Drug use among homeless young people in Los Angeles and Melbourne

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of time spent homeless on young people's substance use and use of drug and alcohol services in two countries with contrasting policy and service environments. METHODS: A crossnational survey was conducted of recently homeless and experienced homeless young people in Melbourne (N = 674) and Los Angeles (N = 620). Questions were asked about alcohol and drug use in the past 3 months, frequency of use, injecting drug use, drug dependency, and perceived need for, and use of, drug and alcohol services. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Substantial numbers of young people reported use of alcohol and drugs. More Australians than Americans and more ..