Vulnerable people at risk of homelessness and alcohol dependency need positive support networks in times of crisis, a new study suggests

This report highlights the impact that significant life events, such as deaths, births, employment/unemployment and secure/unsecure relationships, can have on alcohol consumption and living situation. “The results demonstrate how low levels of support during times of crisis can lead to homelessness and alcohol dependency and it is often an accumulation of adverse life events that result in this.” Dr James Nicholls, Director of Research and Policy Development at Alcohol Research UK said: “The complex relationship between alcohol dependence, homelessness and social support needs to be better understood.  It affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and contributes to major burdens on social and health services. “This small study suggests how involving homeless drinkers directly in research, and supporting them in telling their own life stories, can shed light on the points at which interventions can be most effective.  In an era of increasing homelessness, and huge cuts to alcohol treatment services, work such as this is important in helping direct increasingly scarce resources.  It demonstrates the importance of identifying those who may be at risk of homelessness and alcohol dependency at an early stage and promoting positive and constructive networks to help people during challenging periods in their lives.” Research methods This was a small exploratory study which was conducted with participants from the homeless community in Merseyside, UK, us...
Source: Alcohol Research UK - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: News alcohol services homeless Source Type: news