NCJ Number
169034
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 32 Issue: 7 & 8 Dated: special issue (June 1997) Pages: 877-907
Date Published
1997
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This study used data abstracted from 465 client records randomly selected from the files of a downtown medical clinic in Chicago to examine substance use among 85 immigrant and 380 nonimmigrant homeless and at risk homeless adults.
Abstract
Record abstraction was conducted in 1994 as part of a larger study of homelessness and health. Data were systematically abstracted using risk assessments, diagnosis charts, treatment plans, and treatment process notes. Results showed immigrants reported lower levels of current cigarette, alcohol, and drug use compared to nonimmigrants in the sample. Immigrants were also less likely to report potential substance user treatment needs. Immigrants, however, did not differ from nonimmigrants in the reported quantity or frequency of cigarette and alcohol use. In addition, drug use among homeless immigrants was higher than estimates of drug misuse in the general population. The literally homeless were also more likely to report higher levels of drug consumption and were more likely to have potential substance user treatment needs. The role of stress in the etiology of substance misuse among homeless immigrants and nonimmigrants is discussed. Implications of the findings for the treatment of these diverse populations are addressed. 136 references and 8 tables