HOMELESSNESS, MENTAL HEALTH

& SUBSTANCE USE

Research Bulletin #4

HOMELESS PEOPLE WITH ‘CONCURRENT DISORDERS’

ARE MORE VULNERABLE THAN OTHER HOMELESS

PEOPLE AND FACE EVEN GREATER BARRIERS TO

HEALTH CARE & COMMUNITY SERVICES

 

In a survey by Street Health of 368 homeless adults in Toronto, one quarter (26%) reported both mental

health issues and regular drug or alcohol use, a condition often referred to as a ‘concurrent disorder’. Our

study compared this group with other homeless people and found that homeless people with concurrent

disorders were more socially isolated and more likely to be physically assaulted. Homeless people with

concurrent disorders also had worse health status, as well as worse shelter and health care access, than

other homeless people.

Kevin’s Story

Kevin has struggled with mental health and substance use issues for most of his life.

Diagnosed with schizophrenia in his twenties, the medication he was prescribed

didn’t work for him and eventually he began to use street drugs. For over twenty

years, he lived on the streets, in shelters, and in prison. Kevin’s life finally

began to turn around when, almost by accident, he was referred through the justice system to a residential treatment centre designed to address all of his needs in an integrated and holistic way. His discharge plan included finding him his own

apartment with supports attached. Throughout all these transitions, Kevin received ongoing support and encouragement from a community worker who has worked with him for over 18 years. All of these supports helped Kevin to improve his mental health and stabilize his substance use, and have helped him continue to stay housed. Today, Kevin’s involvement in various community-based activities and groups is vital to his current state of well-being and his motivation to keep doing well.

 

“Without counselling, how do you

know what’s out there? What helps

is having a partnership with your

worker ... and support. Giving

me encouragement ... it makes it

easier to endure it out there.

[My worker] helps me to figure out

the system, she opens doors.”

– Kevin, Street Health Survey

Peer Researcher with lived

experience of a concurrent

disorder