The Streets are not A Home for Youth
The United States of America is often referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey," and is known throughout the world as a place of prosperity. While this may be true for some, there is a significant percentage of the American population who lives in poverty. There are many who are so impoverished that they do not even have a place to call home. While homelessness has always existed in America, never before has this nation seen such a high percentage of its youth population living on the streets. Even though Young people often become homeless due to family conflict and substance abuse, youth is at a higher risk for homelessness than adults ("Starry Children At Heart Ministries, Inc.", 2015). In order to reduce the number of homeless youth, society needs to address the high rates of substance abuse, mental illness, and sexual trauma that is experienced by today's young adults.
Substance abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs are prevalent amongst homeless youth. Many, young adolescent young people who became or on the verge of becoming homeless, were brought up in households where drug and alcohol were being used on a regular basis by parents or guardians. Domestic violence and some form of abuse within the home was present. Therefore, prompted the youthful pre-adult youth, encountering a horrible and traumatic adolescence. Subsequently; a high rate is brought up in foster homes, mental organizations, or detained before the age of 16. Many use drugs or alcohol as an expedient to self-medicate so they can deal with the harsh reality of homelessness, not to mention the experiences and abuse they face living on the streets. ("Facts about Youth Homelessness", n.d.). Under these circumstances, self-medicating helps them survive and maintain an awareness of their environment to the potential dangers of life without a home, on the streets.
Accompanying substance abuse. Mental health is another key factor that leads to...