Mexican cartels are smuggling meth, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin into Hawaii, particularly on the island of Oahu, despite its remote location. These drugs are often trafficked to other Hawaiian islands, leading to addiction and crime-ridden areas. The DEA and local law enforcement are working to combat the drug crisis, with synthetic drugs like fentanyl and meth being blamed for fatal drug poisonings across the U.S.
Dr. Mark Baker, an emergency medicine specialist, founded endmeth.org to warn Hawaiians about the dangers of meth use. He highlights the long-term health issues caused by meth, including heart failure and psychiatric problems, and points out the link between homelessness and meth addiction. Meanwhile, recovery programs like Ho’omau Ke Ola in Waianae are providing culturally appropriate addiction treatment for Native Hawaiian men, guiding them through recovery with a focus on culture and community.
Although progress is being made with these programs, Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander individuals are three times less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. The state of Hawaii has developed a five-year plan to promote culturally appropriate mental health and addiction treatments, incorporating therapies like equine therapy, group nature hikes, and yoga to address substance abuse issues within the community. Despite the challenges, individuals like Taugaifala Fatu and Keali’i Siazon are finding success in recovery programs, emphasizing the importance of cultural connections and community support in overcoming addiction.
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