Mercy, Not Condemnation: Understanding Substance Abuse and Homelessness
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7:1-5
Substance abuse is defined as “overindulgence in or dependence on an addictive substance, especially alcohol or drugs” and is sadly often a direct result of homelessness. A recent study found that among rough sleepers, 6 in 10 struggles with drug or alcohol related problems. For many, substance abuse is not the cause of homelessness but a consequence of it.
As seen in our previous blog (https://copticcitymission.com/post/when-the-mind-has-no-home-homelessness-and-mental-health), those experiencing homelessness often suffer from severe mental health challenges, which are deeply interlinked with substance abuse. Self-medicating becomes a coping mechanism, a way to escape pain, trauma, and the harsh realities of life on the street.
Living without stable shelter, constantly searching for food, safety, and warmth, while battling mental illness, can push individuals into a cycle of substance use and psychiatric disorders that is incredibly difficult to break.
This harsh cycle also increases the risk of suicide. Homeless people in the UK are 9 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population, with even higher risks for those facing substance abuse. Homeless women are particularly vulnerable, facing disproportionate levels of trauma, exploitation, and isolation, leading to higher rates of suicide attempts and death.
Reading these statistics reminded me of the painful realities faced by those we serve every Tuesday, and of the importance of the work being done at Coptic City Mission. Sometimes a smile or a short conversation can mean more than we realise. It may be the one moment of genuine human connection they experience that week.
As a society, we are quick to judge, often blaming homeless people for their circumstances and reducing their stories to addiction alone, while ignoring the trauma that led them there.
As Christians, we are called to mercy, not condemnation. St Moses teaches us that when we see a brother sinning, we should remember our own sins and respond with compassion, so that God may forgive us. Lord, have mercy on those we serve on Tuesdays, because only You know the battles and trauma they carry silently within.
2 https://www.crisis.org.uk/ending-homelessness/about-homelessness/
3 https://www.rehab-recovery.co.uk/addiction-help/homelessness-addiction/
