OBJECTIVES: This study estimates the extent and distribution of specific drug problems among homeless adults. METHODS: A countywide probability sample of 564 homeless adults received structured interviews that included a standardized assessment of substance use disorders. RESULTS: Two thirds of the sample (69.1%) had a lifetime history of a substance use disorder (including abuse of or dependence on alcohol [52.6%] or drugs [52.2%]); half had a current (52.4%) substance use disorder (including alcohol [38.8%] or drugs [31.3%]). Current drug disorders were higher among respondents who were younger, homeless longer, or sampled from the city of Oakland, Calif. Alcohol use disorders were higher among men than among women; surprisingly, drug use disorders were not. CONCLUSION: Rates of current drug use disorders for homeless adults were more than eight times higher than general population estimates. However, estimates of drug problems among homeless adults vary as a function of case ascertainment and sampling strategy. Estimates based only on samples from urban areas may overestimate drug problems among the area's larger homeless populations.

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Twenty homeless people were interviewed about the nature and frequency of their victimization experiences and fear of crime along with their past and current criminal justice involvement. Although this is an exploratory project we have preliminary results which form the basis for more rigorous evaluative studies in the future.

People who are HIV-positive and people who have been diagnosed with AIDS have new hope in the form of antiretroviral medications. However, many social workers remain unaware of the rigors of this treatment regimen and the difficulties it presents. This article presents the results of a qualitative study of HIV-positive individuals who have struggled with the adherence issues endemic to antiretroviral treatment and seeks to give voice to their experiences. The article seeks to educate social workers about antiretroviral treatment for HIV, importance of adherence, and intervention strategies.

Indigenous peoples are overrepresented in the homeless population. This paper examines the extent to which homelessness and some of its possible antecedents and consequences differ for indigenous peoples and majority whites residing in the city of Minneapolis. We conclude that being homeless and indigenous in Minneapolis is a significantly different experience for this group than it is for majority whites. The cultural context of indigenous homelessness reflects higher poverty and inconsistent patterns of employment. It also reflects higher support in family and friend relationships. Higher misuse of alcohol reflects personal disability while lower use of mental health services reflects a structural disability. Discrimination is reflected in previous childhood out-of-home placements. [Article copies available for a feefiont The Haworth Doctunetit Delivery Setvice: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getiilfo@haworthpressitic. corn] [Haworth co-indexing entry note]: "Homeless and Indigenous in Millileapolis." Westerfelt, Alex, and Michael Yellow Bird. Co-published simultaneously in Joirrrml of lfimtofi Behovior iff the Social EfrlhrtnreM (multiple copies of this article are available for a fee from Vie Haworth Dociiment Delivery Service [I -8Oo-.W2-9678,900 a.m. -500 p.m. (EST). E-mail address: getinfo@(iaworthpr~iiic.coml.