Phone Counselors Respond to Increase in Hawaiian Alcoholism
An old Hawaiian proverb goes, "alcohol- the liquid that snatches away the light." With our location in paradise, comes the not so pleasant truth that we rank high for incidences of alcoholism. There is no clear reason why this is the case, it's simply a sign of the times. The solution comes in the form of another Hawaiian saying which I'll translate at the end of this post. The saying goes, "E lauhoe mai na wa'a; i ke ka, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke ka; pae aku i ka 'aina."
New research points to the fact that counseling on the phone can help reduce alcohol consumption among problem drinkers. In the past, studies have shown that even a few conversations with a trained counselor can help people to drink less. This finding is significant because there are many things that can keep people from meeting with a professional in person about alcohol abuse -things like child care, work obligations, transportation issues, and the need for personal privacy. It's a fact that most people don’t want family members to know they have an issue with alcohol abuse, and they often are afraid that someone in the community will find out that they’re seeking treatment. Addiction counseling over the phone can help these people.
E lauhoe mai na wa'a; i ke ka, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke ka; pae aku i ka 'aina means literally, "paddle together, bail, paddle; paddle, bail; paddle towards the land." On interisland trips, the two most important tools besides the sail were the paddles and the bailer. In heavy seas, the water would wash over the boat and so one or more natives would be constant bailing. Others would be paddling together on command to reach their destination in the shortest time. As counselors and patients work together, the work will be done quickly and effectively.
Aloha ~
Ali
Comments