Aim: To empirically assess the relationship between homelessness and the use of psychoactive substances, with particular emphasis on the identification of the most commonly used substances and the explanation of the basic sources of financing their acquisition. Material and methods: The study was conducted in Warsaw from December 2024 to February 2025. The research sample consisted of 50 people in the homelessness crisis (46 men and 4 women), recruited from people living on the streets, in shelters and shelters. A mixed quantitative-qualitative method was used, using the CAPI technique and a self-developed research questionnaire containing closed and open questions. Results: The vast majority of respondents (80%) declared the use of psychoactive substances. Legal substances such as cigarettes and alcohol were the most frequently reported. The main sources of income for the purchase of substances were begging (transshipment, collection of secondary raw materials) and social assistance. Statistical analysis of the sample showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between homelessness status and substance use. Conclusions: The results of this study support the hypothesis of a two-way relationship between addiction and homelessness, substance use may act as both a risk factor for homelessness and a coping mechanism for homelessness. The results point to the need for further in-depth research and the development of integrated interdisciplinary strategies to support people experiencing homelessness. Such strategies should include addiction treatment, social intervention and reintegration programmes.
Michurska et al. (Wed,) studied this question.