Homeless Addicted 2-8-26

Based on data from early 2025, approximately 18% to 26% of adults experiencing homelessness in the U.S. have a chronic substance use disorder, with some estimates suggesting up to 38% abuse alcohol. A major 2025 study found that roughly 37% of adults experiencing homelessness reported regular illicit drug use.  

Key 2025-2026 Data on Homelessness and Addiction

Substance Use Prevalence: A UCSF-led study published in February 2025 reported that while 65% of homeless adults have used drugs regularly at some point in their lives, only about 37% were actively using drugs on a regular basis (three or more times a week) in the prior six months.

Addiction as Cause/Result: While 68% of city officials reported that substance abuse is a leading cause of homelessness for single adults, many people also begin using substances as a coping mechanism after becoming homeless.

Most Common Substances: Contrary to popular belief, methamphetamine is currently more common than opioids among the homeless population, often used to stay awake, alert, and safe, according to the 2025 study.

Overdose Risks: Homeless individuals are nine times more likely to die from an opioid overdose than the general population.

Treatment Access: A significant portion of the homeless population with substance use disorders wants treatment but cannot access it. About 21% of homeless adults in a 2025 study reported trying to get treatment but were unable to. 

While total homelessness has continued to rise, reaching over 771,000 in 2024, the specific percentage of those with active addiction has remained a significant, consistent, and complex component of the overall crisis. 

Precise figures for 2026 are still being finalized as national reporting often lags, but recent data and early 2026 indicators provide the following breakdown of addiction among the U.S. homeless population: 

Substance Use Prevalence: Research published in JAMA (2025/2026) and reported by UC San Francisco indicates that approximately 37% of adults experiencing homelessness report regular illicit drug use.

Chronic Substance Use Disorder: According to KFF (September 2025), roughly 18% of adults experiencing homelessness have a chronic substance use disorder (SUD).

Alcohol vs. Drug Abuse: Historically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has estimated that 38% of homeless individuals abuse alcohol, while 26% abuse other drugs.

Total Population Context: Early January 2026 reporting suggests an overall nationwide decline of 3% to 5% in the total homeless population compared to the record high of 771,480 recorded in 2024.

Chronic Homelessness Growth: Despite the overall dip, Yahoo News reports that the number of "chronically homeless" individuals—those with a disability including substance abuse who have been homeless for a year or more—reached a record high of approximately 152,600. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+us+homeless+are+addicted+in+2026+google

Comments

Addiction can be tracked to Homelessness in 65% of the Homeless population.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader