Little is known about the type, degree and pattern of non-AOD public sector service use among homeless individuals with and without AOD disorders. This study funded by NIAAA examines predictors of non-AOD service utilization among homeless adults sampled in shelters and streets in Houston, Texas. This study involves secondary analyses of data collected in an NIMH-funded study that consisted of a 90-minute structured interview with 797 homeless adults. Information on services used by each of these individuals within relevant public sector service systems over the prior three year period was then obtained through searches of each system’s administrative data files and linked to the interview data. Relevant other sector services include contact with the criminal justice system, use of public mental or physical health care services and use of social services. Preliminary results indicate that those individuals with AOD disorders have greater contact with the criminal justice system and, if in treatment, with the social service system than those without AOD disorders. Utilization of physical and mental health care services tend to cluster with use of social services, however these relationships are significantly diminished for those with AOD disorders. Individuals without AOD disorders who enter through the criminal justice system may be referred more readily to the mental health service system compared to those individuals with AOD disorders. We discuss these patterns of service utilization for those with and without AOD disorders particularly in light of potential trade-offs between contact with the criminal justice system and mental health service utilization.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session participants will be able to:
Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Homeless
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.