[ OUR OPINION ]
Next step in ‘ice’ war
is funding the planPARTICIPANTS of a three-day drug summit have agreed on an effective strategy for the state to fight substance abuse, especially the growing use of crystal methamphetamine. Next year's Legislature will have the role of implementing the plan. A joint House and Senate task force assembled to address the problem should turn its focus on how to finance the strategy recommended by the summit.
THE ISSUE
A three-day summit in Waikiki has resulted in a strategy for government to treat substance abuse as a disease and public health issue.The plan regards substance abuse primarily as a disease and a public health issue, to be funded at the same level as other diseases. Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, a former drug court judge, organized the summit and can be expected to usher the recommended plan through the legislative session. He also should play the lead role in finding sources to finance it.
Some of the plan endorsed by more than 400 public officials, treatment providers, researchers and representatives of private organizations will not require large amounts of money. For example, state law needs to be changed so police can use the same procedure afforded to federal agencies for authorization to use electronic surveillance on drug suspects when supported by evidence of probable illegality.
Creating a Hawaii Substance Abuse Commission and an executive drug office, or drug czar, to coordinate activities should not break the state's budget. "Community-based, state-supported collaboration" recommended by the summit also should not result in large expenditures.
The strategy should result in a modest increase in the number of substance-abuse counselors in public schools. Counselors have been credited for a decline in the reported use of crystal meth, or "ice," by adolescents in recent years.
However, 2,730 adults were treated last year for ice addiction, more than twice the number treated five years ago. The number of ice addicts in the state is conservatively estimated at more than 8,000. The cost of treating an addict ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, according to the state Department of Health.
The amount already spent on drug treatment is hardly trivial. Last year, the state spent nearly $13.5 million on such programs, more than half of that going to private treatment providers. The remainder went to programs administered by the Drug Court and the prison and probation systems.
The summit also recognized the importance of "culturally sensitive" programs, using the most promising practices in drug treatment. About half the people who sought treatment last year for addiction to crystal meth are of Hawaiian ancestry. A Waianae-based, 12-step recovery program called Ho'omau Ke Ola has successfully incorporated Hawaiian culture into traditional drug treatment.
Before adjourning, summit participants received encouragement with the announcement that Hawaii will receive $3.6 million during the next five years to treat people who have mental disorders and "co-occurring" drug or alcohol abuse problems. Hawaii is the first state to be provided such assistance. Further federal help could be crucial in winning the war against crystal meth.
