The lack of safe housing is impacting a growing number of people worldwide, in both developing and developed countries alike. The stress of housing instability can negatively impact mental health outcomes. Not having a safe place to live can weigh heavily on us and can greatly impact our peace of mind and overall health. When coupled with addiction, housing uncertainty can become an overwhelming source of stress that can lead to relapse and even overdose. In fact, homelessness has been linked to both substance use disorder (SUD) and overdose deaths.
Housing Instability and Drug Activity
An additional factor is how often homeless populations are targeted by drug dealers, preying on their vulnerability. There is also often less police monitoring of drug activity in areas with large homeless populations. This might very well be due to our societal disregard and apathy for those who are homeless. Those struggling with addiction while homeless are that much more prone to being sold or given drugs, even when trying their best to abstain from them.
Housing Instability and Discrimination
Prejudice in housing and housing instability, as a result, have impacted marginalized communities for quite some time. People of color have historically been subject to housing discrimination. Redlining, or denying people access to home loans even when qualified for them, is one such discriminatory practice. Because redlining has long been racially motivated, it is one of many examples of institutionalized racism. These practices, therefore, have made people of color especially vulnerable to housing discrimination and, in turn, to housing instability. This is especially true in poorer neighborhoods where even less access to safe housing creates recurring cycles of homelessness.
Housing Instability and Access to Care
The stress of housing instability can be especially difficult for those struggling with addiction. There are a number of reasons why housing can be harder to access for those people also living with addiction. Research has found that some of the factors associated with housing instability in people using drugs include “not having a regular doctor [and] not having received support from a peer worker.” Barriers to health care, therefore, can be associated with housing instability. Many of us in recovery avoid both doctors and peer support workers for a number of reasons.
Those reasons can include the persistent stigmas that still surround addiction. The stereotypes that those struggling with addiction are criminal or immoral, for example, are essentially keeping people from getting the help they need. When avoiding getting help from doctors and peer workers, they’re likely also avoiding getting help from other social services for things such as housing.
Housing Instability and Isolation
Perhaps one of the most important ways in which housing instability can reinforce patterns of addiction is in how much isolation we experience when we don’t have safe housing. Isolation can worsen patterns of addiction. Often, the more we struggle with addiction, the more we isolate ourselves. Those of us who live on the street, in our cars, or in shelters are often quite isolated from other people. We feel disconnected from our communities and from our families.
Many of us isolate ourselves because we feel ashamed or embarrassed about our lack of housing, our addictions, or both. Some of us have been estranged from our families for many years, often due to our problems with drugs and alcohol. This isolation might be self-imposed isolation, or it may be imposed upon us by those who alienate us. Whatever the cause, isolation can keep us from getting the help we need, both with healthcare and with housing.
Housing Instability and Resources
Many of us do not have access to the resources we need in order to maintain safe housing. These resources can include having stable employment and sufficient money to afford housing. Another important resource many of us can’t access is help finding an effective addiction treatment program like those at Athens Area Commencement Center.
Being in treatment can help us achieve the sobriety that would enable us to procure housing in the first place. Many treatment facilities also help their graduates secure housing upon successful completion of their treatment programs. There are many struggling with addiction, however, who can’t access the social services that would help them find treatment programs. Similarly, they aren’t able to access the services that could help them find safe housing.
Housing Instability and Mental Illness
Sometimes, an inability to access resources is due to a long history of untreated mental health issues. The homeless populations for whom finding resources is most difficult are often struggling not only with addiction but also with mental illness. These mental illnesses can cause us to isolate ourselves out of fear. We might fear being hospitalized for mental illness, or we may fear being arrested for using and/or selling drugs. Perhaps we have a fear of doctors and social workers, making us even less likely to reach out for help.
Asking for Help When Facing Housing Instability
This combination of discrimination, stigmatization, fear, and isolation can create even more housing instability in already vulnerable groups. Perhaps one of the most important things we can do for ourselves is summon the courage to ask for help. There are treatment programs available, like those at Athens Area Commencement Center, to help us get sober whenever we’re ready. Social service programs can help us enter treatment, and they can also help us to find jobs and safe housing. Knowing we deserve help is the first step.
Housing uncertainty creates stress and instability, which can have devastating consequences, especially for those also struggling with addiction. For those living with untreated addiction and mental health issues, housing instability can sometimes be the result of isolation and stigmatization. For a number of reasons, many are fearful of doctors, social workers, and other professionals who might be able to assist them. Reaching out for help with housing, as well as for help with addiction treatment, can mean the difference between successfully recovering and continuing to struggle. Believe that you deserve help. Call Athens Area Commencement Center today at (706) 546-7355 for information on the different types of treatment programs we offer.