Abstract

Homelessness and rough sleeping are currently on the rise in England. Literature evidences an empirical relationship between substance use disorders and offending behaviour within homelessness. This qualitative study explores this relationship from the perspective of those currently experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders, with an offending history. Thematic analysis identified substance use disorders as the dominant factor in the continuous relationship between three. Furthermore, when discussing their experiences of prison, participants did not identify prison as a deterrent from committing offences. Feelings of stigmatisation and marginalisation from mainstream society were also identified, but participants expressed feelings of social inclusion within their marginalised groups. These findings, and their implications for support services in the community, are discussed in this paper.