Problematic alcohol use history among persons experiencing homelessness in Northwest Arkansas

Little research has attempted to simultaneously understand the myriad of social factors that might amplify or mitigate alcohol misuse patterns among persons experiencing homelessness. Using a sample of homeless adults in Northwest Arkansas (n = 168), the current study explores the role of social vulnerabilities, individual risks, and social and psychological resources on a history of self-reported problematic alcohol use. A series of ordinary least squares regressions were used to model relationships between social vulnerabilities, individual risks, social and psychological resources, and a history of problematic alcohol use. Findings support the notion that social vulnerabilities and individual risks were associated with problematic alcohol use histories. In particular, homeless individuals that were older, male, experiencing recent incarceration, and reported suicidal ideation were more likely to report a higher incidence of a history of problematic alcohol use. We find no evidence that social and psychological resources mitigated problematic alcohol use histories. The study partially corroborates prior evidence of demographic and psychosocial factors associated with understanding the history of problematic alcohol use among persons experiencing homelessness. However, these findings differ measurably with regards to social connectedness, mastery, and an expression of spirituality not being associated with problematic alcohol use histories.