Report: Substance Abuse Growing In Hawaii
Hawaii Leads Nation In Methamphetamine Use
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Hawaii residents lead the nation once again for use of crystal methamphetamine, which is also known as "ice."
A survey by the state Department of Health found that in 1998, nearly 12 percent of adults in Hawaii have tried ice, a figure higher than any other state for the fourth straight year. That number has risen from under 4 percent in 1991.
"In Hawaii, we have to say that crystal methamphetmine is destroying families and destroying people," University of Hawaii sociology professor William Wood said.
According to the report, heavy alcohol use has shot up from under 13 percent of Hawaii's adult population in 1991 to 21 percent in 1998. The study concluded that nearly 69,000 Hawaii adults need treatment for alcohol addiction.
"If you want to look at the damage done to families and debts, health care costs, physical disease, you need to look at alcohol," Wood said.
Marijuana use has also risen from under 6 percent in 1991 to 7.4 percent in 1998. More adults also reported trying hallucinogens, heroin, sedatives, pain killers and inhalants than in 1991.
"The problems associated with substance abuse are so overwhelming in terms of needing treatment dollars that it's critical we develop a multi-pronged approach," according to state health director Bruce Anderson.
Anderson said that the state's focus in the battle against substance abuse needs to be on prevention. He said that this study will help direct the department's $10 million budget.
However, Anderson said that although problems are increasing, funding has remained the same for the past 10 years.
According to the report, heavy alcohol use has shot up from under 13 percent of Hawaii's adult population in 1991 to 21 percent in 1998. The study concluded that nearly 69,000 Hawaii adults need treatment for alcohol addiction.
"If you want to look at the damage done to families and debts, health care costs, physical disease, you need to look at alcohol," Wood said.
Marijuana use has also risen from under 6 percent in 1991 to 7.4 percent in 1998. More adults also reported trying hallucinogens, heroin, sedatives, pain killers and inhalants than in 1991.
"The problems associated with substance abuse are so overwhelming in terms of needing treatment dollars that it's critical we develop a multi-pronged approach," according to state health director Bruce Anderson.
Anderson said that the state's focus in the battle against substance abuse needs to be on prevention. He said that this study will help direct the department's $10 million budget.
However, Anderson said that although problems are increasing, funding has remained the same for the past 10 years.Copyright 2002 by TheHawaiiChannel.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
