Underage Drinking costs Hawaii taxpayers nearly $200 million

Underage drinking in Hawaii that resulted in traffic fatalities, violence, pregnancies, crime, burns and drownings cost local residents and businesses $188 million for medical procedures, work loss, and pain and suffering in 2007, according to a federally funded study. This coupled with the subsequent alcohol addiction and prescription drug addiction on the rise.

The study also reports 36,000 youths in Hawaii participate in illegal underage drinking every year, and state taxpayers pay $30 million for their substance abuse treatment or drug rehabilitation.

The Underage Drinking in Hawaii study was published in November 2009 by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation with funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. OJJDP helps youths in crisis as a program of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The study shows that in 2007:
• Underage youth consumed 5 percent of all alcohol sold in Hawaii
• $61 million in alcohol sales to this group equated to $30 million in profits for alcohol companies
• Youth needing treatment for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome cost taxpayers $3.4 million
• Based on student self-reports, 59 percent of Hawaii pupils in grades nine through 12 had at least one drink on one or more days

The study can be accessed at http://www.udetc.org/factsheets/Hawaii.pdf for more detailed information about this group at risk.

Meanwhile, companies associated with alcoholic beverages are marketing to our islands’ and nation’s youth while promoting they do not. Such companies make millions and cost taxpayers just as much.

Mix the underage drinking problem with rising prescription drug abuse in the islands, and there are enough factors leading to a substantial social problem when the state can least afford it.

Narconon Hawaii warns the key to resolving this problem is education of youth about the effects of all drugs and alcohol.

“Until those that profit from the sale of alcohol and drugs are held accountable for the death and destruction caused, we have to be responsible to ensure our keiki are aware of the consequences,” said Myron Thompson, chairman of Narconon Hawaii.

“The study shows that youth who participate in underage substance abuse are four times more likely to need substance abuse treatment or drug rehabilitation,” Thompson said.

Education about the effects of taking drugs is vital, which is why Narconon Hawaii provides drug education starting with children in third grade. Information is provided in a fun and constructive style.

The Narconon Hawaii Drug Education Program explains what drugs and alcohol do to the mind, body and emotional state of a person. The program delves into the reasons children and youth start using drugs or alcohol and offers ways for them to avoid it. The program is based on proven results.

A recently completed outcome study was a combined effort between Hawaii and Oklahoma schools and is available at http://www.substanceabusepolicy.com/content/3/1/8

If you know of anyone needing substance abuse treatment or drug rehabilitation Narconon Hawaii counselors can help. Any community organization, church or school that would like to schedule a drug education presentation can reach Narconon Hawaii at info@narcononhawaii.org or 808-550-0005.