The challenges of comorbidities: a qualitative analysis of substance use disorders and offending behavior within homelessness in the UK

Homelessness and rough sleeping are currently on the rise in England. Literature evidences an empirical relationship between substance use disorders and offending behavior within homelessness. This qualitative study explores this relationship from the perspective of those currently experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders, with an offending history. Thematic analysis identified substance use disorders as the dominant factor in the continuous relationship between three. Furthermore, when discussing their experiences of prison, participants did not identify prison as a deterrent from committing offenses. Feelings of stigmatization and marginalization from mainstream society were also identified, but participants expressed feelings of social inclusion within their marginalized groups. These findings, and their implications for support services in the community, are discussed in this paper.