Updated on September 17, 2024
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Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Hawaii

Hawaii has been facing a significant drug and alcohol addiction crisis, which has had far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the state. This article presents an overview of the latest statistics on substance use disorders, the opioid crisis, overdose deaths, youth substance use, and treatment and recovery challenges in Hawaii, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

  • Hawaii residents increased their alcohol consumption by 23% from 2020 to 2021.1
  • Methamphetamine is Hawaii’s most prevalent drug of misuse among adults, playing a role in nearly 94% of drug convictions in federal court in 2015.2
  • Approximately 10% of Hawaiian residents reported past-month use of illicit drugs.3

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD)

Substance use disorders and alcohol use disorders are prevalent in Hawaii, affecting a significant portion of the population. Here are some key statistics:

  • From 2017 to 2019, the annual average rate of past-year illicit drug use disorder among people aged 12 or older was 5.59%.4
  • In 2020, the rate of alcohol use disorder among people aged 12 or older was 10.10%.4
  • The rate of substance use disorder among people aged 12 or older was 14.70% in 2020.4
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These numbers demonstrate the widespread nature of substance use issues in the state.

Opioid Crisis and Overdose Deaths

The opioid epidemic has hit Hawaii, contributing to a significant number of overdose deaths. Consider these troubling statistics:

  • In 2017, there were 53 drug overdose deaths involving opioids in Hawaii.5
  • In 2020, there were 274 overdose deaths in Hawaii.6

The rise in opioid-related deaths underscores the urgent need to address this crisis.

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Youth Substance Use

Substance use among young people in Hawaii is a growing concern, with a significant proportion of students using alcohol and engaging in binge drinking. Here are some relevant statistics:

  • From 2019 to 2020, 20.4% of high school students and 7.0% of middle school students drank alcohol in the past 30 days.7
  • During the same period, 10.9% of high school students reported binge drinking in the past 30 days.8
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Early intervention and prevention efforts are crucial to help young people avoid developing substance use disorders.

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Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality treatment and recovery services is essential for addressing substance use disorders in Hawaii. Here is a relevant statistic:

  • In 2019, 17,307 people in Hawaii were enrolled in substance use treatment.3

Ensuring access to effective treatment and support for long-term recovery is crucial for helping individuals and communities affected by addiction.

Alcohol-Related Deaths

Alcohol-related deaths are a significant concern in Hawaii, with excessive alcohol use contributing to numerous fatalities. Consider this statistic:

  • From 2015 to 2019, an average of 466 annual deaths in Hawaii were attributable to excessive alcohol use.9

Addressing alcohol-related issues through prevention and treatment is essential for reducing alcohol-related deaths in the state.

The statistics presented in this article paint a troubling picture of the drug and alcohol addiction landscape in Hawaii. From high rates of substance use disorders and the impact of the opioid crisis to the concerning levels of youth substance use, it is clear that the state faces significant challenges in addressing this crisis. However, by prioritizing prevention, expanding access to quality treatment, and supporting long-term recovery, Hawaii can work towards a healthier, more resilient future for all its residents.

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Updated on September 17, 2024
9 sources cited
Updated on September 17, 2024
  1. From 2020 to 2021, Hawaii residents increased their alcohol consumption by 23%, study says.” KHON2, 2023.
  2. Methamphetamine Use in Hawai’i: A Review of Methamphetamine Use and its Impact on the Community.” Hawaii Journal of Health & Social Welfare, 2021.
  3. Hawaii Substance Abuse Statistics.” Recovery Connection, accessed 2023.
  4. Alcohol Abuse Statistics.” Drug Abuse Statistics, accessed 2023.
  5. Hawaii: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019.
  6. Identifying High-Risk Opioid Use, Abuse, and Misuse among Vulnerable Populations in Hawaii.” Hawaii Journal of Health & Social Welfare, 2022.
  7. ATOD Survey & Reports.” Hawaii State Department of Health, accessed 2023.
  8. Alcohol.” Hawaii Health Data Warehouse, accessed 2023.
  9. Alcohol Epidemiologic Profile: Hawai’i 2018.” Hawaii State Department of Health, 2018.

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