Homelessness and gender in out-of-treatment drug users

This study examines 5225 out-of-treatment crack users and drug injectors dr awn from five different geographic areas to examine selected factors associ ated with homelessness. Of these crack users, 27% considered themselves und omiciled, and 60% had previously entered some type of drug treatment. Logis tic regression found that substance abusers who were married, female, and p ersons of color were less likely to be without a home when other variables were controlled. Trading sex for money and perceived chance of getting acqu ired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were associated positively with homel essness, while participating in methadone detoxification and methadone main tenance programs seemed to offer some protection from homelessness.