Residents of Hawaii seeking treatment for drug and alcohol addiction have access to many resources across the state. From nonprofit organizations and government sponsored programs to private rehabs and harm reduction clinics, there are facilities and providers in major cities and rural areas. In addition to crisis stabilization, medication assisted treatment (MAT), residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare support, some groups also provide specialized services for veterans, college and university students, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other designated communities.
Drug Statistics in Hawaii
Addiction Nonprofits in Hawaii
Coalition For A Drug-Free Hawaii (CDFH)
This organization facilitates several programs focused on addiction awareness, education, and treatment. They serve children, youth, and adults as well as families. Available programs include intervention services, school-based education and advocacy programs, and training for SUD treatment providers. Their website includes a list of community coalitions that offer additional resources.
Bobby Benson Center
This is a residential addiction treatment facility for Hawaiian teenagers aged 13 to 17 years old. They also offer a continuum of care for adolescents and adults. A multidisciplinary team provides trauma-informed care that can include individual, family, and group therapy, addiction education, life skills training, access to 12 step programs, and related services.
Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition
Established in 2007, this nonprofit organization consists of member agencies that provide addiction prevention, treatment, and aftercare services. They can provide referral services for individuals seeking more information on recovery resources.
Harm Reduction Programs
Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC)
This group provides a range of harm reduction services and supplies to Hawaii residents. In addition to case management and care coordination, they also provide syringe exchange services, naloxone kits, overdose prevention education, wound care treatment, and food assistance. They manage a calendar of community events and have hosted a harm reduction conference for 25 years.
NEXT Distro Hawai
This is the Hawaii branch of the nationwide NEXT Distro program. It connects state residents with harm reduction resources that include mail-in naloxone kits, access to pharmacies that distribute naloxone, addiction treatment providers, and crisis hotline services.
Hawaii Department of Health: Harm Reduction Branch
This branch coordinates statewide efforts to address health issues related to opioid overdose, HIV, viral Hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They help individuals connect with local testing clinics, find HIV prevention medication, and participate in syringe exchange services.
Government Grants & Resources
Hawaii Opioid Initiative (HOI)
This organization brings together public health providers, healthcare practitioners, public safety officials, and local community groups to help deliver addiction education and recovery treatment across the state. It includes eight workgroups that meet regularly to strategize initiatives and discuss ways to integrate SUD treatment into the state’s healthcare system. They provide access to local treatment services, peer support groups, and addiction medication. They also share locations that offer naloxone medication for opioid overdose prevention.
Hawaii Department of Health: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD)
This division provides public funding for various SUD treatment providers across the state, prioritizing services designed to support pregnant women and intravenous drug users. Residents can access their website to find links to prevention programs, treatment providers, harm reduction resources, and workforce training resources.
Hawaii CARES
The Hawaii Coordinated Access Resource Entry System (CARES) program provides free, 24/7 hotline support to individuals in crisis. Call counselors are certified and trained as SUD specialists and are available to support callers with mental health disorders, addictions, and co-occurring conditions. In addition to listening, counselors can also route individuals to appropriate recovery resources.
College Addiction Resources
University of Hawaii at Manoa: Mental Health Resources
The university helps students experiencing mental health conditions access the treatment services they need. This can include access to 24-hour crisis and suicide prevention hotlines, on-campus counseling services at the Student Development Center (CDC), and general mental health support.
Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie: Counseling Services
Students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie can visit the school’s Counseling Services department to receive treatment and support for mental and behavioral health conditions. They offer individual and group therapy, outreach events, addiction education, and peer mentorship opportunities. Self-services are also available through the Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) platform.
Chaminade University of Honolulu: Counseling Center
The Counseling Center at Chaminade University of Honolulu provides mental health services for students. Available programs include individual, couples, and group counseling, training and workshops, peer mentorships, psycho-education, and opportunities for peer connection and outreach. Providers can also make referrals to community resources as required.
LGBTQ+ Resources
Hawaii LGBTQ Legacy Foundation
This foundation supports the LGBTQ+ community across the state of Hawaii. They host the annual Honolulu Pride event, operate the LGBTQ+ Center in Honolulu, and offer educational and advocacy programs to empower individuals. They also fund and support local organizations that address health, economic, and social concerns of the LGBTQ+ population. Their website includes links to affirming providers, including organizations in the healthcare space.
Sexual and Gender Minorities (SGM) Resource Hub
Operating under the Hawaii State Department of Health, the SGM Resource Hub helps members of the LGBTQ+ community connect with local organizations that have committed to making their business a safe space for all individuals. This includes primary health, mental health, and behavioral health providers.
Spill the Tea Cafe
This is a mental health clinic that specializes in treating mental health disorders in LGBTQ+ youth throughout Hawaii. Individuals can visit the clinic to access a safe space where they can engage in social connection, enjoy refreshments, and participate in group therapy sessions. While the facility is located in O’ahu, telehealth appointments are also available.
Veterans Programs
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
This VA Health Care System offers intensive outpatient (IOP) and general outpatient (OP) addiction treatment programs. Services are available for veterans, military personnel, and any family members affected by drug or alcohol addiction.
Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services
The Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services helps members of the military, veterans, and their family members understand and access the rights available to them. In addition to advocacy for veteran-related concerns, they also provide information on and referrals to local community resources, including healthcare providers, and can assist with claims and appeals.
Honolulu Vet Center
Providers at the Honolulu Vet Center offer confidential counseling services, information about VA benefits, and community referrals for veterans and their families. Available programs include individual, couples, and family counseling and peer support groups.
Indigenous & Tribal Programs
Papa Ola Lōkahi
This is a healthcare provider that offers physical and behavioral health services for Native Hawaiians. They offer healthcare education and training, preventative treatment services, and an SUD recovery program that includes addiction education, access to harm reduction services, and connections to community based treatment providers.
Ke Ola Mamo
This statewide program is a collaboration between Native Hawaiian healthcare systems and local, community-based health centers. The group works to ensure that American Indians and Alaska Natives in Hawaii have access to culturally sensitive personal and public healthcare services. All SUD-related treatments are offered to residents through a contract with the Indian Health Service (IHS). These programs include individual, couples, family, and group counseling, stress management workshops, and related services.
Ka Malu a Waʻahila
Offered under the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), this program provides free counseling services, monthly peer support group sessions, and an array of online self-help tools for Native Hawaiian, indigenous, and Pacific Islander students at the University of Hawaii Mānoa.
Drug Laws in Hawaii
The Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) Program
Under this mandate, individuals who are on probation while in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction can participate in the HOPE program rather than enter drug court. This program is more intensive in structure and is best suited for individuals at a high risk of violating their probation.
Good Samaritan Law
This law states that anyone who contacts emergency personnel in good faith while an overdose is occurring cannot be charged with a minor drug offense. This applies regardless of whether the individual has drug paraphernalia or illicit substances on their person at the time of the event.
Hawaii Marijuana Laws
Possession of marijuana is a crime in Hawaii. Individuals found with under one ounce of the substance can be charged with a petty misdemeanor and face up to 30 days in prison. They may also face a maximum $1,000 fine. Punishments escalate as quantities increase. Possession of more than 100 plants is considered a Class A felony.
Hawaii DUI Laws
As a zero-tolerance state, Hawaii does not permit anyone under the age of 21 to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) that registers at or above 0.02%. Drivers over 21 can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if their BAC is 0.08% or higher.