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Treatment in South Carolina

South Carolina
6 Minute Read | Published Oct 12 2023 | Updated Nov 28 2023

Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Mental Health, and Treatment in South Carolina

South Carolina Summary:

Residents of South Carolina deal with a number of alcohol and drug problems and mental health issues. Drunk driving is a serious issue in South Carolina, as the state has the highest rate of drunk driving fatalities in the nation. South Carolina also has high instances of binge drinking and a significant percentage of residents struggle with mental illness.

However, South Carolina has several rehab facilities that specialize in treating alcoholism, drug addiction and mental health problems like major depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder. There are both payment-assisted rehab centers in major cities, as well as luxury facilities in picturesque locations like Hilton Head Island.

Quick South Carolina statistics:

  • South Carolina state population: 5 million

  • An estimated 6% of people in South Carolina age 12 and over are dependent on or abuse alcohol 

  • Nearly 3% of South Carolina residents abuse illicit drugs

  • Commonly abused drugs in South Carolina include alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine and opioids such as heroin and prescription drugs

Alcoholism in South Carolina

South Carolina has the highest rate of traffic fatalities involving drunk driving in the U.S. In 2013, 44% of traffic deaths were attributable to drunk driving. Some counties in South Carolina report higher instances of heavy or binge drinking that other parts of the state. In Charleston County, 23% of adults report engaging in binge drinking.

South Carolina has several facilities that specialize in treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse. Located in Orangeburg (south of Columbia), William McCord - Adolescent Treatment is a nonprofit rehab center that provides alcohol and drug treatment for young adults struggling with addiction. This long-running facility offers medically assisted detox and also has an intensive outpatient program, in which those with moderate to severe substance abuse problems participate in a structured program that meets three days a week to develop tools to live a substance-free lifestyle. William McCord also has a family program and offers both individual and group therapy.

For those in need of a payment-assisted option for rehab, the Ernest E. Kennedy Center is a nonprofit treatment facility in the small community of Moncks Corner (north of Charleston). The treatment center accepts Medicaid and has other low-cost treatment payment options. The Ernest E. Kennedy Center has an intensive outpatient program and also offers intervention services. Intervention services are designed to help family or friends of addicts stage a meeting in which loved ones attempt to get an addict into treatment.

Drug Abuse in South Carolina

One of the most frequently abused substances in South Carolina is marijuana, which is the most commonly cited drug among primary drug treatment admittances in the state. Methamphetamine use and prescription drug addiction are also major concerns in South Carolina.

In South Carolina, there are both luxury and payment-assisted rehab facilities that offer treatment for drug abuse and addiction. Sunspire Health - Hilton Head is a luxury facility that offers treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues. Sunspire Health specializes in opioid addiction treatment. Opioid addiction includes the abuse of illegal opiates like heroin, as well as prescription drugs like Vicodin and Percocet. The facility also offers 24-hour clinical care and has both an inpatient and outpatient program. Sunspire Health is situated in Hilton Head along the coast of Savannah and the facility’s accommodations provide ocean views in a beach-like atmosphere.

Palmetto Health - Addiction Recovery Center in Columbia is a payment-assisted facility that accepts both Medicaid and Medicare. The treatment center offers multiple types of therapy options for recovery, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Palmetto Health focus on the 12-step model for addiction treatment and also provides aftercare support. 

Mental Health in South Carolina

South Carolina has a high prevalence of mental illness. An estimated 17% of adult residents in the state struggle with a mental illness. South Carolina ranks low among states in the U.S. in regards to mental health care and access for both adults and youths.

The state of South Carolina has a handful of treatment centers for residents dealing with mental health issues or co-occurring substance abuse problems. In addition to treating addiction, Palmetto Health - Addiction Recovery Center in Columbia also offers mental health treatment and services. Palmetto Health has a combined mental health and substance abuse center and offers a variety of therapy modalities, including Creative Arts Therapy and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

Located in Greer, the Carolina Center for Behavioral Health specializes in helping people who struggle with major depression, anxiety disorders and other mental health issues. The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health offers a psychiatric/dual diagnosis inpatient program, which provides 24-hour intensive nursing and medical management. This primarily short-term facility accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private health insurance and military insurance coverage. 

How long is inpatient drug rehab in South Carolina?

Drug rehab programs can vary depending on the facility and type of treatment. Typically, inpatient (or residential) rehabilitation programs are either 30, 60 or 90 days. There are also extended treatment centers that provide long-term care and recovery services.

Many inpatient drug rehab programs provide medically-assisted detox, which involves undergoing the detox process with the supervision of medical professionals. Medically-assisted detox is one treatment option for individuals who have developed a chemical dependency on drugs or alcohol.

Following detox, patients in rehab usually participate in some type of therapy or counseling. Many inpatient drug rehab programs implement the 12-step model for addiction recovery, which includes Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

After participants complete an inpatient drug rehab program, some individuals transition to a sober living home or engage in an outpatient treatment program, which might include aftercare support, job training or continued therapy as a way to prevent relapse. 

Does Medicaid cover drug rehab in South Carolina?

Medicaid is a government-run program that is required to offer health coverage for the basic conditions of drug and alcohol abuse and dependency treatment. South Carolina does have multiple rehabilitation programs that accept Medicaid and also offer other state-financed treatment payment options. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance providers like Medicaid are prohibited from providing less favorable coverage for substance abuse issues or mental health problems. 

To apply for Medicaid, South Carolina residents must meet certain requirements determined by the federal government. Medicaid recipients must either be a parent, pregnant, under the age of 19 or an adult living within a specified income bracket. Residents who earn less than 133% of the federal poverty level are eligible for Medicaid. 

South Carolina’s Medicaid program is called Healthy Connections. Through the Health Connections program, Medicaid patients can access drug and alcohol treatment services and enroll in a state-financed addiction rehabilitation center.

South Carolina: Looking Ahead 

South Carolina is actively working to combat the abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs in the state. While it’s still a major concern for law enforcement and state officials, drunk driving deaths have decreased nearly 28% since 2007. South Carolina’s is also improving its access to treatment and resources for mental illness. The state now ranks 37th in the U.S. for prevalence of adult and youth mental illness and access to care, compared to being ranked 45th in the U.S. in 2011.

Although it’s a relatively small state, South Carolina provides an array of treatment options for those struggling from alcoholism, drug addiction or mental health issues. In addition to payment-assisted facilities in major cities, there are also luxury facilities in serene, oceanside communities that allow residents to focus on recovery away from the noise and stress of daily life. For residents in need of a rehab center or treatment program, there are many resources in South Carolina available.

Treatment Centers And Meetings in South Carolina

Treatment Centers
Substance Abuse Clear Skye Treatment Center
104 Willis Street, Gaffney, South Carolina, 29341
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Mental Health Santee - Wateree Mental Health Center - Outreach and Support
1175 North Guignard Drive, Sumter, South Carolina, 29150
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Myrtle Beach Treatment Specialists
1607 Executive Avenue, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29577
Outpatient Detox and Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Good Samaritan Colony
19147 Highway 9, Ruby, South Carolina, 29741
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Mental Health Berkeley Community Mental Health Center - Substance Abuse Services
403 Stoney Landing Road, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, 29461
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Ace Recovery for Men
1477 Ted Melton Road, Chesterfield, South Carolina, 29709
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Substance Abuse Addcare Counseling
413 Vardry Street, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Substance Abuse Aiken Center
1105 Gregg Highway, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services
655 Medical Park Drive, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Lee Center
108 East Church Street, Bishopville, South Carolina, 29010
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse ALPHA Behavioral Health Center
1218 East Boulevard, Chesterfield, South Carolina, 29709
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse ALPHA Behavioral Health Center
208 King Street, Camden, South Carolina, 29020
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Alternatives Life Improvement Center - Charleston Office
2114 Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston, South Carolina, 29405
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Substance Abuse Anderson - Oconee - Behavioral Health Services
226 McGee Road, Anderson, South Carolina, 29625
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Anderson - Oconee - Behavioral Health Services
691 South Oak Street, Seneca, South Carolina, 29678
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Mental Health Anderson - Oconee - Pickens Community Mental Health Center - Oconee Clinic
115 Carter Park Drive, Seneca, South Carolina, 29678
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Anderson - Oconee - Pickens Mental Health Center - Anderson Adult Clinic
200 McGee Road, Anderson, South Carolina, 29625
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Anderson - Oconee - Pickens Community Mental Health Center - Pickens Clinic
337 West Main Street, Easley, South Carolina, 29640
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Anderson-Oconee-Pickens Mental
515 Camson Road, Anderson, South Carolina, 29625
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Ascent Recovery Solutions
634 Fairview Road, Simpsonville, South Carolina, 29680
Outpatient Detox and Treatment
Grants and Self-payment options
Substance Abuse Axis I Center of Barnwell
179 Fuldner Road, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Beaufort County - Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department
1905 Duke Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29902
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Mental Health Beckman Center for Mental Health - Abbeville Clinic
101 Commercial Drive, Abbeville, South Carolina, 29620
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Beckman Center for Mental Health - Greenwood Offices
1547 Parkway, Greenwood, South Carolina, 29646
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Beckman Center for Mental Health - Edgefield Clinic
200 Ridge Medical Plaza, Edgefield, South Carolina, 29824
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Beckman Center for Mental Health - McCormick Clinic
202 Highway 28 North, McCormick, South Carolina, 29835
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Beckman Center for Mental Health - Newberry Clinic
2043 Medical Park Drive, Newberry, South Carolina, 29108
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Beckman Center for Mental Health - Laurens Clinic
442 Professional Park Road, Clinton, South Carolina, 29325
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Berkeley Community Mental Health Center
403 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, 29461
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse BHG - Spartanburg Treatment Center
239 Access Road, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29303
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse BHG Aiken Treatment Center
410 University Parkway, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801
Outpatient Treatment
Medicaid and Medicare accepted
Substance Abuse Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County
309 East Main Street, Pickens, South Carolina, 29671
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Mental Health Beaufort Memorial Hospital - Mental Health Services
955 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29902
Inpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Bright Side Counseling Center
2277 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, South Carolina, 29169
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Palmetto Carolina Treatment Center
325 Inglesby Parkway, Duncan, South Carolina, 29334
Outpatient Treatment
Medicare, Medicaid and Self-payment options
Substance Abuse Southwest Carolina Treatment Center
341 West Beltline Boulevard, Anderson, South Carolina, 29625
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Mental Health Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center - Beaufort Mental Health Clinic
1050 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29902
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center - Hilton Head Mental Health Clinic
151 Dillon Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, 29925
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center - Jasper County Clinic
1510 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, South Carolina, 29936
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center - Colleton County Area Office
507 Forest Circle, Walterboro, South Carolina, 29488
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center - Hampton County Mental Health Clinic
65 Forest Drive, Varnville, South Carolina, 29944
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Substance Abuse Center for Behavioral Health - South Carolina
2301 Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston, South Carolina, 29405
Outpatient Detox and Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
109 Bee Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Substance Abuse Charleston Center of Charleston County
5 Charleston Center Drive, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Charleston - Dorchester County Mental Health
106 Springview Lane, Summerville, South Carolina, 29485
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health First Responder Support Team
2090 Executive Hall Road, Charleston, South Carolina, 29407
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Charleston - Dorchester Mental Health Center - Charleston Clinic
2100 Charlie Hall Boulevard, Charleston, South Carolina, 29414
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted
Mental Health Charleston Dorchester Mental Health - Tri County Crisis Stabilization Center
5 Charleston Center Drive, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401
Outpatient Treatment
Private Insurance
Substance Abuse Cherokee County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
201 West Montgomery Street, Gaffney, South Carolina, 29341
Outpatient Treatment
Self-payment options
Substance Abuse Clarendon Behavioral Health Services
14 North Church Street, Manning, South Carolina, 29102
Outpatient Treatment
Grants and Private Insurance accepted

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