Homelessness & Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Recovery-Oriented Housing & Achieving Healthy Lifestyles

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When we see homeless people on the streets, we often wonder how did they get there? The relationship between homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders is complex and multi-dimensional. To effectively break this cyclical relationship, we must understand treatment for substance use disorders is effective and recovery is possible, but it takes work.

With the help of evidence-based behavioral, clinical, medication-assisted treatment regimens, and recovery support services, individuals can enjoy independent and productive lives in the community. This hour-long program called Homelessness & Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Recovery-Oriented Housing & Achieving Healthy Lifestyles will examine the relationship between homelessness and substance use disorder treatment from both a program perspective and a policy perspective.

It will also explore the issues of permanent supportive housing, comprehensive treatment protocols, and recovery support systems to assist individuals in achieving life-long positive physical and emotional health outcomes in long-term recovery. We can help break the cycle of homelessness.

Key Concepts:

• What are the characteristics of persons who experience homelessness?
• Why are veterans at particular risk for homelessness and substance use disorders?
• Among youth, how are homelessness and substance abuse related?
• What is meant by an "integrated services system" for persons who are homeless and have a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders?
• What role do supported housing programs play in addressing homelessness and facilitating treatment and recovery?
• What resources are available for someone who has a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders, or for someone who is homeless?
• If someone has a family member or other loved one with these issues, what resources are available?

Hosted By:

Ivette Torres, associate director for Consumer Affairs, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Content Providers:

Dr. H. Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., CAS, FASAM, Director, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Richard Cho, Director, Innovations and Research, Corporation for Supportive Housing;

Robert Kershaw, Business Owner, Outreach worker, Oxford House Incorporated

Jesse B. Milby, Ph.D., ABPP, Director, Medical Psychology, Substance Abuse & Homeless Research Program, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham

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