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As news headlines continue to sound the alarm about the national opioid epidemic, the problem of drug addiction has moved into the forefront of more people’s consciousness. In addition to the overwhelming numbers of those addicted to prescription painkillers addiction to drugs in all forms persist across the country.
In South Carolina, a 2014-15 survey of drug and alcohol behaviors revealed the current status of substance abuse in the state:
The possession and distribution of illicit substances comes with varying degrees of penalties in South Carolina. The first offense for possessing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) is a misdemeanor that includes time in jail as well as a fine. Subsequent offenses have greater charges depending on the type of drug and amount involved.
Drugs are broken down into five schedules. For instance, schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and cannot be used for medical purposes. If a drug is listed in schedule V, however, it has a low possibility for abuse and may have an accepted medical use.
| Schedule | Substances Included | Criminal Charge | Potential Sentencing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule I | Opiates, heroin, MDMA, LSD, synthetic cannabinoids, methaqualone, GHB, fenethylline | Misdemeanor | Up to 3 years in prison and/or $5,000 fine |
| Schedule II | Raw opium, codeine, morphine, methadone, Ritalin, amphetamine, PCP | Misdemeanor | Up to 3 years in jail and/or $5,000 fine |
| Schedule III | Appetite suppressants, barbiturates, sedatives, anesthetics, hydrocodone | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Schedule IV | Alprazolam, clonazepam, pentazocine hydrochloride, butorphanol | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
| Schedule V | Narcotics containing non-narcotic active medicinal ingredient | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine |
Medical and recreational marijuana are illegal in South Carolina. However, the state has passed a medical cannabidiol (CBD) law that allows cannabis extracts to treat severe epileptic conditions.
Qualifying conditions for medical CBD in South Carolina are:
While possessing and selling marijuana comes with harsh sentencing, selling typically involves a more severe punishment.
| Marijuana Amount | Criminal Charge | Potential Sentencing |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | ||
| 1 oz or less (first offense) | Misdemeanor | 30 days in jail and $200 fine |
| 1 oz or less (subsequent offense) | Misdemeanor | 1 year in jail and $2,000 fine |
| Sale or Trafficking | ||
| Less than 10 lbs | Felony | 5 years in jail and $5,000 fine |
| 10 – 100 lbs (first offense) | Felony | 1 – 10 years in jail and $10,000 fine |
| 10 – 100 lbs (second offense) | Felony | 5 – 20 years in jail and $25,000 fine |
| 10 – 100 lbs (third offense) | Felony | 25 years and $25,000 fine |
| 100 – 2,000 lbs | Felony | 25 years and $25,000 fine |
| 2,000 – 10,000 lbs | Felony | 25 years and $50,000 fine |
| More than 10,000 lbs | Felony | 25 years and $200,000 fine |
| To a minor, or within ½ mile of a school, playground or public park | Felony | 10 years and $10,000 fine |
South Carolina has enacted a wide range of harm reduction laws over the past several decades. Harm reduction laws, including methadone clinics, prescription drug monitoring programs and other substance abuse services help individuals who use drugs. Each program offers information about addiction and treatment and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
With an increase in the number of pain reliever addictions in South Carolina, more residents are turning to methadone clinics for help. Methadone is used to lessen withdrawal symptoms and pain for those with a heroin or opioid addiction.
Having access to methadone helps reduce the cravings and urges caused by an opioid addiction. In order to keep obtaining methadone, a person must show they are abusing opioids. This can be determined by a urine sample and other medical examinations.
It's important to note that methadone is just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. You will have the greatest chance of success when methadone is used in combination with other recovery services.
The South Carolina Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) launched in 2008. Managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's Bureau of Drug Control, the program tracks information on schedule II-IV controlled substances. Medical professionals and pharmacists can access the data before writing a prescription or dispensing medications. States with operational PDMPs are able to share information with other states in an effort to reduce the prescription drug abuse epidemic.
Additional benefits of the South Carolina PDMP include:
The South Carolina Department of Corrections has a specific division to help drug offenders overcome substance abuse. Programs are divided into female offenders, adult male offenders, youth male offenders, pre-lapse and several other services.
Many programs generally cover topics such as:
Each program uses the Therapeutic Community Model treatment approach, which focuses on the whole person and lifestyle changes, rather than only looking at the drug. Over the course of approximately six to nine months, offenders will take part in a structured recovery plan. After completing the program successfully, individuals will have the tools necessary to maintain lasting sobriety.
Substance abuse and addiction take many forms in South Carolina. Substance use disorders range from those caused by alcohol to those that are fueled by illicit or prescription drug abuse.
In 2016, 684 out of the 876 drug-related overdose deaths in the state were related to prescription drugs. Any type of prescription drug can be abused, however, certain classes are abused far more heavily than others:
Though South Carolina hasn't experienced the opioid epidemic as heavily as some states, it has nonetheless destroyed the lives of countless residents and their families.
Opioid drugs responsible for this crisis include heroin, prescription opioid painkillers and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Potent and deadly fentanyl analogs have also been making their way into South Carolina, including:
In 2016 in South Carolina:
In late 2017, Governor Henry McMaster announced an executive order aimed at preventing opioid abuse. The order limits opioid prescriptions for Medicaid recipients to a maximum of five days for acute and post-operative pain.
This project educates and equips first responders and at-risk populations—people who are using drugs or concerned family members—with naloxone, a medication that saves lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. This program provides this service even to people who cannot afford to pay for the medication.
There is a great need for drug and alcohol treatment and, fortunately, there are many ways to access it. You can start here by searching the directories on this page for a treatment center in South Carolina, or browse other states, if you prefer to attend treatment away from the familiarity of your everyday life. You can also call our trained and compassionate treatment consultants to learn about your options and ask any questions you may have about the treatment process.
Closer to home, a trusted physician can often provide a referral to a substance abuse treatment provider, as can your individual or family therapist. Additionally, family and friends who have gone through treatment may point you in the right direction.
For those South Carolina residents with health insurance, finding substance abuse treatment can begin with a call to your insurance provider and an inquiry about what programs and providers your plan covers.
Early intervention and research into specific treatment programs are both vital to a successful recovery. Inpatient care programs are effective for people who require structure and close monitoring. When searching for the right program, keep the following factors in mind:
Some of the different types of drug and alcohol addiction treatment services found throughout South Carolina include:
The addiction treatment program that's best for each person depends on their unique needs and circumstances. A clinical assessment evaluates each patient's health and history of addiction and guides treatment providers in creating an individualized treatment plan. South Carolina residents can choose from a variety of addiction treatment services, such as:
Sometimes a person needs help realizing that they need treatment for addiction. South Carolina intervention services can be a good resource for friends and family who are concerned that their loved one needs addiction treatment.
A professional interventionist guides the person in need of treatment and closes loved ones through an intervention. The interventionist will moderate the conversation and help loved ones as they express their concerns to their family member. Intervention services may also include transporting the person to treatment once they decide to get help.
South Carolina detox programs are available in outpatient or inpatient settings. Inpatient detox programs are often offered at the same facility as the inpatient addiction treatment services that follow detox, making it easier to transition from detox to rehabilitation. This smooth transition relieves stress and protects a person from outside influences that could trigger a relapse.
An inpatient medically supervised detoxification program monitors a person round the clock while their body adjusts to sobriety. Various medications may be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Withdrawal can be uncomfortable, dangerous, and, with certain drugs, deadly. Alcohol, benzodiazepines and opioid drugs can cause severe withdrawal. A medically supported drug and alcohol detox helps a person to safely detox in preparation for the next stage of treatment.
The first few days and weeks of treatment can be physically and mentally challenging. The residential setting of inpatient treatment can make the early stages of recovery easier. Living on-site at a treatment facility gives a person greater access to treatment staff and recovery resources that nurture sobriety.
High-quality South Carolina inpatient addiction treatment centers offer clients a treatment plan that is built around their unique needs. Services provided may include medically supervised detoxification, drug, and alcohol rehab and aftercare. This seamless approach increases stability and the opportunity for recovery success.
During inpatient drug rehab, a person generally has more time to work on the issues tied to their addiction than they would in an outpatient program. The most effective treatment addresses any family, job, educational or social problems that led to or were caused by addiction. This personalized approach helps to ensure that each person is prepared to meet the challenges in their life. Various therapies teach sober living skills, coping tools and ways to prevent relapse.
The intensive format of inpatient addiction treatment makes residential treatment a good option for severe addictions, polydrug addiction, and dual-diagnosis treatment, however, individuals from all walks of life may find hope in this type of treatment.
Outpatient addiction treatment programs allow a person to seek treatment while living at home. Though this format may initially seem appealing, this flexibility can actually be risky for those in early recovery.
If a person becomes too overwhelmed by stress, cravings or the treatment process itself, outpatient drug rehab could make it easier for a person to leave the program. When a person goes home after treatment each day, they may also be exposed to people, places or events that trigger thoughts of relapse. Inpatient addiction treatment programs offer better protection against these risks.
Outpatient treatment has excellent results when used to help a person transition from an inpatient addiction treatment program to independent life after treatment. Used in this way as a step-down level of care, traditional outpatient and intensive outpatient programs help newly recovered individuals strengthen their sobriety.
Recovery shouldn't end when a person leaves treatment. Many South Carolina addiction treatment centers offer aftercare and alumni support services. These services encourage a person and support them as they overcome the struggles they face throughout their recovery. Aftercare options may include:
Aftercare services provide a person with tools to prevent relapse and build a fulfilling life in recovery.
Many people find that they're more successful in treatment if they seek out specialized addiction treatment programs that address their needs and preferences. Choices for specialized South Carolina addiction treatment programs may include holistic programs that focus on whole-body wellness, LGBTQIA-friendly programs, programs designed for professionals and executives, as well as religious and 12-step programs.
In addition to these, some of the most widely used specialized addiction treatment programs are:
In certain cases, medications may be used to help patients stay sober. Medication-assisted treatment combines medications with behavioral therapies and counseling to promote long-term recovery.
Medications for opioid use disorders include:
Medications for alcohol use disorders include:
Interacting with peers during treatment can greatly enhance a person's experience. Some people are more comfortable and more easily able to focus on their recovery in a gender-specific treatment program. Gender-specific treatment programs provide this opportunity.
Many people begin abusing drugs or alcohol due to mental health issues. Prolonged substance abuse can make these conditions worsen or cause them to appear for the first time.
When a person is struggling with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, they have a dual diagnosis. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs recognize and treat the ways each of these conditions influence the other. This integrated treatment approach gives a person a greater chance of success, stability, and all-around better health. These programs treat anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of mental illness.
Many circumstances can lead a person to addiction. For a person to heal and find sobriety, it's critical that treatment determines each contributing factor and finds appropriate treatments for them. Negative, self-destructive ways of thinking, feeling and behaving are some of the most damaging ways addiction changes a person.
Evidence-based behavioral therapies are some of the most effective ways to treat the causes and effects of addiction. These sessions may include:
Therapy and counseling sessions are offered in an individual, group, and family setting to help a person regain balance in all areas of their life.
Addiction damages a person's body, mind, and spirit. Bringing better health and harmony to these critical areas is an important part of treatment. A growing number of drug rehab centers provide alternative and complementary treatments for addiction that focus on this goal.
Addiction treatments that may be used to encourage mind-body-spirit wellness include:
Addiction can make it difficult to experience pleasure or meaning in life. It can also tear down a person's self-confidence. A variety of therapies seek to renew and invigorate a person by challenging and inspiring them. These therapies increase resilience and inner strength and may include:
While many of these methods work to reduce stress, certain practices target this goal more heavily than others. Meditation, yoga and mindfulness and stress-management practices teach a person to handle stress in a healthy way. Stress reduction can help a person significantly reduce the risk of relapse.
When planning for treatment, many people are uncertain how they'll pay for it. The good news is that many health insurance plans offer benefits that cover the treatment. In South Carolina, insurance providers may include:
If a person still can't afford treatment, there are several options they might look into on their own, such as:
Some treatment centers will work with a person and their family to find additional options that can make treatment more affordable. These may include:
Short- and long-term treatment options are available in South Carolina. Short-term programs last 28 to 30 days or less. Many people need longer treatment, such as programs lasting:
Treatment program length depends on a variety of factors, including:
People struggling with a medical condition, co-occurring disorder or polydrug addiction may need a longer time in treatment.
When considering the price of rehabilitation in south-carolina, look at the expense as an investment in your future and your family's. Most rehab centers are able to take partial payment through any PPO, HMO or private insurance plan you have. If you wish to review your eligibility and the expense of treatment in SC, contact our no-charge helpline to get clear and truthful answers to your questions.
Whether your SC inpatient-residential prescription and street drug recovery with take ninety days or three months, calling our treatment hotlline improves your chances of getting and staying healthy. Deciding on a rehab clinic that can meet or exceed your expectations before you ever start the program can also help immeasurably. When you're ready to book treatment, our phone line advisors can help you find the right location so you can move on to getting healthy.
The cost of rehab in South Carolina will depend on the facility and treatment program you select. No matter the cost, there are plenty of resources available to help you pay for the care you need.
Many health insurance plans cover addiction treatment services, and some rehab centers accept SC Medicaid and Medicare coverage as well. Contact your insurance provider to learn which facilities and services are covered by your plan.
Additional options, such as sliding scale fees and monthly payment plans, can be worked out directly with the treatment facility. There are also loans and scholarships available to those who do not have other means of paying for rehab, so do your research to determine which one is best for you.
In addition to these resources, you may be able to find alternate means of covering the costs of treatment in South Carolina include state-funded programs like Medicaid that have specific provisions for drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
As you vet various treatment centers, you can also inquire about their financing options, including sliding scales based on income, payment plans, and—in some cases—scholarships for those who meet certain criteria.
Along those lines, certain nonprofit organizations offer grants and scholarships for people seeking substance abuse treatment, as do some churches and other charitable programs. If the cost of treatment is a barrier for you, remember that many people want to help you get the treatment you need—keep searching and asking until you find them.
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