Heroin and cocaine dependency ‘more prevalent in homeless women than men’

By The Press Association5th August 2015News EnglandDrugs, Homelessness, Housing / Homelessness, News England, Substance Misuse

Dependency on heroin and cocaine is more prevalent among homeless women than men, according to research.

A third (33%) of homeless women reported having used heroin in the last month compared to 28% of men, while 31% of women had taken cocaine or crack cocaine compared to 29% of men.

The research was carried out by Homeless Link, which represents organisations that work directly with people who become homeless in England.

It also found that more women use heroin-substitute methadone than men and there is greater use of other prescription drugs in females.

The study, which looked at 3,355 people experiencing homelessness, also found a greater prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions like depression amongst women.

Overall, nine out of 10 (91%) homeless people reported a mental health difficulty, while 88% said they had a physical health problem.

Nearly two fifths (38%) had visited A&E at least once in the last six months and 37% said they drank alcohol every day.

Jacqui McCluskey, director of policy and communications for Homeless Link, said: “The details revealed by this research may be surprising, but they illustrate how useful a health needs audit can be in accurately assessing the needs of those experiencing homelessness. This evidence is vital for local areas to ensure the most effective responses to people’s needs are commissioned.

“There is a clear link between housing and health needs, which services across both sectors must work together to address. We urge public health, health services and housing and homelessness partners across England to carry out local audits to ensure homeless people in their area have access to the support they need.”

Public Health England’s national director for health and well-being, Professor Kevin Fenton, said: “Homeless people experience significantly worse health than that of the general population, and the cost to the NHS is considerable.

“If we are to make improvements for these very vulnerable people we need to develop our understanding of this population and their specific health needs.”