This capstone synthesizes the literature on the complex relationship between substance abuse and homelessness, emphasizing the bidirectional nature of this connection. The central research question is: What is the directional influence between unstable housing/homelessness and substance abuse?

The review found that addressing whether substance abuse leads to homelessness or vice versa is complex and does not produce a definitive answer. The literature found that substance abuse can often precede homelessness, contributing to job loss, the breakdown of social support networks, and integration into new social circles that encourage substance use (Johnson & Chamberlain, 2008; Vangeest & Johnson, 2002; McVicar et al., 2015). This progression demonstrates how substance abuse disrupts economic stability and social relationships, pushing individuals toward housing instability. Conversely, homelessness can influence or worsen substance use due to harsh living conditions, social isolation, and the normalization of substance use within homeless communities (Johnson & Chamberlain, 2008; Booth et al., 2023). The stress and coping mechanisms associated with homelessness further complicate efforts to manage substance use disorders effectively. Thus, the interplay between substance abuse and homelessness is bidirectional and multifaceted, making it challenging to pinpoint a single causal pathway.

The literature reveals a bidirectional relationship where the conditions of homelessness can intensify substance abuse, while substance abuse may escalate the risk of homelessness. Factors such as systemic inequalities, mental health comorbidities, and social disaffiliation play crucial roles in shaping these dynamics. Because of this complex relationship, there is no definitive answer to the research question. This capstone clarifies the importance of understanding the difficulty in answering this question and recognizing the multifaceted nature of the issue. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted interventions that address the root causes of both substance abuse and homelessness.