How does substance abuse affect the homeless?

http://www.addiction-recovery-expose.com/homelessness.html

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions/housing-homelessness/bck/6

Substance Use: Pathways to homelessness? Or a way of adapting to street life?(Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal, 2007, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 9-10.)

http://www.edrugrehab.com/articles/skid-row-homelessness-and-addiction

Skid Row: Homelessness and Addiction(2012 eDrugRehab)

Studies show that the percent of homeless people who have substance abuse problems are rising. In 2002 about 39% of the homeless admit to using drugs. Just 3 years later in 2005 the percent of homeless with substance abuse problems rose to 48%. It is clear that many homeless people have abuse substances but is that the reason they become homeless? Many people see a homeless person drinking or using drugs and assume that was the reason they became homeless. Most homeless people don’t become homeless from substance abuse problems but instead become addicted to drugs while being homeless. If they do become addicted it is hard for them to seek treatment because lack of health insurance, lack of transportation to treatment facilities or meetings, and unsupportive environment being around all the drug users. (Skid Row: Homelessness and Addiction) Even though it can be tough for someone to get help there are many different charities and shelters that are designed to help them.