The relationship between substance use and housing instability

Abstract

The relationship between substance use and housing instability is an understudied research area (Hudson & Nandy, 2012). This study aims to explore the relationship between substance use and the housing experiences of adults, using cross-sectional data from the Alberta Drug Use and Health Survey (n = 531). In Canada, patterns of illicit drug use are constantly changing, and the current opioid crisis invokes a need to re-examine the health behaviours and public health implications of individuals who use drugs (Zuckermann et al., 2020). Study findings provide insights into the nature of substance use and housing instability in this population and may elucidate potential interventions to reduce homeless rates in this group.