Every person struggling with substance abuse is unique. The best addiction treatment programs in South Carolina understand this and take an individualized approach to rehab programs in order to meet each person’s unique needs. In doing so, they recognize that certain populations of people face specific challenges and require special considerations. A drug addiction hotline in South Carolina can help you find the best rehabilitation program that meets your needs to give you the best chance of long-term recovery.

The National Drug Helpline is a toll-free number 1-844-289-0879. Operators are available around the clock to provide instant access to updated information about addiction treatment in South Carolina. All calls to the helpline are answered by trained professionals who can help you find local resources and treatment programs in South Carolina. We also offer guidance in a safe, private, and non-judgmental space.

Call 1-844-289-0789 today to discuss your concerns and get answers to your questions about substance abuse treatment in South Carolina. Find drug and alcohol rehab facilities in Charleston, Columbia, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, and other communities in South Carolina.

SOUTH CAROLINA SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY YOUTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021 showed the following findings among 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders in the state: [1]

ALCOHOL USE

  • Percentage of students who currently drank alcohol: 19.2%
  • Percentage of students who were currently engaged in binge drinking on at least 1 day in the past 30 days: 9.3%
  • Percentage of students who go the alcohol they drank by someone giving it to them: 42.0%

MARIJUANA USE

  • Percentage of students who used currently used marijuana in the past 30 days: 14.7%

PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION MISUSE

  • Percentage of students who ever took prescription pain medications such as codeine, Vicodin, OxyContin, or Percocet without a doctor’s prescription or differently than prescribed: 13.5%

EXPOSURE TO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

  • Percentage of students who were ever offered, given, or sold an illegal drug on school property: 17.3%

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the following with regards to substance use in South Carolina: [2]

YOUTH AGED 12-17 YEARS

  • Past-month marijuana use was reported by 6.6% of adolescents in 2017-2019 compared to 6.2% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average decreased from 7.9% in 2002-2004 to 6.8% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month alcohol use was reported by 9.4% of youth in 2017-2019 compared to 12.5% in 2002-2004. The US national average also showed a downward trend from 17.6% in 2002-2004 to 9.4% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-month illicit drug use was reported by 8.4% of South Carolina teens aged 12-17 years in 2017-2019 compared to 8.2% in 2015-2017. The US national average was stable at 8.2% during this time.
  • Past-year initiation of substances (first lifetime use) was reported by youth as follows during 2017-2019: Alcohol 8.7% (US average 9.3%), marijuana 4.7% (US average 5.2%), and cigarettes 3.6% (US average 2.3%).

Alcohol and illicit drug use among adolescents in South Carolina have shown positive trends with decreased usage in 2019 compared to 2002. However, marijuana use in this age group has increased slightly over this timeframe.

YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-25 YEARS

The data for young adults aged 18-25 years in South Carolina is as follows:

  • Past-year marijuana use was reported by 26.7% of young adults in South Carolina in 2017-2019 compared to 27.6% in 2002-2004. During a similar timeframe, the US national average increased from 28.7% in 2002-2004 to 35.0% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder was reported in 3.4% of young adults aged 18-25 years in South Carolina in 2017-2019, compared to 5.2% in 2002-2004. The US national average changed from 6.0% in 2002-2004 to 5.6% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year opioid use disorder was reported in 1.4% of young adults in South Carolina in 2017-2019 compared to 1.9% in 2015-2017. The US national average changed from 1.3% in 2015-2017 to 1.0% in 2017-2019.
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder was reported in 5.9% of South Carolina residents aged 18-25 years in 2017-2019 compared to 8.5% in 2015-2017. The US national average was around 7.2% to 7.5% during this time period.
  • Past-month binge alcohol use was reported by 33.1% of young adults in 2017-2019 compared to 38.6% in 2015-2017. The US national average in 2017-2019 was 35.4% showing binge alcohol use in South Carolina is slightly lower than the country as a whole.
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder among young adults aged 18-25 was reported in 10.8% of South Carolina residents in 2017-2019, compared to 18.7% in 2002-2004. The US national average for 2017-2019 was 9.8%. South Carolina therefore has a slightly higher percentage of young adults battling alcohol use disorder compared to the US average for all states.
  • Past-year substance use disorder was reported in 14.3% of young adults aged 18-25 years in South Carolina in 2017-2019 compared to 17.8% in 2015-2017. The national average has hovered between 15.1% and 14.7% during this time.

SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS 12 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

The Behavioral Health Barometer also found the following for 2017-2019 in South Carolina residents aged 12 years and older:

  • Past-year tobacco use: 31.2% (US average 26.8%)
  • Past-year marijuana use: 13.7% (US average 16.2%)
  • Past-year marijuana use disorder: 1.2% (US average 1.6%)
  • Past-year heroin use: 0.03% (US average 0.30%)
  • Past-year prescription painkiller misuse: 3.6% (US average 3.7%)
  • Past-year opioid use disorder: 0.6% (US average 0.7%)
  • Past-year illicit drug use disorder: 2.2% (US average 2.9%)
  • Past-year alcohol use disorder: 4.9% (US average 5.3%)
  • Past-year substance use disorder: 6.3% (US average 7.4%)
  • Number of people enrolled in substance use treatment (single day counts for 2019): 20,539
  • Number of people enrolled in opioid treatment programs (single day counts for 2019): 5,667
  • Problems among people enrolled in treatment: 46.5% drug problem only, 16.4% alcohol problem only, 37.2% both drug and alcohol problems
Close up of a pregnant woman's belly in a blue t-shirt with a bottle of pills in one hand and several white pills in the other hand.

WHAT CHALLENGES DO CERTAIN POPULATIONS FACE DURING RECOVERY FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE?

Certain populations, such as veterans, older adults, pregnant women, and adolescents face specific challenges during addiction recovery. An individualized approach to substance abuse treatment is necessary to address the unique needs of these populations and ensure successful outcomes and long-term recovery. Here are some of the intricacies involved in providing effective addiction treatment to some of these groups.

Adolescents

Unique Challenges: Adolescents frequently contend with peer pressure, academic stress, and the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. Additionally, teenagers often lack insight into the consequences of substance abuse.

Considerations: It’s important to engage adolescents in treatment programs through age-appropriate counseling and education. Involving family members in the treatment process can provide a much-needed support system to teens in recovery.

Seniors

Unique Challenges: Older adults may struggle with addiction due to chronic pain, isolation, and coping with the loss of loved ones. Poor physical health in this group can complicate substance abuse treatment.

Considerations: Addiction treatment programs for older adults should address any underlying physical and mental health issues and provide a supportive environment that caters to this population.

LGBTQ+ Individuals

Unique Challenges: LGBTQ+ individuals frequently face discrimination, stigma, and rejection from society and family members. These factors can contribute to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

Considerations: It is vital for a rehabilitation program to provide a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals with culturally sensitive staff members.

Pregnant Women

Unique Challenges: Pregnant women dealing with substance abuse must consider the health and well-being not only of themselves but also their unborn baby. Some pregnant women hesitate to seek treatment for fear of legal consequences or involvement of child protective services.

Considerations: Drug and alcohol rehab programs should provide specialized prenatal care, counseling, and support services to pregnant women and collaborate with healthcare professionals to monitor both the mother and baby’s health.

Veterans

Unique Challenges: Veterans may turn to substance abuse to cope with the physical and psychological scars of combat and the struggles of reintegrating with civilian life. [3]

Considerations: Substance abuse treatment programs for veterans should utilize a trauma-informed approach and collaborate with VA services and support groups to provide comprehensive care.

The goal of addiction treatment in all special populations is to provide holistic care that not only addresses the person’s addiction but also the underlying factors that contribute to substance abuse. The National Drug Helpline is a toll-free hotline number 1-844-289-0879 that can help you find customized treatment plans that meet your specific needs and preferences.

Call us today to find a rehab program that is culturally sensitive and non-judgmental. Remember that everyone’s journey to recovery is unique, and the right support can make a significant difference in your success. Let us help you find an alcohol or drug rehabilitation program in South Carolina that provides the most effective substance abuse treatment for you, ultimately improving your chances of long-term recovery.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2021. Available online. Accessed on September 6, 2023.
  2. SAMHSA. Behavioral Health Barometer South Carolina. Available online. Accessed on September 6, 2023.
  3. National Library of Medicine. Substance use disorders in military veterans: prevalence and treatment challenges. Available online. Accessed on September 6, 2023.

Last updated: September 6, 2023