SOUTH CAROLINA SUBSTANCE ABUSE
America's drug and alcohol problem have grown substantially during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Substance abuse statistics indicate that addiction is an increasing problem in South Carolina. Since substance abuse is escalating, it is important for the public to be advised about the drugs that are abused, the facts about their abuse, and South Carolina addiction treatment options.
South Carolina Opioid Use Disorder Statistics
Opioid abuse in South Carolina has been dominated by illegal fentanyl over the past few years. In fact, from 2019 to 2020, drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl increased 105 percent in South Carolina, from 537 to 1,100. Additionally, fentanyl is responsible for 79% of all opioid overdose deaths. At the same, South Carolinians should be aware of the dramatic increase in counterfeit pills being sold on the internet through social platforms like Snapchat and TikTok.
Opioids are found in two different forms
- Legal prescription opioid pain medication
- Illicit fentanyl, heroin, or counterfeit pills
Opioid abuse / misuse can lead to the following:
- Increased use as tolerance develops
- Risk of HIV / AIDS / hepatitis through needles
- Neglect of home, family, career or school
- Overdose death
South Carolina Alcohol Abuse Statistics
In a 2020 survey, 18% of adults in South Carolina residents reported binge drinking (4-5 drinks) in the past 30 days or heavy drinking (8-15 drinks) in a week. Excessive drinking comes with short and long-term risks.
Short-term risks include:
Injuries from falls or car accidents
- Aggressive behavior
- Alcohol poisoning
- Risky behaviors such as unprotected sex
Long-term risks include:
- Heart disease, stroke, and liver disease
- Cancer of the breasts, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, or colon
- Memory impairment
South Carolina Polysubstance Abuse
Most people who abuse drugs may start out with a drug of choice but end up with multiple substance addictions. The polysubstance abuse typically happens with different drugs. For example, a person using opioids may also take a benzodiazepine, making the mixture especially dangerous. The important statistics to know about combining drugs are:
- Over 40% of heroin users are also addicted to prescription opioids
- Alcohol is present in 18.5% of opioid-related hospital visits
- Increased side-effects associated with either drug
- Loss of motor skills
- Respiratory problems like shallow breathing
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the following highlighted tenets should form the basis of any effective addiction treatment program:
- People need to have quick access to treatment.
- Effective treatment addresses all the client’s needs, not just addiction.
- Treatment plans should be individualized for each client.
- Treatment should address any co-occurring disorders.
- Medication assisted treatment available for opioid and alcohol disorder.
- Continuing care available after residential treatment.
BriteLife Recovery is a complete South Carolina addiction treatment program located on beautiful Hilton Head Island. Our substance abuse rehab programs are designed for each client’s particular needs and concentrate on improving overall health and well-being. This includes any co-occurring disorders. With low staff-to-client ratios, clients have access to a range of evidenced-based addiction treatment programs and therapies. Moreover, BriteLife only creates tailored treatment plans that are centered on client choice and addiction needs. Through detox, residential, partial hospitalization, outpatient, and continuing care programs, clients have an abundance of opportunities to immerse themselves in recovery. We also offer wellness programs like yoga, massage, acupuncture and more to help clients build a strong mind, body, and spirit. By treating clients in this manner, we know it will position them for a positive outcome.