
Owning a home or otherwise having stable housing doesn’t mean you don’t have or can’t develop debilitating mental health or drug issues. I’ve worked with many currently and previously high-functioning, well paid, housed individuals who have developed severe mental health or drug problems despite their economic security. Economic security and stable housing absolutely are protective factors which reduce the risk of developing such problems, but they don’t eliminate genetic factors, trauma, unexpected economic hardships, etc.
Source: I work with people who have severe mental illness and addiction problems, most of whom are currently homeless.
You’re confusing cause and effect. Usually people use drugs and have mental health issues because they are homeless. They’re not homeless because they have those maladies. Homeowners weather those challenges just fine. And living on the street creates drug and mental health issues. If I had to sleep on the sidewalk, I sure as hell would want to be high all day. Wouldn’t you?
A homeless drug addict is just a middle class drug addict with a smaller bank account balance.
Owning a home or otherwise having stable housing doesn’t mean you don’t have or can’t develop debilitating mental health or drug issues. I’ve worked with many currently and previously high-functioning, well paid, housed individuals who have developed severe mental health or drug problems despite their economic security. Economic security and stable housing absolutely are protective factors which reduce the risk of developing such problems, but they don’t eliminate genetic factors, trauma, unexpected economic hardships, etc.
Source: I work with people who have severe mental illness and addiction problems, most of whom are currently homeless.