This study explored the role of mental health and substance abuse problems on the suicidal ideation and suicide attempts of 156 homeless adults. The logistic regression results indicated that homeless adults with anxiety were significantly more likely than those without anxiety to have both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Also, homeless adults with drug abuse were significantly more likely than those without drug abuse to have suicidal ideation. The study suggests that to reduce the suicide of the homeless, case managers need to screen mental health and substance abuse issues and to provide appropriate treatment services at homeless shelters.

The purpose of this review is to synthesize qualitative data describing the substance abuse treatment views and recommendations of addicted mothers. The meta-synthesis approach is a systematic comparison of qualitative studies all asking the same or similar questions and seeks to result in a theory that cuts across all of the studies. Keyword searches of online databases Academic Search Premiere, PubMed, and Google Scholar were conducted using the keywords: perinatal substance abuse, women and substance abuse, parenting and substance abuse to locate qualitative studies. The author also searched references of qualitative studies to access additional articles. Studies were included if they were qualitative, included excerpts from participants who discussed issues about perinatal substance abuse treatment views and recommendations and were published between 1992 and 2010. There were 30 studies reviewed. Evidence suggests that social marketing of substance abuse services that emphasize comprehensive services provided by caring non-judgmental staff is central to motivating women to enter treatment. Positive client and staff interactions are significant to retaining women in treatment. Culturally competent staff can motivate women who are considering treatment. Gender specific substance abuse services are recommended.

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This study explored the racial disparity of substance dependency and psychological health among White, African American, and Hispanic Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients as well as the relationship between substance dependency and psychological health. It analyzed 1,286 TANF recipients from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data. Analysis of variance indicated that Whites were experiencing more nicotine and alcohol dependency and psychological distress than others, but African Americans and Hispanics were experiencing more cocaine dependency than Whites. Ordinary least squares regression revealed that nicotine dependency is significantly related to the psychological distress of Whites. Alcohol dependency is significantly associated with the psychological distress of three groups. Culturally competent programs are suggested.

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