Illicit Substance Use and Treatment Access Among Adults Experiencing Homelessness

Journal of the American Medical Association

Utilizing a multistaged probability-based survey, this study assessed the prevalence of illicit substance use, treatment, nonfatal overdose, and naloxone possession among 3,200 adults experiencing homelessness in California from October 2021 to November 2022.  An estimated 37% of respondents reported using any illicit substance regularly (≥ 3 times per week) in the last 6 months; methamphetamine use (33%) was the most common. Of those who reported regular use, an estimated 21% wanted but were unable to receive treatment. Approximately 20% of participants reported a nonfatal overdose, and 25% reported being in possession of naloxone. Substance use and nonfatal overdose were common among people experiencing homelessness in California. There was a high unmet need for substance use treatment and naloxone.

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