Patterns of substance use among homeless men residing in urban shelter homes in Delhi.

Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine

Indian journal of psychiatryBalasubramanian Ilambaridhi, Ambekar Atul, Agrawal Alok, et al.Published 4/1/2026Last synced 5/23/2026Status: syncedPMID: 42158517DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry_475_25

Homeless populations are highly vulnerable to substance use, but Indian data are limited. This study aimed to examine the pattern and severity of substance use among homeless men residing in Delhi. In this cross-sectional study, 100 homeless men aged 18-50 years from urban shelters in Delhi were assessed using the World Health Organization Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. The mean age was 32.1 ± 8.0 years. Lifetime substance use was highest for tobacco (91%), alcohol (90%), and cannabis (37%). Current use of any substance, including tobacco, was 86%, and current use of substances other than tobacco was 75%. Among current users, 33 of 74 alcohol users and 11 of 13 opioid users were in the high-risk category. Homeless men residing in urban shelters in Delhi have a high burden of substance use, particularly high-risk alcohol and opioid use, supporting shelter-linked screening and de-addiction services.

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