Drug Rehabs in Hawaii

If you have found yourself searching for a drug rehab in Hawaii for yourself or for someone you care about, taking this step to seek help is the most important and courageous first step that you can take even though it may be a daunting one. You are not alone in your quest, and the state regularly sits in the top 10 states for drug addiction. In fact, nearly 10% of the population of Hawaii admits to use of illegal drugs, which is higher than even the national average of 8%. The consequences of drug use are unfortunately reflected in the consequences in the state, with drug deaths skyrocketing in recent years. In 2010 for example, there were 142 drug overdose deaths in the state.

The drugs of choice in Hawaii are alcohol, marijuana, all forms of methamphetamine and amphetamine, and prescription medications which are abused non-medically. Hawaii has been the capital of methamphetamine use in the United States for over 30 years, and first appeared on the islands when Chinese drug trafficking organization began to test-market a form of methamphetamine known as "ice" because it is a crystallized and more potent version of the drug. The meth problem is one which has affected many other states, but nearly 35% of men jailed in Honolulu for example have the drug in their system which is a rate higher than any other city in the nation. Rates of use have reached as high as 120,000 residents using the drug, in a state with a total population of 1.2 million. When considering these numbers, it is understandable that the state of Hawaii's need for prevention of treatment of the meth epidemic is of the utmost urgency.

Prescription drugs are also considered to be one of the biggest drug threats in the state of Hawaii, and prescription drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death in the state and the rate of such deaths have risen by 68% in the past decade. These deaths are primarily due to prescription pain killer overdose, and even though there are efforts to curb the problem through prescription drug monitoring, there are still 1.3 million prescription dispensed statewide each year. Because statistics show that 4 out of 5 heroin users today began using prescription pain killers and then turned to heroin because it is easier to obtain and cheaper, this is a very disheartening situation for the state of Hawaii that is already beginning to experience the after effects of an emerging heroin problem in the state.

All of the pressing and very obvious drug problems in Hawaii are not going to be fixed overnight and for the individuals who are struggling with these problems, the treatment will have to be extremely intensive, comprehensive, and thorough if there is any hope for them to be resolved. Thankfully, there are a variety of different drug rehab centers in Hawaii that are accessible to residents who need help. Because overcoming addiction can be challenging even when in the best rehabs in the state, you don't want to put someone in a position to fail by placing them in a rehab that isn't going to provide the level of treatment they need according to their level of addiction. So while outpatient programs are abundantly available in Hawaii, inpatient and residential programs are often accessible under most circumstances for residents who have private health insurance or are able to work with treatment professionals to self pay for rehab. This can also possibly be accomplished through financing or even payment assistance through the rehab, such as a sliding scale fee. Some programs available in Hawaii may even be accessible free of cost, as is the case with many faith-based programs or programs which or state of federally funded. There are even programs which can provide support for the loved ones and friends of those struggling with substance abuse in Hawaii.

When treatment is complete at any type of program, further aftercare may be needed, particularly if the individual wasn't able to receive the most comprehensive treatment available such as a treatment for 30 days or less or perhaps a less intensive outpatient program. Because cravings to become involved in alcohol and drug abuse can persist for months and even years after someone has decided to become abstinent and achieved this through rehab, aftercare can be just as important as rehab itself. To provide a robust system of support for individuals who have overcome a substance abuse problem in Hawaii, aftercare or "continuing care" options do exist which are accessible to virtually every Hawaii resident. This can include residing in a sober living facility or a halfway house, which keeps an individual in a structured living situation that can prevent relapse and other setbacks while also ensuring they obtain employment and make other positive steps in their lives that will foster a life of productivity and continues abstinence. Aftercare may even be as simple as continuing contact on a regular basis with treatment counselors, who can ensure that the individual has a stable point of contact and support for advice, guidance, and counsel should they need it.