Substance Abuse Stats in Columbia, SC
The capital of Richland County, Columbia has widespread issues with opioids. Throughout the county, people also struggle with cocaine, meth, alcohol, and other drugs.
Here are some stats on opioid overdoses in Richland County.
- There are 90 hospitalizations per 100,000 people.
- There are 17.86 fatal overdoses per 100,000 people.
This county ranks 38th in the state for alcohol abuse. Out of 48 counties, this is a very low ranking. Look at these stats:
- 18.1% of adults binge drink.
- 7.7% of adults drink heavily.
- 46% of fatal crashes involve alcohol.
- There are 1,207 alcohol-related hospitalizations per 100,000 people.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
With inpatient treatment, you live in the facility. You remove triggers and take a break from everything in your life. Inpatient treatment includes:
- Therapeutic communities — For six to 12 months, you live with a community who helps you move past addiction.
- Short-term inpatient treatment — You receive detox services and intensive therapy followed by outpatient treatment while living at home.
- Recovery housing —After inpatient treatment, recovery housing provides a stable, sober environment.
Outpatient treatment allows you to stay in your home. Treatment can include individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Plan to go to treatment several times a week at the beginning then switch to fewer sessions when you’re ready.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
Many inpatient rehab programs last 30, 60, or 90 days, but some programs are a year or more.
With a 30-day program, you get past your physical addiction and start therapy. If you have limited time or just want to try rehab, 30 days can be ideal.
By going to a 60-day treatment program, you get a longer chance to experience life without drugs or alcohol. For best results, give yourself as much time as possible. The most effective treatment programs last at least 90 days. Recovery homes are sober communities that let you ease into society slowly, and that can add months to the total treatment time.
What to Expect at Rehab
Here are some therapies you may receive.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy — CBT helps you understand your thought processes, identify addictive patterns, and make healthier decisions.
- Dialectical behavior therapy — DBT focuses how to live in the moment. You learn how to live without drugs.
- Medication-assisted treatment — Some medications can stop cravings for alcohol and opioids.
Many inpatient rehab centers also offer additional services and spa treatments. You may receive acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care. Dance, music, writing, and other creative therapies can also play a role. There are even rehabs that take you into the wilderness.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
When you are physically addicted to a drug, your body goes through withdrawal when you quit taking that substance. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, sweating, vomiting, and seizures. In rare cases, you can even hallucinate. Quitting some drugs on your own can even lead to death.
Detox helps you get off drugs or alcohol slowly and safely, while under constant medical supervision. You need to go to detox if you are addicted to these drugs:
- Alcohol
- Heroin
- Prescription Opioids
- Benzos
A drug counselor can help you decide if you need detox for other drugs.
How Long is Detox?
Detox varies depending on the drug and factors such as age, weight, and level of dependency. If you quit drinking, withdrawal symptoms peak at 72 hours. You may have some symptoms for up to a month, but the actual detox time is about a week.
For opioids, withdrawal starts six to 12 hours after you last take the drug. You should expect to be in detox for about a week.
A specialist can help you determine how long you need detox. Once you finish detox, you can transition into regular treatment.
Sources
- https://www.daodas.sc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2018_County_Profiles_Updated_9.3.19.pdf
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-does-drug-addiction-treatment
- https://www.healthline.com/health/alcoholism/how-long-does-it-take-to-detox-from-alcohol
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326223.php#timeline-of-withdrawal-effects