Drug abuse is a serious issue that affected over 48 million U.S. adults in 2023, including many residents of Hawaii. Understanding current drug use trends and statistics can help us find better ways to tackle this issue.
In this guide to drug use statistics in Hawaii, we’ll look at the most common drugs in the state, the impact of drug abuse, and how Hawaii compares to other U.S. states.
You can also find out how to get help for yourself or a loved one addicted to drugs or prescription medications.
What Is the Most Prevalent Drug in Hawaii?
Drug abuse Hawaii statistics show that marijuana is the most commonly used drug in Hawaii, but meth is the most damaging. Marijuana use in Hawaii is widespread, and meth has been a growing concern since the 1980s. Meth use is much higher in Hawaii than the national average, and many people test positive for it in workplace drug tests.
Meth use is a major problem because it triggers severe health effects. It can cause serious problems like high blood pressure, heart issues, and a heightened risk of accidents due to poor judgment. Although marijuana is used more frequently, meth’s impact on health and safety makes it the most damaging drug in Hawaii, placing a heavy strain on Hawaii’s healthcare system and treatment resources.
Drug Abuse Statistics in Hawaii: Mortality Rates
Drug overdoses are a mounting concern in Hawaii. Between August 2017 and August 2018, Hawaii experienced 384 opioid overdoses. Of these, 59 resulted in death. The situation worsened in 2020 when Hawaii reported 274 overdose deaths, which amounts to about 18 deaths per 100,000 people, according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The pandemic made the situation even more challenging. Lockdowns and social isolation led to increased drug use, as many people struggled with depression and had limited access to treatment and support. During this time, the drug market in Hawaii shifted from heroin to fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid. Fentanyl is much stronger and more dangerous than heroin, contributing to a higher risk of fatal overdoses.
Hawaii Drug Use Addiction Statistics
Here are some key statistics on drug use and addiction in Hawaii:
- Marijuana use is significant, with 175,000 over-12s reporting past-year use. Of these, 135,000 people used the drug in the past month.
- Cocaine use is less common, with around 21,000 people using it in the past year.
- Heroin use is rare, with only about 2,000 people using this semi-synthetic opioid in the past year. Complications like fatal overdose tend to be higher with opioids like heroin, though.
- Meth use is also low, with around 10,000 people using it in the past year, but it’s also extremely damaging.
- Alcohol is widely used, with 520,000 over 12s reporting past-month alcohol use. Of these, 247,000 engaged in binge drinking during the same period.
- Mental health issues are also problematic in Hawaii, with about 149,000 adults experiencing serious mental illness in the past year. Additionally, 71,000 adults experienced major depressive episodes, and 49,000 had serious thoughts of suicide.
These figures highlight the significant prevalence of substance use and mental health issues in Hawaii and the need for effective treatment and support systems.
How Does Hawaii Compare to Other States in Terms of Drug Abuse?
Hawaii faces serious drug abuse issues, but how does it compare to other states? Overall, Hawaii has high rates of meth use and alcohol consumption than many other states – Hawaii has more residents who use meth than the national average, for instance.
While the U.S. struggles with an ongoing opioid crisis, Hawaii’s problem with opioids is less severe. In the mainland U.S., opioid abuse, including heroin, is a major concern. In 2018, opioids were involved in about 70% of all overdose deaths across the country. Hawaii, by contrast, had a lower rate, with opioids causing around 28% of overdose deaths in the same year. Only about 0.3% of Hawaii’s population used heroin in the past year. This shows that while Hawaii has some serious drug problems, its issues with opioids are not as large as in many other states.
Drug Use in Hawaii | FAQs
Where can I find help for someone I know is addicted to drugs in Hawaii?
You can find help by contacting local treatment centers or support groups in Hawaii. Organizations like the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and the Hawaii Health Department offer resources and support.
What are good rehab options for drug abuse?
Good rehab options include inpatient treatment centers, outpatient programs, and support groups. Many facilities offer personalized care and support to help with recovery.
Do I need to go to rehab in-state or can I go somewhere else?
You can choose to go to rehab either in-state or out-of-state. The most important thing is finding a program that meets your needs and offers the right support for your recovery.
Connect to Drug Addiction Resources with Addiction Hotline
Do you need help with alcohol addiction or drug addiction in Hawaii? If so, it can be
beneficial to call a substance abuse helpline as a first step.
Call Addiction Hotline toll-free and 24/7 to speak with trained and compassionate professionals ready to connect you with resources and treatment providers across the state.
If you’re ready to begin the withdrawal process, hotline staff can help you find medical detox centers and inpatient rehabs where you can access medications and continuous care during withdrawal. Most people require ongoing addiction treatment after detox – we’ll recommend inpatient and outpatient rehabs in Hawaii and across the United States. All the rehabs we recommend use a blend of proven therapies and holistic treatments.
Get compassionate addiction treatment by calling 844-575-6602.