South Carolina Substance Abuse Statistics
Substance abuse statistics show that addiction is a growing problem in South Carolina. Because addictions to various drugs and alcohol are on the rise, it is important for everyone to be informed about the substances that are abused, the statistics about their abuse, and options for rehab centers in SC to seek treatment.
South Carolina Alcohol Abuse Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists a wide range of short- and long-term effects of alcohol abuse. These include:
- physical injury from accidents
- alcohol poisoning
- cardiac problems such as high blood pressure or heart disease
- depression and anxiety
Binge drinking is an especially risky practice often associated with alcohol abuse. The CDC defines binge drinking as consumption of four or more drinks in a single sitting for women, or five or more drinks at once for men, at any time within the previous 30 days. Some important facts about binge drinking are:
- A survey revealed 18.1% of South Carolina residents polled admit to binge drinking.
- The average binge drinker in South Carolina exceeds the binge drinking threshold, consuming seven to eight drinks per session.
- Binge drinking leads to poor choices; 29,300 people were involved in DUI-related car crashes from 2011 to 2015.
South Carolina Opioid Abuse Statistics
Opioid abuse typically takes one of two forms:
- addiction to heroin, an illegal drug
- abuse of legal prescription opioid drugs
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reports that prescription opioid abuse is swiftly outpacing heroin addiction as the larger of the two problems. In 2016 alone, South Carolina residents filled nearly 5 million opioid prescriptions. That equals about one prescription for every single person in the state.
Opioid abuse can lead to the following:
- physical dependence on the drug
- increasing use as tolerance builds
- risk of infections such as HIV when injected
- abuse of other substances along with the opioid
South Carolina Methamphetamine Abuse Statistics
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), methamphetamine use temporarily boosts the amount of dopamine, a pleasure-causing natural chemical, in the user’s brain. The high caused by the drug is very short-lived and users quickly build a tolerance, causing them to seek methamphetamine out more frequently and in increasing amounts. Along with the high potential for addiction, methamphetamine can lead to the following:
- extended periods of hyperactivity and insomnia
- cardiac issues such as irregular heartbeat
- extensive dental problems (commonly called “meth mouth”)
- extreme paranoia
- risk of infections such as HIV when injected
Substance abuse statistics reveal the growing prevalence of methamphetamine “labs” where the dealers manufacture the drug. CNN reports that counties in South Carolina have been home to as many as 82 meth labs. These labs, often located in residential homes, pose severe threats to their inhabitants as well as neighboring houses. The CDC advises that the chemicals used in making meth can explode, injuring those nearby and causing property damage; cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory system; and even seep into the walls and other parts of the building, causing long-term exposure risks that usually lead to demolition of the entire structure.
South Carolina Combined Substance Abuse Statistics
Unfortunately, many people who abuse drugs may start out with a substance of choice but end up with multiple addictions. The substances may be in the same family of drugs; for example, both may be depressants. The use of two depressants at once can increase the risk of life-threatening respiratory conditions, making the combination particularly dangerous. Some important statistics to know about combining depressants are:
- As many as 45% of heroin users are also addicted to prescription opioids.
- Alcohol is involved in 18.5% of opioid-related hospital visits.
Users may also combine substances from two different classifications. Typically, they do so in order to counteract or lessen the side effects associated with one or both of the substances. Effects of mixing a stimulant with a depressant include:
- negative effects associated with either drug
- inability to control body movements
- cardiac conditions such as heart attack or aneurysm
Substance Abuse Treatment
The NIH lists several factors that can make substance abuse treatment programs successful. These include:
- individualized treatment plans
- behavioral counseling
- addressing other patient issues, including mental health
- medication to treat physical withdrawal
- infectious disease testing and counseling
- continued support after patients complete the residential program
Patients who travel from South Carolina to seek treatment for substance abuse will find Lakeview Health offers all these services and more. Lakeview Health even provides a family workshop that helps family members understand the process of their loved one’s rehabilitation as well as resources available to their own self-care. Patients will receive continual whole-patient therapy from Lakeview’s diverse and professional staff while on-site. After program completion, this support continues with recovery coaching and a supportive alumni community. The alumni support can help with things such as assistance finding meetings close to the patient’s South Carolina home. And recovery coaches are dedicated to supporting the patient’s success in living independently and substance-free.
Those who suffer from addiction, or have a loved one caught up in substance abuse, can call Lakeview Health’s admissions team 24/7 at 866.704.7692 to learn more. The road to recovery can begin with one simple phone call.