The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ps.43.2.166

The prevalence of drug abuse among homeless people in New Haven, Connecticut, was examined using questionnaire data collected from 80 percent of all homeless persons (N= 181) residing in the city's five emergency shelters during a four-week study period in 1990. Fifty-four percent of the sample had used drugs during the 30 days before the interview, and almost two-thirds during the previous year. Cocaine was reported to be the most frequently used drug. Almost one-fourth of the sample identified drug use as the primary reason for their homelessness. Drug use was most prevalent among people who had been homeless for six months to three years and less prevalent among newly homeless people and people who had been homeless four years or more.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.