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Where Does Child Poverty in America Exist?

When you shine a light on where poverty has the strongest grip on children's lives in America, it's most often in our wide open spaces.

The most severe poverty is found in rural communities heavily clustered in the South, where more than three-quarters of impoverished counties are located. Mississippi alone is home to 13 rural counties with severe poverty, mainly in the Delta region.

Severe rates of rural poverty are also found in Georgia, Louisiana and South Dakota, where, in some counties, two-thirds or more of rural children live in poverty.

The vast majority of poor, rural African American children live in the South, where child poverty rates are also historically the highest.

Native American children, whose poverty is concentrated in the Southwest and Northern Plains, and Alaskan native children have the second highest rural poverty rate at almost 40%.

One-third of rural Hispanic children are poor; their poverty is concentrated in the South and West.

Conditions in some rural communities rival those in developing countries. In much of Appalachia, for example, many families live on less than $2 a day, and life expectancy is lower than in Bangladesh and Vietnam.

But location does not have to determine destiny. There are poor, rural counties across America that are beating the odds and giving their children the foundation they need for a successful future. In Lauderdale County, Tennessee, where the poverty rate is 35% and 1 in 3 kids are growing up impoverished, the school district worked hard to ensure the success of Lauderdale's children--and it's paid off. The county is among the nation's top for on-time high school graduation.

Want to learn more? Here's how to help.

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Poverty in America and the Childhood Equity Gap

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When you shine a light on where poverty has the strongest grip on children's lives in America, it's most often in our wide open spaces. The most severe poverty is found in rural communities heavily clustered in the South, where more than three-quarters of impoverished counties are located.

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Mental health: Definition, common disorders, early signs, and more

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Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. We define mental health, explain different disorders, and assess potential treatments.

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https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/

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What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease defined by a physical and psychological dependence on drugs, alcohol, or a behavior. A person with an addiction will often pursue their toxic habits despite putting themselves or others in harm's way.

An addiction heavily impacts the way a person thinks, feels, and acts. Many individuals with addiction disorders are aware they have a problem but have difficulty stopping on their own.

While it can be tempting to try a drug or addictive activity for the first time, it's all too easy for things to go south - especially in the case of drug and alcohol abuse. People develop tolerances when they repeatedly abuse substances over time. That means larger amounts of drugs or alcohol are required to achieve the desired effects, escalating the nature of the addiction.

Prolonged substance abuse can result in a dangerous cycle of addiction: one where people need to continue using drugs or alcohol in order to avoid the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal. By the time people realize they have a problem drugs or alcohol may have already seized control, causing users to prioritize substance abuse over everything else that was once important in their lives.

No one ever plans to become addicted. There are countless reasons why someone would try a substance or behavior. Some are driven by curiosity and peer pressure, while others are looking for a way to relieve stress. Children who grow up in environments where drugs and alcohol are present have a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) down the road. Other factors that might steer a person toward harmful substance use behavior include:

Genetics

Research estimates that genetics account for 40 to 60% of a person's likelihood of developing an SUD.

Mental Health Disorders

People with mental health disorders are more likely to develop an SUD than the general population.

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Addiction And The Brain

Excessive substance abuse affects many parts of the body, but the organ most impacted is the brain. When a person consumes a substance such as drugs or alcohol, the brain produces large amounts of dopamine; this triggers the brain's reward system. After repeated drug use, the brain is unable to produce normal amounts of dopamine on its own. This means addicted people may struggle to find enjoyment in pleasurable activities, like spending time with friends or family, when they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug dependency, it's vital to seek treatment as soon as possible. All too often people try to get better on their own, but this can be difficult and, in some cases, dangerous.

Recognizing And Understanding Addiction

Identifying an SUD can be a complicated process. While some signs of addiction are obvious, others are more difficult to recognize. Many people who realize they have a problem will try to hide it from family and friends, making it harder to tell whether someone is struggling.

Television, media, and film often depict people with SUDs as criminals or individuals with moral shortcomings. The truth is, there's no single face of addiction. Anyone can develop patterns of abuse or risky behaviors, no matter their age, culture, or financial status.

The Difference Between Addiction And Dependence

The terms "addiction" and "dependence" are often confused or used interchangeably. While there is some overlap, it's important to understand the major differences between the two.

A dependence is present when users develop a physical tolerance to a substance. They may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug altogether. Usually a dependency is resolved by slowly tapering off the use of a particular substance.

On the other hand, an addiction occurs when extensive drug or alcohol use has caused a person's brain chemistry to change. Addictions manifest themselves as uncontrollable cravings to use drugs, despite the harm done to oneself or others. The only way to overcome an addiction is through treatment.

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Diagnosing An Addiction

Identifying addiction is like diagnosing any other illness. The patient is examined by a medical professional for symptoms meeting specific, scientific criteria defining the illness in question. One of the best tools for spotting addiction is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

The criteria outlined in the DSM are generally accepted and used by professionals to help determine the presence and severity of an SUD. They include:

Lack Of Control

The substance is used in larger amounts or over a longer time than the person originally intended. Those with problematic substance use patterns may feel as though someone else is choosing their actions for them, and may find themselves taking steps to acquire and use drugs without an abundance of conscious awareness of how they got there.

Desire To Limit Use

Users may want to cut back on use but are unable to do so. They may repeatedly say to others and to themselves that they plan on quitting, and quitting very soon at that. There can be a clear knowing that misuse of substances isn't the proverbial "right thing to do."

Time Spent

A considerable amount of time is spent trying to acquire a substance. Those who struggle with addiction may plan out how they are going to acquire their desired substance, spend a long time executing their plan (especially if things go wrong), and then spend time under the effects of the substance - possibly incapacitated by its effects and aftereffects.

Cravings

The user experiences an intense desire or urge to use the drug. Recurring thoughts of using, or of the feelings that one anticipates after using, may occur at various points throughout the day or night. These can be incredibly unpleasant and distracting.

Lack Of Responsibility

Substance use takes priority over work, school, or home obligations. Sick days may be used more often, plans may be made and then canceled at the last minute, and there may be a variety of excuses and rationalizations that are ostensibly concerned with external circumstances but are actually driven by addiction.

Problems With Relationships

Interpersonal relationships are consistently strained from drug use. Friends may become alienated, trying to help but feeling unsure of how to do so. Family members may feel the same way; home life can suffer, divorce may occur, and psychosocial support can dwindle.

Loss Of Interest

The user stops engaging in important social or recreational activities in favor of drug use. Much like with depression, there no longer seems to be any reward in participating in hobbies or interests that once held charm.

Dangerous Use

Use continues despite dangerous circumstances. Users may find themselves living in dwellings with other users, potentially sharing drug paraphernalia in a way that may contribute to disease. Intoxicated driving can occur, which can end in death.

Worsening Situations

Use continues despite worsened physical or psychological problems. A downward spiral may take shape; users may see the conditions of their lives deteriorating around them and decide that, given the situation, they may as well continue taking drugs. This only makes matters even more dire.

Tolerance

Larger amounts of the substance are needed to achieve the desired effects. One or 2 drinks can become 3 or 4, climbing upwards from there. A joint can become a bong, which can turn into a dab. Doses increase as the brain adjusts itself to the repeated stimuli it is being given in an attempt to maintain homeostasis.

Withdrawal

This can be physical and emotional. Side effects may include anxiety, irritability, nausea, and vomiting. In the case of severe alcoholism, withdrawal can even be fatal; delirium tremens, a condition that can cause hallucinations and seizures, is one hazard an alcohol user that drinks heavily should be careful to guard against.

Warning Signs Of Addiction

Addictions begin with experimentation with a substance. There are many reasons someone might initially try a drug: curiosity, peer pressure, stress, and problems at work or home being some of them.

If you are concerned someone you care about is struggling with addiction, there are several red flags you can look for. However, it's important to remember everyone is different; it may be harder to detect an addiction in some people than in others. That being said, here are some general warning signs to be aware of:

Ignoring commitments or responsibilities

Problems at work, school, or home

Unexplained absences

Appearing to have a new set of friends

Considerable monetary fluctuations

Changes in sleep pattern

Lapses in concentration or memory

Being oddly secretive about parts of personal life

Withdrawal from normal social contacts

Sudden mood swings and changes in behavior

Unusual lack of motivation

Weight loss or changes in physical appearance

No one expects to develop an addiction when they begin experimenting. But continued experimentation can lead to addiction, often unknowingly to the individual using the substance.

What Is Addiction?

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Addiction Statistics

Millions of Americans struggle with some form of addiction. If you are one of them, know you are not alone - and that many treatment options exist to help you overcome your addiction. Find addiction statistics here.

The Controlled Substances Act

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is a law that regulates legal and illegal drugs in the United States. Under the CSA, drugs are categorized into different "schedules" according to a drug's perceived danger and potential for dependence. For example, Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug because of its illegal status and extremely addictive qualities. Legal medications on the other hand, such as over-the-counter Painkillers and cough Suppressants, are categorized as Schedule V because of their low chances for abuse.

The CSA's drug scheduling system exists for several reasons. In common cases, the system is used by judges to help them determine sentences for drug-related crimes. It is also helpful for medical professionals when writing prescriptions.

Polydrug Use

A majority of people who seek treatment for an SUD are struggling with a dependence on more than one type of substance. Polydrug use involves the consumption of one type of substance alongside another. This is often done to intensify a drug's pleasurable effects or to reduce its unpleasant side effects.

A person may take a Stimulant such as Adderall, for example, to counteract the Sedative effects of an Opioid, such as Oxycodone. Mixing multiple types of drugs together is extremely dangerous and can potentially lead to overdose and death.

The Most Common Addictions

Millions of people around the world struggle with SUDs. Some of the most common drugs that impede people's lives include:
Read all 10 of the most common addictions here.
Treatment For Addiction

No matter your situation, help is available. Contact a treatment provider today who can help you understand your treatment options.

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Addiction to drugs and alcohol affects millions of people nationwide. Learn about how addiction develops and what you can do beat it.

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https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression

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Across most generations, genders and demographics in the U.S., drug use has increased. Whether discussing heroin, prescription drugs, marijuana or synthetics, American drug abuse has reached alarming levels. With so much information available about the dangers of drug use and headline after headline about record opioid abuse and overdoses, one would think that these numbers would be headed in the opposite direction. Why have Americans seemingly gone backwards in the fight against drug abuse?

Current Prevalence of Drug Use and Abuse in America

Being that drugs are illegal and many individuals are not likely to openly speak about their drug habits, determining the exact scope of drug use in the U.S. is nearly impossible. There are, however, several surveys, studies and reports that suggest that American drug use is extremely high, perhaps even approaching historic levels.[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6]

Quest Diagnostics, one of the nation's leading providers of employee drug testing, reported in September of 2015 that the percentage of employees testing positive for drugs had reached a 10-year high. This was based on an analysis of nearly 11 million drug test results, in which 4 percent of urine tests were positive, an increase of 2.6 percent from 2014. In oral drug testing, there was a positive test increase of 47 percent over the previous three years, and positive urine tests for heroin have increased 146 percent since 2011.

In 2014, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that an estimated 24.6 million Americans over the age of 12 had used an illicit drug during the last month. This accounted for 9.4 percent of the demographic, which is an increase from 8.3 percent in 2002.

According to the U.N.'s World Drug Report 2016, the amount of heroin users in the United States hit a 20-year high. The number of heroin users in the U.S. reached near one million in 2014, representing a three-fold increase from 2003. Heroin-related deaths have increased five-fold since 2000.

Results from the European Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) combined with those from the U.S. Monitoring the Future Survey revealed that American teens have high rates of illicit drug use when compared with European teens. On average, 18 percent of European students had used an illicit drug in their lifetimes, compared to 35 percent of U.S. students.

Since 1999, the number of drug overdose deaths involving opioids in the U.S. has quadrupled, totaling over a half a million fatalities during that period.

While we now know more than ever about the dangers of drug abuse, it appears that this knowledge has failed to act as a deterrent. Heroin use and overdoses have skyrocketed, more people are using and abusing prescription drugs than ever before and the rise of synthetic drugs has created a potentially more dangerous threat.[7]

Who is Doing More Drugs?

With drug abuse being so rampant in the U.S., it's safe to say that there are no demographics that are immune to the temptation of drug abuse. However, there are some specific groups who have seen significant increases in drug consumption over the past decade. The biggest change in drug use has been among groups that aren't typically viewed as demographics prone to substance abuse.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the gaps in heroin use between men and women and rich and poor have narrowed throughout the 21st century.[8] From 2002 to 2013, the rate of heroin use among women increased 100 percent. During the same time, the rate of heroin use among people in households making $50,000 or more annually increased 60 percent.[9]
Women: Affluent: Baby Boomers:
Why Are People Doing More Drugs than Ever?

It's clear that drug abuse and addiction have increased in the U.S. over the last decade or so, what's unclear are the specific reasons why, though there are several theories. The most obvious potential explanation is the rise in chronic pain leading to an increase in opioid prescriptions, which has paved a path to heroin abuse and addiction.

At some point, Americans began suffering from chronic pain at higher levels than ever before. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that 11.2 percent of American adults experience chronic pain and 17.6 percent struggle with severe pain. An estimated 126 million Americans reported some level of pain, according to the organization's data.[15] When you consider that prescription painkillers are the most likely remedy to be prescribed to these adults and that prescription drug abuse is the strongest risk factor for heroin abuse or addiction, the correlation becomes clearer.

"People addicted to painkillers are 40 times more likely to abuse heroin." - Source: Centers for Disease Control"

Changing Views on Drugs

Americans of all ages have a different perception of the dangers of drug use than in the past. This is especially true of marijuana, with several states now legalizing it for recreational and medicinal use. In 1969, a Gallup poll of 1,028 adults from across the nation revealed that only 12 percent were in favor of marijuana legalization. In 2001, that number had swelled to 31 percent. However, a 2015 poll showed that 58 percent were in favor of legalizing the drug.[17]

While favorable views on marijuana don't necessarily equate to favorable views on all other drugs, it's not too far of a stretch. The most recent Monitoring the Future Survey reported that fewer 10th graders than from the previous survey perceived a risk in taking inhalants, synthetic cathinones, crack or Vicodin occasionally.[18]

America is Stressed Out

Perhaps the simplest explanation for the increase in substance abuse in America is our collective mental state. Several employee surveys have shown that American workers are struggling with high levels of stress and anxiety related to job security, income and the threat of discrimination.

A 2015 study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), measuring stress on a scale from one-10 found that the average stress level for Americans stood at 5.1, a slight increase from the year before. Of those surveyed, nearly one-quarter reported "extreme stress." Since introducing the survey in 2007, the APA has consistently found that money and work were the top two sources of stress reported among Americans.[19] The survey also found that 61 percent of adults reported experiencing unfair treatment on a day-to-day basis and that it resulted in higher levels of stress.

Another survey, which included 500 American workers, revealed that 90 percent of workers were stressed out about finances. More than 50 percent of those surveyed reported "moderate" or "significant stress."[20] There are many reasons why people choose to abuse drugs or alcohol, but few have the same impact of stress.[21]

How to Reverse the Trend

Despite the war on drugs and several other efforts to curb drug use in America, these efforts have only been successful in small groups. The best way to reduce drug abuse in the nation is for parents and community leaders to take proactive approaches to substance abuse prevention. This includes recognizing the risk factors for developing an SUD and the signs of abuse, among many other things.
Common Risk Factors for Addiction:[22] Signs of Substance Abuse:[23]

Poor education

Mental illness

Poverty

Parental substance abuse

Environment

Problems at school or work

Physical health issues

Neglected appearance

Behavioral changes

Unexplained money spending

In most cases, prevention of drug use begins at home and school. Parents need to lead by example, and educators need to be diligent in talking about the dangers of substance abuse. Among young and older adults, finding drug-free pain management alternatives in addition to healthy ways to manage stress would go a long way in reducing drug use.

Unfortunately, substance abuse and drug addiction are inevitable in every society. Natural curiosity, youthful rebelliousness and many other factors will always make it so people experiment with drugs. In some cases, that experimentation grows to abuse and then addiction. It's at this time that you need trained professionals to help you fight back against addiction, and Unity Behavioral Health is ready to lead the way. We offer dozens of programs to treat all kinds of drug addictions. To begin drug rehab or learn more, contact us at 561-708-5295.

1. newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/2016-09-15-Drug-Positivity-in-U-S-Workforce-Rises-to-Nearly-Highest-Level-in-a-Decade-Quest-Diagnostics-Analysis-Finds

2. www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/nationwide-trends

3. www.reuters.com/article/us-drugs-usa-heroin-idUSKCN0Z90UX

4. www.unodc.org/wdr2016/

5. www.monitoringthefuture.org/pressreleases/16ESPADpr.pdf

6. www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/

7. www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/testimony-to-congress/2016/americas-addiction-to-opioids-heroin-prescription-drug-abuse

8. www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2015/p0707-heroin-epidemic.html

9. www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/heroin/infographic.html

10. www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/addiction-update/alcoholism-drug-dependence-and-women

11. www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUHresultsPDFWHTML2013/Web/NSDUHresults2013.pdf

12. www.drugfree.org/news-service/study-finds-rich-kids-more-likely-to-use-drugs-than-poor/

13. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410945/

14. claad.org/cdc-data-shows-rx-abuse-and-overdose-deaths-on-the-rise-for-baby-boomers/

15. nccih.nih.gov/news/press/08112015

16. www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2015/p0707-heroin-epidemic.html

17. www.gallup.com/poll/186260/back-legal-marijuana.aspx

18. www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/monitoring-future-survey-high-school-youth-trends

19. time.com/4253107/americans-are-getting-more-stressed-out-study-finds/

20. www.workplaceoptions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/WPOResults-financial-stress-feb-2016.pdf

21. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2732004/

22. www.drugabuse.gov/publications/preventing-drug-abuse-among-children-adolescents/chapter-1-risk-factors-protective-factors/what-are-risk-factors

23. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/basics/symptoms/con-20020970

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Across most generations, genders and demographics in the U.S., drug use has increased. Whether discussing heroin, prescription drugs, marijuana or synthetics, American drug abuse has reached alarming levels. With so much information available about the dangers of drug use and headline after headline about record opioid abuse and overdoses, one would think that these numbers would be headed in the opposite direction.

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In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2019, 4.7% of adults aged 18 years or older reported regular feelings of depression, and 11.2% reported regular feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety. ¹ Forty percent of Americans with a 12-month history of severe mental disorders do not receive any treatment. ² Disorders were assessed by structured diagnostic interview using the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic following DSM-IV criteria. The analyzed disorders included mood (ie, major depressive disorder, dysthymia, or bipolar disorder type I or II), anxiety (ie, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobia), posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders (ie, alcohol or drug abuse or dependence). In lower- and middle-income countries, this figure can exceed 75%. ²

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased mental health care needs while simultaneously restricting access, with unknown long-term consequences. From August 2020 to February 2021, the CDC described an increase in the proportion of adults reporting recent symptoms of anxiety or depression from 36.4% to 41.5%, with the fraction reporting unmet mental health care needs increasing from 9.2% to 11.7%. ³ Among children and adolescents, the proportion of mental health-related emergency department visits for those aged 5 to 11 years and 12 to 17 years increased 24% and 31%, respectively, compared with 2019. ⁴

Dr Darcy is a clinical research psychologist, an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, and the founder and president of Woebot Health. Dr Mariano is a practicing psychiatrist, an adjunct assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, and vice president and medical director of Woebot Health.

References
1. Norris T, Clark TC, Boersma P, Schiller JS. Technical notes for early release of selected estimates based on data from the National Health Interview Survey. National Center for Health Statistics. February 2021. Accessed June 25, 2021.

2. Wang PS, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, et al. Use of mental health services for anxiety, mood, and substance disorders in 17 countries in the WHO world mental health surveys. Lancet. 2007;370(9590):841-850.

3. Vahratian A, Blumberg SJ, Terlizzi EP, Schiller JS. Symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder and use of mental health care among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic - United States, August 2020-February 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2021;70(13):490-494.

4. Leeb RT, Bitsko RH, Radhakrishnan L, et al. Mental health-related emergency department visits among children aged <18 years during the COVID-19 pandemic - United States, January 1-October 17, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(45):1675-1680.

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Mental Health in America: A Growing Crisis

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In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2019, 4.7% of adults aged 18 years or older reported regular feelings of depression, and 11.2% reported regular feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety. 1 Forty percent of Americans with a 12-month history of severe mental disorders do not receive any treatment.

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https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/learning/should-museums-return-looted-artifacts-to-their-countries-of-origin.html

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Black Panther: Killmonger's Brazen Heist [CLIP] | TNT

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Activist's art project analyzes Chicago's segregation in 'Folded Map' project | Chicago.SunTimes.com

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By Mark Anthony DiBello, as told to Charlotte Hilton Andersen
Homeless doesn't always mean living on the streets

I was homeless for the better part of 20 years and so I've lived a lot of places. Some of them are what you might think of as typical, like parks, beaches, overpasses, or shelters, but others might surprise you. When you're homeless, your first priority is finding a safe place to sleep and sometimes that means you get creative. I've spent months living in an outdoor public bathroom, an airport, my car, a deserted cabin in the woods, and a storage locker (which felt so plush it didn't really even feel like being homeless!). Perhaps the worst one was when I lived in a tractor-trailer; they accidentally locked me in for four days and I almost died.

Homeless doesn't equal uneducated

When people think of a homeless person they don't necessarily think of the guy who not only was a star high school athlete but also has a college degree-yet that's exactly what I am. I have a Bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Miami. And I wasn't the only one out there with similar credentials. There are plenty of extremely intelligent people who, for various life circumstances, end up homeless. And even the ones who may not have a formal education have to get smart in a different way if they want to survive.

There isn't just one reason why someone ends up homeless

It might make you feel better to think that you can pinpoint the reason someone ended up homeless-say, drug abuse, mental illness, or criminal activities-because then you think that by avoiding those things you're safe. In some respects that isn't wrong and there are many homeless people who struggle with exactly those things. But the truth is that everyone makes bad decisions sometimes and whether or not your bad decisions end in homelessness has a lot to do with privilege and luck. Everyone is vulnerable. There but for the Grace of God go I... or you. P.S. Don't forget the children, who are definitely not homeless through any fault of their own. You can help these children.

Not all homeless people are jobless people

Thanks to the high cost of living and low wages, it's possible for someone to have a job yet not be able to afford a house. At this point, though, you might be wondering why I ended up homeless for so long, even with an employable degree. There isn't a simple answer to that (see my last point) but the job market was very tight when I graduated and I was overqualified for most minimum wage jobs. And I did struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. I got sober in 1991, however, and still experienced stints of homelessness after that.

Courtesy Mark Anthony DiBello

Some people are homeless by choice

The vast majority of homeless people are in that situation because they had no other choice but there are a few who would rather not be tied down to anything. My dad and stepmom kicked me out of the house when I was younger and at that time I decided that I preferred having the clouds for my roof instead of a plaster ceiling. Plus, I am very religious and Jesus was homeless so I figured if it was good enough for Him, it was good enough for me. That wasn't always the case for me but there were times I preferred my freedom.

Homeless people are not going to kill you

Hollywood and TV shows give the homeless a bad rap, making them look like murderers and rapists, but the majority are simply trying to find food and shelter-just like you. You don't need to be afraid of the average homeless person, you're far more likely to be hurt by someone you know. In addition, a homeless person is more likely to be killed by a "normal" person than the other way around. There are some horrible people out there who get their kicks from abusing the homeless because they are easy targets.

There is a "homeless code"

If you learn one thing fast, it's that no one is going to look out for you and so you learn to band together with other homeless people. We would do our best to help each other out, share tips, and stuff like that. Now there are even tent cities, homeless encampments, in some places. There's also a healthy barter system where you can trade for things you need without money. I'm actually working on a book of tips for homeless people to help them survive on the streets-all the little things no one tells you but can make all the difference. Want to help make a difference? First you'll need to learn what local food pantries wish you knew.

When you're homeless one tiny mistake can quickly become a massive problem

When you have no safety net, the tiniest issue-an unexpected medical bill, an illness or injury, a lost wallet-quickly balloons into an emergency that can make you homeless, or if you're already homeless, make your life infinitely worse. An example I like to share is when I was living in my car. One day it got towed for a parking violation and once you're towed, you're done. There are towing fees, impound fees, parking fees... before long you owe $2,000 on a $600 car. So now you don't have a car or any of your stuff that was in it and you're stuck sleeping out in the elements. Sleeping outside makes you get sick which leads to other problems... One tiny mistake can spiral into a life-ending problem.

Homelessness and poverty kills

I can't tell you how many people I saw die from a lack of simple medical care. A cut, a broken bone, or an illness left untreated can become infected and deadly very quickly. Once, when I was being mugged, my attacker broke my jaw. I tried to manage but the pain was so immense I couldn't eat or sleep. The ER did set my jaw, thankfully, or else I probably would have died from it. While you may think that hospitals are required to treat everyone, they discourage you from coming in for little things; when they do help, they don't always do a complete job. They just want to help you enough to get you out of there, not to help you get better. There are shining examples of healthcare workers doing their best to help.

Dental problems are the worst problems

When you think of everything you need to be healthy, a dentist isn't usually the first thing you think of. But your teeth are an essential part of survival. Unfortunately, when you're homeless, simply taking good care of your teeth is tough, much less getting dental care like root canals or crowns. Between a steady diet of junk food and a lack of access to toothbrushes and floss, many homeless people have to deal constantly with rotting, painful teeth. And when your teeth hurt, everything is harder.

Courtesy Mark Anthony DiBello

Looking homeless is often worse than actually being homeless

If you look (and smell) homeless, everyone automatically assumes the worst about you, and it becomes that much harder to find a job or an apartment or get medical care. Plus, police or security guards immediately see you as a problem or potential criminal. One of the best things I learned was to keep a cheap gallon jug and use an outdoor spigot to shower every few days. A bar of soap can last you months that way. Being clean can make the difference to being allowed to sit for a few hours nursing a coffee in a warm fast-food restaurant and getting kicked out as soon as you walk in. This is why it was so powerful for a paster to give homeless women free makeovers along with their food.

Being homeless doesn't have to be a life sentence

About five years ago, I decided I was done being homeless. I was able to start a side business that I could do online, from anywhere, helping people get on reality TV and game shows. (Fun fact: I won $50,000 on Wheel of Fortune and I've appeared on over 12 reality shows!) This money allowed me to start a new life. But I'm the exception to the rule. Escaping homelessness, once you're trapped in the cycle, is incredibly difficult, and resources to help the homeless are terribly underfunded and under-served. If I'm being totally honest I still feel like I'm one mistake away from being out on the streets again and that's terrifying.

How to help

People often ask me what they can do to help the homeless and I always say, "Just look around you!" When someone has so little, it doesn't take much to help. You can start by not judging the homeless. Don't say that they deserve to be in that situation-no human being deserves that. After that, donate to causes that support the homeless in your community, like local churches, job outreach programs, or other charities. If you'd donate to someone after a natural disaster, donate to a homeless person, they are living a natural disaster every single day. Looking for ways to help? These random acts of kindness can change someone's life in an instant.

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I Used to Be Homeless-And Here's What Everyone Gets Wrong About It

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You've been misled by Hollywood: Homeless people aren't dangerous. Here's the reality from a man who spent 20 years living on the streets.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYrJ1VV6CWI

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Seeing Drug and Alcohol Addiction in a New Light | Ed Stevenson | TEDxCoeurdalene