South Carolina Drug Rehab

Methamphetamine labs in South Carolina have been a rapidly growing issue since 2007. Between 2007 and 2009, meth lab seizures across the United States rose around 76%. In South Carolina, meth lab seizures increased upwards of 230%. 

Researchers associate the large number of meth lab seizures with something called “smurfing.” “Smurfing” is a term that defines the mass purchase of pseudoephedrine (PSE), which is used in the process of manufacturing methamphetamine. PSE is a standard ingredient in many allergy and cold medications.

SC rehab centers admit over 30,000 South Carolina residents each year. Most admissions involve substance including:

• Marijuana
• Opioids
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• Stimulants
• Heroin
• Sedatives 
• Tranquilizers 

Since South Carolina has many major highways, international airports, and large seaports, it’s more susceptible to drug trafficking. Highways like Interstate 95 have a history of being used by drug traffickers to transport substances like cocaine and heroin. Interstate 20, which stems from Atlanta, is a route many dealers use to transport and receive marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. 

South Carolina Drug Laws

Penalties for drug possession and distribution vary in degrees in South Carolina. An individual’s first offense for possessing a substance is generally a misdemeanor — including a fine as well as jail time. Repeated offenses lead to more significant charges based on the type and amount of substances involved. 

South Carolina utilizes five schedules to classify drugs. For example, schedule I drugs may be most dangerous concerning abuse. Schedule V drugs have a low possibility for abuse and may have a place for medical use.

Schedule I

• Heroin
• Opiates
• LSD
• MDMA
• Synthetic cannabinoids
• Methaqualone
• GHB
• Fenethylline

Schedule II

• Raw opium
• Morphine
• Methadone
• Codeine
• Ritalin
• Amphetamine
• PCP

Schedule III

• Appetite suppressants
• Barbiturates
• Sedatives
• Anesthetics
• Hydrocodone

Schedule IV

• Alprazolam
• Clonazepam
• Pentazocine
• Hydrochloride
• Butorphanol

Schedule V

• Narcotics containing non-narcotic active medicinal ingredients

Interventions for Substance Abuse 

Dealing with substance abuse in yourself, a friend, or a family member is an uncomfortable and complex issue. The first and potentially best course of action to take is staging an intervention. To help someone join a South Carolina drug rehab center, most people will plan an intervention for their loved one. An intervention can show your loved one that their lifestyle is concerning and, more importantly, show them that they are supported.

Interventions typically include friends, family, and perhaps even a professional interventionist. These meetings may be emotional and uncomfortable, so each person needs to plan and be ready for any outcome. The mission of the meeting is to get the struggling person to admit they need help. If they realize they have a problem, they will be much more likely to enroll in treatment. 

The basic steps involved in structuring an intervention include:

1. Develop a plan –  Consider hiring an interventionist. Involving a professional may significantly increase the intervention’s chance of success.
2. Research – Understand what makes interventions successful. Inform yourself and your team on how to conduct the intervention. 
3. Create the team – Assemble a team of close family and friends. Do not involve any individuals that struggle with substances.
4. Set boundaries and consequences – Set ground rules. Tell the addicted individual the consequences of not seeking help. Make sure not to attack them; ensure they know your actions are of support and love.
5. Plan what each team member will say – Each person involved should have loose or even strict guidelines as to what they will tell the struggling individual. Consider any potential outcomes and have a plan of how to deal with them.
6. Follow-up – Following up is just as necessary as the intervention itself. Make sure your loved one knows they are not going through the recovery process alone. 

What is Addiction?

Without proper treatment, addiction can ruin lives. Addiction is considered a disease, and it often causes people to lose control of their alcohol or drug use. Addiction can physically alter the brain and cause intense substance cravings. 

Many people who suffer from addiction experience cognitive and behavioral changes. When dealing with addiction, it is vital to understand how it develops and the consequences that follow. Addiction can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Basic effects of addiction may include:

• Higher risk of illness and weakened immune system
• An overall decline in work and school performance
• Impaired judgment and increased aggressive behavior
• Loss of interest in activities and previously enjoyed hobbies
• Memory issues and decreased cognitive function 
• Increased chance of stroke and seizures
• General adverse health effects including lung disease, nausea, loss of appetite, disease, etc.

Experts call addiction a family disease. It affects the addict, but it affects everyone around them. The best way to deal with addiction is through treatment. At Addiction Intervention, we can get you connected with various SC rehab centers to see what will work best for your situation.  

Addiction Treatment in South Carolina

There are many proven drug rehab centers in SC. When looking for treatment, understand the various levels of care available. Every individual in treatment typically finds a program that works best for them. Some programs cater to certain circumstances, so consider where you or your loved one stands on the scale of addiction. 

Detoxification

Alcohol and drug detox is a critical part of addiction recovery.  Most rehab facilities in South Carolina offer specialized detox programs. These programs help rid any toxins left in your system following any substance use. Detoxification is essential since it’s vital to start your recovery mentally and physically sober.

With some substances, withdrawal symptoms may be dangerous. Therefore, utilizing a proper detox program will ensure you or your loved one is safe while detoxing. Medical guidance and supervision are essential when detoxing. Following detox, most treatment centers will begin to transition their patients to more personalized treatment. 

Inpatient Drug Rehab SC

Inpatient treatment, also known as residential treatment, is the first step for most struggling addicts after detox. Residential rehabilitation centers are typically live-in programs that offer support and supervision around the clock. Inpatient treatment works best for individuals with moderate to severe addiction issues. In cases with severe addiction, constant support is vital. Residential treatment typically offers the most effective and long-term treatment available.  

Outpatient Treatment

In many cases, SC rehabilitation centers utilize outpatient treatment as a follow-up after completion of inpatient treatment. Completing inpatient treatment is not a requirement for outpatient treatment, though. Many individuals with mild addiction issues can benefit from an outpatient setting while committing to sobriety at home. 

Outpatient programs allow you to continue your life responsibilities while participating in weekly visits and meetings. Individuals with severe addiction are better off in more intensive treatments since outpatient does not offer 24/7 support.  

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs, or PHPs, are a middle ground between outpatient and residential treatment. PHPs are more intensive than standard outpatient but not as intensive as inpatient treatment. Most drug rehab centers in SC offer some form of partial hospitalization program. Most people in PHPs reside in a sober living home or a nearby treatment center. PHPs generally require more participation than standard outpatient. They also utilize most of the therapies and programs in a residential setting. 

Online Addiction Treatment

Online addiction treatment is often referred to as telehealth or telemedicine. With the advancement of technology, struggling individuals can receive the care they need through online addiction treatment. People looking for online care may find a licensed and experienced therapist – all from home. Telehealth is an excellent option for those who do not want to travel or do not want to receive in-person treatment. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication may be used in treatment during detox or during withdrawal stages. Depending on the substance, people can experience intense withdrawal symptoms that are better off being offset by medication. Medication has a role in decreasing drug cravings as well. MAT is not the best option for everyone, but it does play an important role in addiction treatment. 

Addiction Therapy Option in South Carolina

Common knowledge suggests addiction is a physical issue. Many people fail to understand addiction is a mental issue as well. Recovery programs offer physical help, which is essential to recovery. On the other hand, mental care may be just as necessary. Therapy plays a huge role in addiction treatment. Regardless of which drug rehab in South Carolina you choose, therapy will be part of the process. 

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy programs allow patients to meet with an experienced therapist one-on-one. These sessions are valuable to a patient in their recovery process. During an individual therapy session, the patient will work through their emotions, behaviors, and challenges with a therapist. Substance abuse counseling can help people understand addiction – both how it develops and how it can affect their lives and the lives of those around them. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Many therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change their patient’s negative thought patterns. CBT works to help people understand their inaccurate or unhealthy cognitive patterns. By doing so, the patient may have a better opportunity to change their unhealthy habits. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Many therapeutic programs in treatment utilize dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Therapists practicing DBT will attempt to help their patients develop new skills to cope with their cravings or feelings. DBT promotes mindfulness and acceptance while focusing on the emotional aspects of addiction. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a common form of psychotherapy utilized in addiction treatment centers. In many cases, listening to peers’ stories, experiences, and lessons may help each individual in recovery. Group therapy often helps individuals in treatment feel supported and related to by their peers. 

Family Therapy

Addiction is a family disease. It is not uncommon for an individual’s addiction to break family bonds or cause damage to relationships within the family. Family therapy is a great tool to help families set boundaries and heal the damage caused during substance use. 

What Are co-occurring disorders? 

Almost half of the people who begin addiction treatment suffer from co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnoses, refer to patients with a present mental disorder aside from addiction. Many people who have a mental disorder like depression, anxiety, bipolar, or schizophrenia will attempt to deal with their symptoms using substances. In the short-term, it may seem successful, as symptoms may be numbed by alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, self-medication commonly secures the cycle of addiction in many.

The best way to treat dual diagnosis is to treat any occurring condition simultaneously. Most SC rehabilitation centers likely have dual diagnosis programs and are fit to treat any co-occurring disorders. 

Paying for Treatment

Rehabs in South Carolina accept many forms of insurance. Due to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance companies must offer the same coverage for addiction treatment as other forms of medical treatment. No matter the cost, if addiction treatment is necessary for you or your loved one, cost should not be a deterrent. Most SC rehabilitation centers will find a way to work with your finances to help you or your loved one get the treatment they need. 

Resources

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Open and closed meetings that focus on the 12-steps to sobriety.
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – NA meetings are very similar to AA meetings and open to the public.
• SMART Recovery – SMART Recovery uses a form of the 12-step program designed for those who are not seeking a faith-based program.
• Celebrate Recovery – Celebrate Recovery is a religious-based program that utilizes a form of the 12-Step program. 
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) – FMLA allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for medical reasons and treatment. 

Find Treatment With Our Help

We can help you find the right drug rehab center in South Carolina. At Addiction Intervention, we believe every person deserves the right to treatment. When dealing with addiction, it’s best not to wait for the “right time.” The right time is now. If you or a loved one are looking for treatment in South Carolina or someplace else, please Contact us today.