Homeless adult male substance abusers : alcohol dependence and factors related to treatment alacrity

Abstract

Substance abuse is the number one health problem in the homeless population. This descriptive secondary data analysis of Amity Settlement Services for Education and Transition Project (ASSET) program baseline data used the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) as a conceptual framework to answer twenty-three research questions. Correlations between research variables and two group comparisons were done with selfreport data from 313 homeless adult male substance abusers enrolled in the ASSET program and a non-equivalent comparison group of 118 homeless adult male substance abusers not seeking treatment in the ASSET program. The two independent samples demonstrated similar demographic characteristics and substance use patterns. Correlations between study variables revealed relationships between reported alcohol dependence, perception of alcohol problem, and perceived bother concerning alcohol problem. Treatment-seekers viewed their alcohol problem as more serious, were more bothered by their alcohol problem, had higher self-predicted success in treatment, and had stronger treatment motivation and readiness than nonseekers. Non-seekers reported spending significantly more money on alcohol in the prior thirty days and having had experienced significantly more lifetime episodes of delirium and tremors related to cessation of alcohol use than treatment-seekers. Application of the findings to the RAM facilitate assessment and promotion of substance abuse treatment alacrity by advanced practice nurses working with the homeless substance abusing population.