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The Problem Of Substance Abuse

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Substance abuse is a contributing factor and very often a result of homelessness. Homeless youth are at greater risk for addiction and addicted youth are at greater risk of being homeless. According to a study by Peterson et.al. (2006). Homelessness and addiction have many correlations. The financial, social, physical, and psychological effects are profound. Financially, it is very difficult to support a household and a habit. Many homeless people choose to spend what meager funds they acquire on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or whatever their addiction happens to be. Often you will see a homeless person 'flying a sign" and smoking a cigarette. In spite of the fact that they are begging on the street for whatever few cents they can persuade passers-by to part with, their first few dollars goes to purchase cigarettes rather than food. While cigarettes may not cause you to be homeless, it is a symptom of a much deeper problem. Socially, one of the things that often occurs with homeless, addicted youth is disaffiliation. The isolation and withdrawal from society in general. The weakening of important social and societal bonds that normally provide the support system that is so important in this phase of their development Thompson et al.,(2009). This estrangement may manifest in the form of trouble with the law, poor academic performance, or withdrawal from relationships that formerly held significance. The anti-social manner of day to day survival can also be a contributing

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