Substance Use and Treatment Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: 1992–2017

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to describe the patterns in substance use and treatment utilization from admissions to publicly funded treatment programs among youth (aged 12–24 years) experiencing homelessness between the years of 1992 and 2017. MethodsWe used the concatenated Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Episode Data Set Admissions (total youth admissions, n = 5,153,775; and youth reported being homeless at the time of admission, n = 241,310). Prevalence estimates and binary logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios to identify the differences among youth who reported being homeless or housed at the time of the treatment. ResultsHomeless youth had higher odds than housed youth to self-refer for treatment; to enroll in treatment for cocaine/crack, heroin, or methamphetamine; and to receive treatment in 24-hour detoxication facilities or long-term residential facilities. Additional differences were identified among youth aged 12–17 years and youth aged 18–24 years and by sex within the homeless youth population. ConclusionsThis analysis provides a picture of treatment utilization patterns by youth who are experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder, by exploring differences by housing status among admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities.