An empirical comparison of substance and alcohol dependence patterns in the homeless in Madrid (Spain) and Los Angeles (CA, USA)

Abstract

The pattern of results is discussed in the light of the differences in both socioeconomic and cultural among Madrid and Los Angeles which might explain, in turn, differences in the homelessness situation as well as in the alcohol and other drug use patterns.

Associations of Housing Status With Substance Abuse Treatment and Service Use Outcomes Among Veterans

“…Consistent with the literature (4)(5)(6)(7)(8), this study found that participants experiencing homelessness during the six months before study enrollment had more severe alcohol, medical, employment, legal, and psychiatric problems than participants with housing. Consistent with the literature (4)(5)(6)(7)(8), this study found that participants experiencing homelessness during the six months before study enrollment had more severe alcohol, medical, employment, legal, and psychiatric problems than participants with housing.…”

Mental health disorders among homeless, substance‐dependent men who have sex with men

“…High rates of stimulant and alcohol dependence evidenced by participants reflect known substance use patterns among MSM and substance dependence patterns among homeless populations in Los Angeles County [24,25]. The high rates of depression, ASPD and PTSD observed in the sample suggest both causes and/or consequences of experiencing homelessness in a major metropolitan area of the US.…”

Absence of protein-energy malnutrition in Prague homeless

“…The prevalence of alcohol dependence in homeless populations is generally high and can be as high as 86 % [22]. Very high (73 %) lifetime prevalence rates (defi ned as the percentage of individuals who report having been diagnosed with the disorder in their lifetime, regardless of current diagnostic status) were reported by Fichter & Quadfl ieg [23] in male homeless adults in Munich; lower rates have been found elsewhere -Madrid 28 % [24], Paris 25 % [25]. In Los Angeles, alcoholism was detected in 60 % of homeless men.…”