This commentary is by Leo Pond of Chittenden, a youth health adviser on Raising Awareness for Youth Services Council, a collaboration of the Vermont Department of Health, UVM Medical Center, and Vermont Afterschool. He is the founder of Blanchards Consulting Group, a political and public relations consulting firm.
The opioid crisis is a significant public health issue that has been ongoing for several years. Our state has been hit particularly hard by the opioid epidemic, with high rates of opioid-related deaths, hospitalizations and overdoses.
This crisis also has a significant impact on the homeless population in Vermont, exacerbating existing challenges and making it more difficult for individuals to overcome homelessness.
The opioid crisis in Vermont is part of a broader national problem. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers, heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The misuse and abuse of these drugs have led to a surge in opioid-related deaths and overdoses across the United States.
In Vermont, this crisis has been particularly severe. According to data from the Vermont Department of Health, in 2022 there were more than 220 opioid-related deaths in the state. This shows an increase over the last three years and is a significant public health concern.
One of the main ways that the opioid crisis in Vermont intersects with homelessness is through the addictiveness of opioids. Many individuals experiencing homelessness struggle with addiction, and opioids are a common drug of choice. Homelessness and addiction are closely linked, as addiction can contribute to homelessness and vice versa.
Individuals who are addicted to opioids may lose their jobs, struggle to maintain interpersonal relationships, and face legal problems, all of which can make it difficult to secure stable housing. These effects can also be found leading the other way, meaning that homelessness can lead to addiction, as individuals who are homeless may turn to drugs as a way to cope with the stress and trauma of living on the streets.
Another way that the opioid crisis in Vermont affects homelessness is through the availability of services. Individuals who are homeless and struggling with addiction often face significant barriers to accessing health care and other resources. In Vermont, there are limited resources available to support individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction, such as treatment centers and affordable housing. This means that many people are unable to access the help they need to overcome addiction and find stable housing.
Additionally, the opioid crisis in Vermont has contributed to the spread of infectious diseases among the homeless population. Injection drug use is a common mode of transmission for diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. When individuals who are homeless share needles, they are at higher risk of contracting these infections. This can create a public health crisis, as these diseases can spread rapidly through the homeless population and beyond.
The opioid crisis in Vermont has also led to an increase in overdose deaths among the homeless population. Individuals experiencing homelessness are at higher risk of overdosing on opioids because they may be using alone or in unsafe locations. Additionally, they may be using opioids of unknown purity, which increases the risk of overdose. This has led to a surge in overdose deaths among the homeless population in Vermont and elsewhere.
To address the opioid crisis in Vermont and its impact on homelessness, a comprehensive approach is needed. This must include expanding access to addiction treatment, increasing funding for affordable housing, and improving access to health care for the homeless population. Additionally, harm reduction strategies like safe injection sites and needle exchange programs can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and overdose deaths.
In conclusion, the opioid crisis in Vermont is a significant public health issue that has had a profound impact on the homeless population. Addiction to opioids is a common problem among individuals experiencing homelessness, and limited access to resources and services can make it difficult for them to overcome addiction and find stable housing. Additionally, the opioid crisis has contributed to the spread of infectious diseases and an increase in overdose deaths among the homeless population.
A comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of addiction and homelessness is needed to address this crisis and improve the health and well-being of Vermonters.
