International review : homelessness and substance misuse in Scotland

The Scottish Government Social Research Unit has published a rapid evidence review of services for homeless people with substance misuse problems. The review considers models of service delivery and outcome measurement within a Scottish context.

Among the review's findings:

* There is strong evidence of a mutually reinforcing relationship between these two
social problems.

* There is a strong association between the presence of mental health problems or
severe mental illness among homeless people with substance misuse problems in
Scotland.

* Homeless people with substance misuse problems have a range of needs that can
include support with daily living skills, a requirement for mental health services and a
requirement for support in managing substance misuse.

* There is no strong evidence on the effectiveness of preventative services to counteract
potential homelessness among people with a history of substance misuse.