Homelessness and Drug Use in Hollywood

Hollywood is probably the most notorious city in Los Angeles, California. With celebrities, busy entertainment districts, media presence and wealth, Hollywood manages to live up to its reputation. Millions of people every year flock to Hollywood to try and catch a break into the film or entertainment industry. Unfortunately, only a small number of these individuals manage to succeed. Some of these aspiring stars find themselves among Hollywood’s substantial homeless population when they are unable to achieve their dreams.

Risks Among Hollywood Homeless Due to Addiction

According to the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, there are 6,411 living on the streets in the San Fernando Valley every single night. Over 5,000 of these people are unable to find space in a shelter for the evening. Some of these will find a way out of their situation quickly, while 2,025 are categorized as chronically homeless.

These individuals are at risk in a number of ways, often dying from cardiovascular complications and trauma every year. However, according to a report by the Los Angeles Coalition for Hunger and Homelessness, the second leading cause of death for individuals on Los Angeles County streets is substance abuse. From 2000 to 2007, 619 homeless Americans died due to substance abuse, 22 percent of the total homeless deaths during that period. According to the report, the top substances abused leading to death were heroin, cocaine, morphine and alcohol. The risk of death on the streets can greatly be reduced by providing treatment to the homeless in Hollywood and the surrounding Los Angeles area.

Rehabilitation in Hollywood, California

Filled with celebrity rehabilitation centers and inpatient and outpatient programs, addiction rehab is extremely easy to come by in Hollywood. Individuals who do not have access to unlimited funds, however, may struggle to a greater degree when it comes to finding treatment. These individuals can explore their options through local medical centers, charities and insurance programs for low-income residents.

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