The rates of substance abuse problems among residents of Hawaii is comparable to national averages. A 2015 survey of drug and alcohol use by Hawaiian residents age 12 or older found that:
One positive is that treatment enrollment is also on the rise, with nearly 6,000 people receiving substance abuse treatment services in 2015. Of the individuals receiving treatment, 62.3% were being treated for both drug and alcohol addiction, 23.5% for drug addiction only, and 14.2% for alcohol addiction only.
Substance abuse in the state of Hawaii has been a significant problem for the past several decades. The following statistics indicate the severity of this issue in Hawaii, demonstrating the need for quality substance abuse treatment in this state.
Criminal charges relating to drug use vary based on type and amount of substance as well as whether the crime involves drug possession, manufacturing or distribution. Sentencing for illicit substances has tightened due to local law enforcement and government agencies' efforts to stop Hawaii's drug epidemic.
Drug charges are categorized as one of the following:
Each sentence will then fall into one of five schedules based on the drug's risk for dependency and danger. For example, schedule I consists of harmful controlled substances such as heroin and other opium derivatives. Schedules IV and V, however, are less harmful and include zolpidem and some dosages of codeine.
In 2000, Hawaii became the first state to approve the use of medical marijuana for serious health conditions. Over the past decade, laws have evolved around the drug's qualifying conditions and dispensary programs.
The qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Hawaii are:
A patient can possess four ounces of usable marijuana at any given time. This does not include the seeds, stalks and roots of the plant. Additionally, home cultivation is allowed in Hawaii; however, the maximum number of immature or mature plants allowed is seven.
As of July 2016, state-licensed dispensaries became fully operational. Individuals can now get up to four ounces of products, including oils and lozenges, from a licensed dispensary every 15 days. A primary caregiver may also obtain medical marijuana on behalf of a patient. Combined, caregivers and patients must not possess more than four ounces of marijuana at one time.
While medical marijuana is legal in Hawaii, the recreational use of the drug is not. Individuals who possess or distribute marijuana illegally face serious punishment.
Marijuana Amount | Criminal Charge | Potential Sentence |
---|---|---|
Less than 1 oz. | Misdemeanor | 30 days in jail, $1,000 maximum fine |
1 oz. – 1 lb. | Misdemeanor | 1 year in jail, $2,000 maximum fine |
1 lb. or more | Felony | 5 years in jail, $10,000 maximum fine |
Other marijuana charges may include possession with the intent to distribute, which can involve severe legal consequences. For instance, any amount of marijuana within 750 feet of a school or park, or within 10 feet of a parked school vehicle is recognized as a felony with up to five years in prison and $10,000 fine.
Hawaii primarily focuses its efforts on the prevention of substance use disorders. Hawaii's addiction-prevention initiatives are a multi-pronged approach that includes:
Additionally, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Hawaii Department of Health funds 24 agencies that provide help to adults at 52 sites and an additional 10 agencies that assist youth at 107 locations. In 2014, Hawaii spent more than 17 million dollars in state and federal funds on substance abuse treatment services, helping more than 3,900 people.
The search for addiction treatment may be daunting if you’re unsure of the process. The number of treatment programs available can be overwhelming, so consider what qualities you want in a recovery center before you start your search. Each treatment program is different. Some are luxurious, while others specialize in treating specific populations. Some may incorporate a holistic approach to recovery and some focus on more traditional methods. You may want to begin your search by calling treatment centers that you are interested in and asking them questions to find out more about their amenities, pricing, staff, policies, and other details.
Many treatment programs accept health insurance, so if you have an insurance plan, it is likely that your policy will provide least partial coverage. It may be helpful to call your provider to learn more about your specific plan’s coverage. You can also call us to speak to a recovery support specialist about various treatment options.
Inpatient treatment immerses people in the treatment experience, removing outside distractions and allowing them to focus all of their attention on recovery. However, not all inpatient treatment programs are the same. When comparing different programs, clients should consider several factors, including:
Rehab services vary according to their purpose and approach to treatment. While all facilities will not offer the same rehab services, some of the most common services available include:
Substance abuse can lead to problems at work and home, trouble with the law and declining health. Addiction treatment programs offer many different services for those who are experiencing a substance use disorder. Addiction treatment services range in intensity and are designed to allow a client to progress through different levels of care.
High-quality programs in Hawaii provide individualized assessments, a professional diagnosis, counseling and relapse prevention training.
Professional interventions are very successful in convincing a person to seek addiction treatment. An interventionist will meet with family and friends beforehand to guide the planning process and then help to keep the conversation on track on the day of the intervention. They can also assist with the selection of an addiction treatment facility where the loved one can immediately seek treatment after the intervention.
Substance abuse often leads to physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Drug and alcohol detox allows the body to rid itself of drugs and alcohol, breaking any dependence and allowing the body to begin to return to normal functioning.
Once the substance is withheld, withdrawal symptoms usually begin to appear. Depending on the substance and the severity of the addiction, withdrawal symptoms range from unpleasant headaches and muscle cramps to life-threatening seizures and coma. It is important to seek a medically supported detox program when possible. Medical care is often needed to keep the person safe and supported as their body adjusts to sobriety.
In a residential drug rehab program, clients participate in treatment and group activities full time and live onsite for the duration of treatment. Hawaii Inpatient addiction treatment centers offer therapy and round-the-clock support and also provide opportunities for clients to socialize with others who are going through treatment.
Addiction treatment services offered at Hawaii inpatient drug rehab centers may include individual and group counseling sessions, life skill-building exercises, recreational therapy and family care services.
Clients participating in Hawaii outpatient drug rehab programs attend a schedule of counseling sessions and other meetings, usually for three or more hours per day for three or more days per week. Clients return home or to a sober living facility in the evenings.
Sober living facilities offer a safe environment for clients to continue working on their recovery. Residents must follow house rules regarding curfew times and shared household responsibilities and may be required to participate in random drug tests.
Hawaii sober living programs provide a unique opportunity for those in early recovery to experience increased independence while having easy access to a strong support network.
After finishing an addiction treatment program, clients may wish to maintain contact with their support groups and recovery environment. Addiction aftercare and alumni programs offer ongoing education, support and group activities to help reinforce a lifelong commitment to sobriety.
No single treatment plan or therapy type works for everyone. Effective addiction treatment plans are built on an individualized assessment that takes into account all aspects of the client's unique needs and overall health.
Treatment and therapy types may include:
For the majority of clients, treatment includes individual and group therapy, 12-step support groups and behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and motivational interviewing.
Complementary therapies are holistic activities that address the overall well-being of the individual. These may include yoga, acupuncture, exercise programs, nutrition education, biofeedback and journaling. Complementary therapies may also have an emphasis on adventures and self-reliance through activities such as hiking or horseback riding.
Some clients receive a dual diagnosis of both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. In the case of co-occurring disorders, treatment must address both conditions, each in context of the other.
Single-gender therapy groups are sometimes offered in addiction treatment programs. Separating treatment groups by gender encourages clients to more fully engage in therapy. Gender-specific treatment also takes into account the different gender-related struggles that can endanger sobriety and offers customized therapies to address these issues.
Drug and alcohol rehab may last a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the addiction and any other medical issues. Hawaii inpatient drug rehab programs may last 30 days, 60 days, 90 days or longer, depending on how quickly the client progresses through treatment. Hawaii's Department of Health advises that addiction treatment is most effective when it lasts a minimum of three months.
Sober living programs last however long the client can benefit from a supportive living environment, and aftercare programs continue indefinitely.
As you review the price of rehabilitation in hawaii, look at the expense as an investment in your life and health. Most rehab facilities are able to take partial payment through any insurance plan you have. If you wish to discuss your eligibility and the price of treatment in HI, dial us at at no charge to get all the answers to your questions.
Whether your HI inpatient-residential prescription and street drug rehab with take 28 days or 3 months, not delaying improves your odds of getting and keeping healthy. Determining a rehab program that can meet your standards before you ever arrive there can also help immeasurably. When you're ready to book treatment, our phone line advisors can help you get properly placed so you can move on to getting healthy.
The cost of going to rehab in Hawaii will vary depending on the type of program and facility you choose. Things like the length of your stay, the types of amenities the center offers, and your own personal requests (e.g., chef-prepared meals or private rooms) can influence the overall cost.
There are a number of treatment facilities in HI that offer sliding scale fees, which calculate the cost of treatment based on what you are able to pay. In addition, there are programs that accept public insurance, like Medicaid and Medicare, as well as private health insurance.
Even without insurance, there are still many ways to finance your drug or alcohol addiction treatment, including the following options:
Medicaid: This state program provides assistance for low-income people of all ages and disabled individuals.
Some people may also utilize crowdfunding websites to help finance their recovery. Websites, such as GoFundMe and IndieGoGo allow you to create a fundraising campaign in which family members, friends, and even strangers can donate to your cause.
There are several local resources available to help you find the best substance abuse treatment for you. Each program has its strengths and weaknesses. What’s important is that you find one that you feel comfortable with.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of Hawaii’s Department of Health provides a full list of treatment and recovery facilities located on the islands, complete with contact information and a summary of services provided at each one. The Hawaii Prevention Resource Center is also a valuable source of information on drug abuse, prevention efforts, rehab facilities, and more.
There are a number of 12-step meetings held on the Hawaiian Islands that are free to attend and offer a supportive community of peers in recovery. Visit the Hawaii chapters of Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous (East Hawaii, West Hawaii) to find a meeting near you.
If you’re not sure whether you want to stay in Hawaii for treatment or visit another part of the country, try SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. You can search by city, state, or zip code to find a rehab that suits your needs.
Remember, addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Regardless of the type of recovery program you wind up choosing, what’s important is that you took the first step towards a healthy, sober life.
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