NCJ Number
158951
Journal
Drugs and Society Volume: 5 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (1991) Pages: 67-109
Date Published
1991
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This study monitored the behavior of a group of homeless people in Anchorage, Alaska, to explore the relationship between drinking and other forms of drug-taking behavior and homelessness.
Abstract
Information about homelessness and other demographic data were derived from the Initial Screening Inventory. The interview included questions on demographics, living arrangements, drinking behavior, treatment history, family history, other drug use, and legal status. Data revealed a largely male, relatively young, and predominantly Alaskan Native homeless population with a rather steady and high alcohol intake level. Drug use also tended to be high among younger individuals. As a whole, however, despite ethnic diversity, the group tended to be more homogeneous than heterogeneous. Homelessness and "skid row" affiliation appeared to be synonymous among street people in Anchorage. Few, if any, had a permanent home or roots in the community other than attempting to survive on the streets. The term "public inebriate" characterized many individuals who seemed to remain consistently intoxicated. Shelters offered food and a respite from the streets but were apparently insufficient to change drinking behavior. More than two-thirds of the sample spent time in jail during their lifetime, and nearly two-thirds were in jail during the past year. 1 note, 4 tables, and 15 figures