Community Voices in Recovery – Addiction Among Those Experiencing Homelessness

Addiction can contribute to experiences of homelessness, and experiences of homelessness can also contribute to future addiction and mental health struggles. Individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to experience an addictive disorder and mental health needs than the general population. This module offers tools for you to best support clients experiencing homelessness.

Learners will earn 1.0 hour of continuing education (CE) credit for completing this module, which includes passing a 10-question post-module quiz..

M-TAC strongly recommends that learners complete the Primary Course Series prior to completing any of the Supplemental Course Series modules to gain foundational knowledge about addiction along with specific tips and tactics for treating marginalized patients.

Learning Objectives 

As a result of completing “Addiction Among Those Experiencing Homelessness”, you will be better prepared to: 

1. Explain the various types of homelessness, including how homelessness intersects with physical health, mental health, and healthcare more generally.  

2. Identify barriers to accessing healthcare treatment as an individual experiencing homelessness.   

3. Identify interventions that providers can use to gain a more overarching understanding of the needs facing their clients who are experiencing homelessness.  

4. List 3 ways in which you as a provider can build rapport and foster supportive relationships with clients experiencing homelessness. 

Continuing Education (CE) credits 

• American Psychological Association (APA) – The Division on Addiction is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Division on Addiction maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program offers 1.0 hour of continuing education (CE) credit. 
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – This program has been approved for 1.0 Social Work Continuing Education hour for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D92045. 
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – The Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment is authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to sponsor, conduct or approve continuing education programs for alcohol and drug counselors/assistants (LADCs). This program offers 1.0 hour of continuing education (CE) credit. 
• National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) – This course has been approved by the Division on Addiction, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 1 CE. NAADAC Provider #84058, the Division on Addiction is responsible for all aspects of its programming.
• The Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC) – MBSACC does not accredit online trainings but will recognize most online trainings approved by NASW. 

Funding Statement: The Division on Addiction and Health Resources in Action collaborated to produce this M-TAC course, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services. The instructors have no financial interests that might create a conflict of interest in the development or delivery of this training. Click here to access our full list of our funders and conflict of interest/grievance policies and procedures.