While Hawaii’s drug and alcohol dependency rates for all age groups remain at or slightly below the national average, this does not mean that the state does not have a serious problem with alcohol and illegal drugs. Crystal meth is the biggest and rapidly spreading problem in all parts of Hawaii, with cocaine also on the rise again, in part because of crackdowns on meth production and sale. Of equal concern is the widespread use of marijuana, which is easily available anywhere in Hawaii, often locally grown. Admissions to drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation centers in Hawaii show some interesting trends:
Even in laid-back Hawaii where there are many things to do aside from experimenting with drugs or binge drinking, young people surveyed admitted to a variety of recreational activities that could land them in a Hawaiian drug or alcohol treatment center. Parents might be disturbed by the chart below, which indicates that school-age children are being exposed to—and experimenting with—illicit drugs at younger and younger ages. In 2007, about 6% of Hawaiian 12th graders admitted to trying cocaine at least once. The high use of marijuana is a danger signal, for marijuana has long been proven to be the gateway drug to heroin and cocaine addiction.
In 2006, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 105 alcohol and drug treatment centers in Hawaii, of which just three were operated by the State of Hawaii. Twelve operated as private for-profit centers and the rest were private nonprofit. Only three of the 105 offered opioid treatment programs, such as for an addiction to Hydrocodone, the most widely-abused prescription drug in Hawaii. Only 17 offered residential treatment, which is often the best way to remove the patient from the enabling environment and allow him or her to focus solely on recovery. Nearly all of the existing Hawaii drug and alcohol rehab centers offered outpatient programs of some type.
People looking for drug and alcohol treatment in Hawaii should carefully evaluate all available treatment options. Of the 105 facilities, 87% received public funding of some type, sharing local, state, and federal dollars. Equipment, number of personnel, and programs will vary from one rehab facility to another, as will the level of experience with any given type of addiction. Since crystal meth is such an especial problem in the Hawaiian Islands, it would be well to ensure that any drug and alcohol treatment center under consideration should be evaluated for specific experience and programs designed to treat one of the most difficult and physically damaging of all addictions.
Crystal meth has been credited with devastating effects on Hawaiian family life and social structures. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment at a drug and alcohol rehab center in Hawaii or on the mainland are key to overcoming this destructive and potentially lethal addiction. However, no substance abuse problem, however minor, should be ignored. Seek help as quickly as possible.
