Updated Drug and Alcohol Statistics for South Carolina
In This Article
Substance use disorders in South Carolina have undergone significant shifts over the past two decades, impacting individuals, families, and communities in both urban and rural regions. These updated drug and alcohol statistics highlight the changing dynamics of opioid misuse, stimulant resurgence, and alcohol abuse patterns, providing objective insight into the populations most affected.
From the rapid emergence of synthetic opioids to the revival of methamphetamine use and consistently elevated alcohol misuse, the data underscores the complexity of South Carolina’s substance use landscape. The following sections focus on numerical findings that document these trends and shed light on disparities across regions, demographics, and specific drug types.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- 32.6 per 100,000 drug overdose mortality rate in 2022, surpassing the national rate of 28.6
- 1,760% increase in fentanyl-related emergency department admissions from 2020 to 2022
- 82% of opioid-related deaths attributed to fentanyl and its analogs
- 45% of stimulant overdose deaths in rural areas linked to methamphetamine
These data points demonstrate the severity of South Carolina’s substance use issues and frame each category of drug misuse within the state. Below, statistics on opioids, stimulants, alcohol, demographic disparities, and geographic differences are detailed in dedicated sections.
Opioids and the Fentanyl Surge
Escalating opioid misuse, especially fentanyl, has reshaped the state’s overdose profile.
- Prescription opioid misuse accounted for 28% of primary drug treatment admissions between 2005 and 2015
- Self-reported fentanyl use among emergency department patients rose 1,760% from 2020 to 2022
- Heroin use statewide declined by 16% over the same period
- Fentanyl and its analogs now contribute to 82% of opioid-related fatalities
These figures illustrate how synthetic opioids have taken center stage in overdose statistics, prompting higher emergency department visits and mortality rates.
| Indicator | 2005–2015 | 2020–2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Opioids in Treatment Admissions | 28% (avg.) | 18% (avg.) |
| Fentanyl ED Admissions (Rate of Increase) | Base Level | +1,760% |
| Heroin Use Rate (Change) | Gradual Rise | -16% |
The data shows a consistent transition away from heroin toward potent synthetic opioids, underscoring fentanyl’s growing influence on South Carolina’s overdose trends.
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Stimulant Use Trends
Methamphetamine and cocaine continue to affect both urban and rural communities, with varying degrees of severity.
- Methamphetamine-related treatment admissions tripled between 2015 and 2022
- Meth lab seizures in the Upstate region increased by 231% from 2007 to 2009
- Cocaine-related emergency department visits rose 82% from 2020 to 2022
- 58% of cocaine-positive toxicology reports also detected fentanyl
Stimulant misuse shows a notable synergy with opioids, particularly in instances of polysubstance use involving fentanyl.
| Stimulant | Key Trend | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Methamphetamine | Admissions up 3× | 2015–2022 |
| Meth Lab Seizures (Upstate) | +231% | 2007–2009 |
| Cocaine ED Visits | +82% | 2020–2022 |
While opioids command much national attention, these figures highlight an ongoing stimulant crisis, especially in rural and lower-income communities.
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Alcohol Use Patterns
Alcohol misuse continues to place a substantial burden on public health, despite positive trends among adolescents.
- Underage drinking (past 30 days) among high school students dropped from 10.4% in 2020 to 9.8% in 2023
- 10.8% of adults met criteria for alcohol use disorder in 2021, a rate 15% higher than the Southeast average
- Binge drinking episodes increased by 14% during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Drunk driving fatalities rose 22% between 2020 and 2022
- Non-Hispanic Black residents face 2.1× higher rates of cocaine-related arrests compared to White residents
- White individuals comprise 82% of fentanyl fatalities
- Access to medications for opioid use disorder is 4.4× higher for White patients
- Males account for 69% of methamphetamine and 73% of heroin treatment admissions
- Synthetic opioid death rates are 28% higher in urban areas (18.3 vs. 14.3 per 100,000)
- Rural counties reported 167% (Lancaster) and 110% (Orangeburg) increases in overdose mortality between 2018–2019
- Pee Dee region overdose rate stands at 41.2 per 100,000, nearly double the Lowcountry’s 20.6
- Rural clinics face 57% longer wait times for SUD treatment than urban centers
- Statewide opioid mortality at 32.6 per 100,000 ranks higher than in 42 other states
- Illicit drug use rate stands at 12.43%, slightly lower than the 13.01% national average
- Rural overdose spikes in certain counties exceed 100% increases over a single year
- Adult alcohol use disorder prevalence remains 15% above the regional benchmark
Youth-focused interventions may be contributing to decreased underage consumption, yet adult alcohol misuse persists at alarming levels.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Underage Drinking (High School) | 9.8% (Past 30 Days) |
| Adult AUD Rate | 10.8% |
| Binge Drinking (COVID-19 Period) | +14% |
| Drunk Driving Fatalities (2020–2022) | +22% |
| Chronic Liver Disease Mortality Share | 18% of Alcohol-Related Deaths |
Adult alcohol abuse remains a leading cause of fatalities and long-term health issues, especially in counties with fewer treatment facilities.
Demographic Disparities
Substance use patterns vary significantly by race, age, and gender, highlighting inconsistencies in treatment and outcomes.
Racial variations in overdose mortality and treatment reflect longstanding inequities, with younger adults (18–25) also showing notably high polysubstance use rates.
| Demographic | Key Statistic |
|---|---|
| Black Residents (Cocaine Arrests) | 2.1× Higher than White Residents |
| White Residents (Fentanyl Fatalities) | 82% of Deaths |
| MOUD Access | 4.4× Higher for White Patients |
| Male (Meth/Heroin Admissions) | 69% / 73% of Admissions |
Bridging these disparities can involve examining where prevention and treatment resources are most lacking and adjusting access accordingly.
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Urban-Rural Differences
Geographic location influences access to care, overdose rates, and the specific substances most commonly misused.
Such data demonstrates the pronounced differences in healthcare infrastructure and overdose prevalence based on population density.
| Region | Overdose Rate (per 100K) | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Pee Dee | 41.2 | High Meth Influence |
| Lowcountry | 20.6 | Lower Overdose Rate |
| Urban Counties | 18.3 | 28% Higher Synthetic Opioid Fatalities |
| Rural Counties | 14.3 | Fewer MOUD Providers |
The urban-rural divide extends to infrastructure, with fewer treatment resources available in many rural parts of the state.
Key Statistics Summary
From rising methamphetamine admissions to striking fentanyl-related statistics, South Carolina’s substance use patterns underscore the continued need for data-based awareness. The numbers also highlight how social and demographic factors shape patterns of addiction, pointing to significant challenges in addressing each substance category.
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Related Articles
- CDC Data Brief 440. National Center for Health Statistics, 2023.
- CDC Data Brief 491. National Center for Health Statistics, 2023.
- Drug Abuse and Addiction Statistics. Cornerstone Healing Center, 2022.
- Racial Disparities in South Carolina. Council on Criminal Justice, 2022.
- DAODAS Stats and Reports. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, 2024.
- 2020 SC County-Level Profiles on Substance Use Related Indicators. DAODAS, 2020.
- Behavioral Health Progress Report. South Carolina Behavioral Health Coalition, 2021.
- NDIC Meth Overview. U.S. Department of Justice, 2009.
- Rehab.com Study. Newswire, 2023.
- State Profile - South Carolina. Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2016.
- PMC 10953696. National Library of Medicine, 2022.
- PubMed 39612232. National Library of Medicine, 2024.
- South Carolina BH Barometer Volume 6. SAMHSA, 2021.
- 2021 NSDUH South Carolina. SAMHSA, 2022.
- SCStatehouse Gov AAR2023. South Carolina Legislature, 2023.
