Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) have unique risks and struggles, including opioid and other drug use. With 79% of study samples reporting opioid use and 52% reporting drug-related overdose, the opioid epidemic has disproportionately affected youth who are homeless. Housing First interventions employ housing as a basic human right and assert that housing should be provided first, regardless of engagement in other treatments. While a unique opioid prevention intervention, housing first strategies serve as a baseline for other beneficial interventions targeting drug use. This recorded presentation is designed for psychiatrists, physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses/nurse practitioners, social workers, psychologists, other mental health clinicians working in a community health capacity.
