Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Dr. Myrstol publishes article on homelessness among drug-using arrestees in Journal of Drug Issues

Dr. Brad Myrstol, Justice faculty, recently published an article, "Risk Factors and the Duration of Homelessness Among Drug-Using Arrestees: Evidence from 30 American Counties," in the Journal of Drug Issues, Volume 41, Number 4, 2011.  He co-authored this article with Dr. Kevin M. Fitzpatrick, Professor of Sociology and Jones Chair in Community at the University of Arkansas.

The article examines risk factors influencing length of homelessness among a sample of drug-using adults booked into jails in 30 American counties during the years 2002-2003. Interviews were conducted with 30,634 arrestees.  The authors found that the persistently homeless were a demographically distinct group with significant social and human capital deficits and distinct health risk profiles, and argue that jails are well positioned to serve as a focal point for the delivery of public health and psychiatric services to homeless persons.

 The Journal of Drug Issues (JDI) is dedicated to providing a professional and scholarly forum centered on the national and international problems associated with drugs, especially illicit drugs. It is a refereed publication with international contributors and subscribers. As a leader in its field, JDI is an instrument widely used by research scholars, public policy analysts, and those involved in the day-to-day struggle against the problem of drug abuse.