Factors Associated with Substance Use Disorders among Traumatized Homeless Youth.
Publication Date
3-17-2015
Document Type
Article
Organizational Units
Graduate School of Social Work
Keywords
Homeless youth, Protective factors, Risk factors, Substance abuse, Trauma, Victimization
Abstract
This study aimed to identify homeless youths’ lifestyle and trauma-related risk factors as well as protective factors associated with alcohol use disorder or no disorder and drug use disorder or no disorder. Youth receiving homeless services in Denver (n = 201), Austin (n = 200), and Los Angeles (n = 200; N = 601) completed quantitative interviews assessing demographic information, alcohol and drug use, homeless lifestyle risk factors, trauma-related risk factors, and protective factors. Findings showed differences in trauma-related risk factors between alcohol and drug use disorders, but not homeless lifestyle risks. Protective factors predicted substance use disorders beyond risk factors. Understanding trauma-related risk and protective factors associated with substance use disorders could improve interventions.
Publication Statement
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Recommended Citation
Thompson, S. J., Bender, K., Ferguson-Colvin, K., & Kim, Y. (2015). Factors associated with substance use disorders among traumatized homeless youth. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 15(1), 66-89. doi: 10.1080/1533256X.2014.996229