Aloha United Way
CRIME & DRUG USE Aloha United Way’s goal is to improve the quality of life for our communities by reducing drug abuse and crime.
Why are we concerned about this issue? ♦
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Drug abuse and resultant crime undermine the quality of life in our community. Preventing or treating drug abuse among the youth in our community is the best way to reduce this problem in the long-term. • In 2008, 2,470 youth on Oahu were admitted to treatment programs for substance abuse. • Marijuana was the primary drug used by half of the youth admitted for treatment. • Only 37% of the youth admitted completed treatment with no subsequent drug use. Reducing recidivism rates for those in substance abuse treatment is the most cost effective way to achieve the desired long-term results.
OUR STRATEGY There are many strategies that could address the drug use and crime rates in Hawaii. The Crime and Drug Use Impact Council decided to focus on increasing the efficacy of existing addiction programs by enhancing the ability of substance abuse providers to include the addicted person’s family in the treatment process - a proven strategy to reduce recidivism. We are funding efforts to supplement existing substance abuse programs to deliver strength-based, family-focused services and to establish a Substance Abuse Institute that will provide training and skill development to counselors to enhance the effectiveness of substance abuse and prevention programs.
THE CHALLENGE ♦ Despite years of working in the substance abuse area, the rates of substance abuse remain unacceptably high especially among at-risk populations. ♦ Our community continues to experience horrific crimes attributed to substance abuse – particularly methamphetamines (Ice). ♦ Substance abuse recidivism rates remain high – 56% of discharged adult clients and 63% of discharged youth clients in 2008 returned to drug or alcohol use.
2010 RESULTS (For 2011 results click on one of the links below.) ♦ Funded addiction treatment agencies to supplement existing substance abuse programs to deliver strength-based, family-focused services. Over 900 substance abusers and their family members received services in 2010. ♦ Funded a coalition of three agencies to develop and provide training and skill development to expand the effectiveness of substance abuse and prevention programs. Ninety-eight addiction counselors were trained in 2010. Aloha United Way 200 N. Vineyard Blvd., Suite 700 Honolulu, HI 96817-3938 808-536-1951 www.auw.org