There are not many studies in Spain on substance abuse by the homeless, and even fewer considering such a specific sector of the population as immigrants. The aim of the paper is to analyse substance abuse and find out the influence that this has on the chronifying the situation of the homeless. 107 in-depth interviews were carried out supplemented with psychometric questionnaires about substance abuse, acculturative stress, impact on life of the experience of homelessness and psychological distress. The results show that substance abuse is not massive among the homeless people interviewed. 59.8% (n=64) of the sample did not consume any alcohol and 67.3% (n=72) did not consume any drugs. Almost half of the sample had however abused alcohol throughout their lives and 65% (n=32) believe it has influenced their current homeless situation. Those who currently abuse alcohol show average higher scores on psychological distress and emotional distress as well as greater changes in personal identity as a result of sleeping rough. Alcohol abuse is furthermore one of the most influential variables in the chronicity of the homeless, in turn a risk factor in starting to drink or increasing previous consumption.

immigrants Homeless Substance abuse Psychosocial Social exclusion

[No Keywords available]