Giving up on Drugs: Homeless Young People and Self-Reported Problematic Drug Use

Abstract

Numerous studies have revealed high levels of drug-taking among young people experiencing homelessness. This article draws upon 40 in-depth interviews carried out as part of a five-year longitudinal study of homeless young people (Project i). It is noteworthy that almost all of those who identified their drug use as problematic gave up or reduced their level of use without treatment or professional assistance during the period of the study. The interviews provided insight into the way in which some young people experiencing homelessness view their drug use and the actions they take in light of these understandings. Here we report their stated reasons for giving up or reducing usage and iden..