NCJ Number
223062
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: 2008 Pages: 23-40
Date Published
2008
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study attempted to link relatively unexplored phenomena in the United States: homeless traveler youth, polydrug use and multiple drug use.
Abstract
Data presented in this report suggest that multiple drug use amongst homeless traveling youth has a normalized character, which is illustrated by the high rates of multiple drug use over the previous 30 days, the large percentage of travelers who knew individuals who sold a wide variety of drugs, the overall acceptability of using a variety of drugs, and the overall “style” of the traveler youths (tattoos, clothing, and music) that offers supportive cultural references for using many types of drugs. The normalized character of multiple drug use means that within this population, the use of several substances over the course of a month is an ongoing behavioral practice that might be expected. In the United States, an estimated 3.5 million people experience homelessness every year, about 1.5 million of whom are juveniles. One subgroup of homeless youth has been referred to as “travelers” or nomadic youths who travel around North America for various reasons. A minimal body of empirical research suggests homeless traveling youths use a wide variety of drugs, at times in combination. This report, based on a three city study of health risks amongst young injection drug users, explores multiple drug use and polydrug use amongst a subset of homeless youth referred to as “travelers.” The report outlines characteristics of homeless traveler youth and the various ways in which they practice multiple drug use and polydrug use and discusses some theoretical and public health implications of multiple drug use and polydrug uses among this particular population. Tables, references