Statistics from early and late 2025 and earlier reports indicate that approximately 38% of homeless individuals abuse alcohol and 26% abuse other drugs. A recent 2025 study found that about 37% of homeless people regularly use illicit drugs.
It is important to note that many people with substance use disorders (SUD) also have co-occurring mental health issues, and data collection methods vary between reports, leading to a range of estimates.
Key Statistics on Substance Abuse and Homelessness
Alcohol Abuse: Roughly 38% of people experiencing homelessness have an alcohol dependency.
Drug Abuse: About 26% abuse drugs other than alcohol.
Recent Illicit Drug Use: A UCSF-led study published in February 2025 found that approximately 37% of homeless adults reported regular illicit drug use in the prior six months.
Chronic SUD (HUD Data): The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) 2024 point-in-time (PIT) count reported that 18% of homeless adults had a chronic substance use disorder, though this only includes individuals meeting a specific severity threshold.
Cause vs. Effect: Research indicates a strong correlation, but addiction is often both a cause and a consequence of homelessness, with many individuals starting to use substances as a coping mechanism after becoming homeless.
Treatment Access: A significant number of homeless individuals with substance abuse issues want help but face barriers to accessing treatment.
In 2025, data from federal agencies and major research studies indicates that approximately 20% to 40% of the U.S. homeless population has a substance use disorder. While the total number of people experiencing homelessness reached a record high of approximately 771,480 in 2024, the majority do not have an active addiction.
Key
Substance Abuse Statistics (2025)
Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and recent 2025 large-scale studies provide the following breakdown:
Alcohol Abuse: Approximately 38% of the homeless population struggles with alcohol dependency.
Drug Abuse: About 26% to 37% of individuals report regular illicit drug use.
Chronic
Homelessness: Among the chronically homeless, the rate of primary
substance use disorders or chronic health conditions is estimated to be as high
as two-thirds (approx. 66%).
Veterans: Nearly two-thirds of homeless veterans suffer from alcohol or drug abuse issues.
Substance Specifics
Most Common Drugs: Methamphetamines are the most frequently used illicit drug among the homeless population, with 32% of adults reporting regular use, compared to 11% for opioids and 3% for cocaine.
Usage Context: A 2025 study found that 23.2% of substance-using participants began using drugs after becoming homeless, often as a coping mechanism for the trauma of living on the streets.
Barriers
to Care
A
critical finding in 2025 reports is that while many unhoused individuals seek
help, approximately 20% to 21% of those regularly using drugs or
alcohol are actively trying to receive treatment but are unable to access
services due to funding shortages or lack of low-barrier care.
These findings highlight 2025 statistics on the percentage of U.S. homeless individuals struggling with alcohol or drug addiction:
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+us+homeless+are+alcoholic+or+drug+addicted+2025
Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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