There is one episode, pictured above, where Monk goes to Mexico. The two detectives, when asked what led to the murder, answer, "Drugs...it was drugs...it's always the drugs."
"But the man drowned while sky diving," Monk puzzles.
"Trust me, Monk. It's the drugs."
Before I started interviewing homeless. I had the idea, and still feel many around me have the idea, that in many ways, that is the usually the answer for homelessness. "Why are they homeless?"
"It's the drugs."
Once I started interviewing people, I was surprised how often it was not drugs. Was drugs a significant issue? Yes. Was it the key issue for some. Yes (see story of Oswaldo). But the drugs we usually see as the problem...heroin, meth, cocaine etc... have rarely been the main issue with those I have spoken with.
Yet...it's still the drugs.
What do I mean? It really hit home when I met with Keith.
Keith and Tom in Denver
Keith came to Denver 8 years ago from Pennsylvania. (He has the red shirt). I met Keith and Tom sitting outside a Walmart in Lakewood, Colorado. (Tom's story here) We talked for a while and then Keith and I walked over to a local sub shop and got some food. His story was nothing out of the ordinary. He had worked some in construction in Pennsylvania but was between jobs when he met a girl online and rushed out to Denver to live with her. It lasted two weeks, and after that, he found himself on the streets. Eight years later, he is still there.
But what struck me most about Keith was the topic of conversation. When I approached, he asked, "got any cigs?" I, not surprisingly, did not.
As we walked towards the sandwich shop, he asked, "see any cigs?" hoping that I would notice any half smoked cigarette butts on the ground. Once we were walking out of the sandwich shop he said, "you know cigarettes are so much more expensive here then they are in Pennsylvania." We walked by someone else and he asked them, "you have a cig?" they did not. Then as we walked, he said, "do you have any money for me to get a cig?" A minute or two later, "I sure could use a cig." And then shortly after looking around he said, "It sure is hard to get a cig."
I would love to tell you this conversation was unique to Keith but it is very common among the homeless I speak with. Keith is not a druggy by most definitions. He is not hooked on meth or some other illegal drug. Yet almost 100% of his mental energy goes to an unfulfilled addiction.
I learned how he gets by, by living on the streets and food stamps. Meaning he gets very little actual income. The only cash he sees is from the very occasional odd job and from pan handling. This means that it is entirely possible that 100% of any money he sees, goes to cigarettes. I asked him if he ever looks for work. He looked at me as if the idea hadn't crossed his mind. I firmly believe that he is so in the thralls of this addiction that he rarely thinks about much else.
I felt awful for Keith. I feel awful for anyone trapped in addiction. I don't mean to diminish the negative impact from heroine, meth, cocaine, marijuana and prescription drugs, but I think if we were going to really peel back the true cost to society we would find that these hard drugs negative impacts pail in comparison to that of alcohol and tobacco. I think that you would find that while very few would say they became homeless because of alcohol or tobacco, it is almost universally part of the story.
If you follow this blog at all you will not be surprised to find that I hate homelessness but love the homeless. I do not have very many answers, but no answer that fails to recognize the debilitating nature of even what we see as "socially acceptable" and legal addictions will have the deep impacts that are needed.
Very insightful. It is addiction, including addiction to not working, getting something for nothing, and just plain ol' laziness. Leesa and I are planning doing the same thing, after the kids are gone. We will start by downsizing to the front yard, and then to the Vegas Underground for our retirement because we haven't gotten around to a proper retirement. Living off the street with no work and no responsibility won't be that bad. (No callings either)...
ReplyDeleteIf it wasn't for your wife's spelling her name the way she does I would have missed who this is. You better never become homeless because whose house would we live in during our slow times.
DeleteAddiction can be termed as the compulsive need for usage of substance forming habits, such as alcohol, nicotine and heroin, of which is eventually characterized by obviously physiological signs upon withdrawal as well as tolerance; widely:drug rehab near me and you
ReplyDeleteGood point. Thanks
DeleteUnless you consider the pestering I-don't-wanna-go-an end of the week or-engage in sexual relations without-it emotions. InterveneNow
ReplyDeleteNot sure I understand your point
DeleteThis escalating disorder has become so common, that its truth is based on misconceptions that people have concerning drug abuse as well as addiction.nootropic
ReplyDeleteDespite the fact that alcohol and drug addiction is viewed as a mental health issue, there is no one particular determinant cause. Detoxofsouthfl
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHashish habit, like another habit, causes adjustments in an individual's habits. Majority of the individuals who turn out to be hooked on hashish have problems with melancholy and low shallowness. By smoking hashish, they really feel extra uninhibited and their moods are additionally improved. Due to the great emotions related to smoking hashish, these folks find yourself hooked on it. tips for branding cannabis business
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the way that alcohol and drug addiction is seen as an emotional wellness issue, there is nobody specific determinant cause. Be that as it may, a few people trust that drug addiction and mishandle is a hereditary malady of which is a false truth. A man's situation is cause for the advancement of an inclination reliance drug.driving under the influence
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteattention Im obliged for the blog post.Much thanks again. Will read on...
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying reading your well written articles. It looks like you spend a lot of effort and time on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work. instastalker
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reading.
DeleteThis is great information. thanks for share this post and I like this article. we also provide inpatient alcohol rehab in florida. if you want to use our service then you can visit on our website.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis blog was extremely helpfull. I really appreciate your kindness in sharing this with me and everyone else! Gotu kola Centella asiatica
ReplyDeleteSpecialized care focusing on combating opioid dependency through therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support systems. outpatient addiction treatment
ReplyDelete