Substance Abuse Stats in North Charleston, SC
North Charleston is the third largest city in South Carolina, and many people in this community struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
North Charleston sits in three counties, but drug abuse is the worst in Charleston County.
Look at these drug abuse stats for the county.
- 21.7% of adults binge drink.
- 9.5% of adults drink heavily.
- 38% of fatal accidents involve alcohol.
- 153.7 per 100,000 people admitted to the hospital for opioid overdoses.
- 22.1 per 100,000 people have fatal opioid overdoses.
For opioid overdoses, Charleston County is the worst in the state. This is due to the presence of fentanyl in many drugs.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
With inpatient care, you live in a treatment facility. You take a break from life and join a community where you learn to live without drugs or alcohol. To improve success, inpatient care removes triggers and changes your environment.
If you cannot leave your job or family, outpatient rehab lets you live at home. Treatment can include counseling, group therapy, 12-step programs, and other options.
Many people start with inpatient treatment and then set up outpatient care. Others move into recovery housing after inpatient treatment. You can choose the right combination for you.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
Popular treatment programs are 30, 60, or 90 days, but the most effective rehab programs are at least 90 days. When you spend three months or more in rehab, you get to know yourself. You learn how to change patterns, deal with boredom, and process emotions without addiction.
Some people spend up to a year in rehab and recovery housing. Changing your life takes time, and for best results, you need to make that investment.
What to Expect at Rehab
Rehab helps you learn to live without drugs or alcohol. Therapy is a big part of this process. Rehab centers offer CBT, EMDR, motivational enhancement, 12-step, and other options. If you have anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you can also get help for those issues.
Some centers offer alternative therapies involving music, art, nature, and animals. These therapies let you find your identity and learn new coping skills. Many centers also have massage, yoga, guided meditation, and other spa-like services.
Usually, your day has a predictable schedule to minimize stress. An average day includes therapy as well as relaxation, workouts, games, and fun.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
If you are physically addicted, you can experience severe withdrawal symptoms if you quit using. In particular, stopping opioids, benzos, and alcohol can lead to intense anxiety, sweating, hallucinations, seizures, and even death. To get off these drugs safely, you need to go to detox.
Detox provides 24/7 medical observation. A medical professional ensures you come down safely and provides medication as needed. Once you are stabilized physically, you can start rehab. In some cases, you may go to detox and rehab at the same place, but often, you complete these steps in different locations.
How Long is Detox?
Detox for opioids takes about a week, and alcohol detox takes several days. The withdrawal symptoms usually peak in the middle of the process. The exact time depends on the drug you’re taking and factors such as your weight, age, genetics, and metabolism.
Once you complete detox, the life threatening symptoms are over, but you may continue to have some effects. For example, with alcohol, you may have some withdrawal symptoms for weeks after detox. These symptoms don’t stop you from functioning and are not deadly.
Sources
- https://www.postandcourier.com/news/charleston-county-worst-in-sc-in-opioid-overdoses-as-fentanyl/article_0a5d3b34-a490-11e8-8b56-430159ffd065.html
- https://www.daodas.sc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2018_County_Profiles_Updated_9.3.19.pdf
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-does-drug-addiction-treatment