Addiction Awareness: Identifying and Addressing Substance Use in South Carolina

Addiction isn’t just about using too much; it’s about losing control. When drugs or alcohol start running your life, despite the damage they cause, that’s addiction at work. It changes the way you think, feel, and act, making it harder to stop even when you want to. 

In South Carolina, over 27,000 people entered rehab in a single year, and nearly half sought help for alcohol, as reported by the Recovery Connection. The majority of these patients are male, around 68.3% of the total rehab admissions. 

If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone, and there are real solutions. From alcohol and opioids to prescription drugs and marijuana, treatment options like medical detox, inpatient care, and therapy help individuals safely break free from addiction and build a lasting recovery.

What Are the Types of Addictions?

The types of addictions are substance addiction and behavioral addiction. Both take a serious toll on a person’s physical health, mental well-being, and daily life.

The types of addictions are as follows:

1. Substance Addiction

Substance addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a complex condition characterized by an uncontrolled use of substances despite harmful consequences. According to SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Barometer, about 7.5% of South Carolinians aged 12 or older reported illicit drug use in the past month.

Common types of substance addictions in South Carolina include:

• Alcohol Addiction: Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance in the state. In 2010, over 11,500 South Carolinians entered treatment for alcohol as their primary substance.
• Nicotine Addiction: Tobacco use remains widespread and contributes to significant health problems across South Carolina, including high rates of lung disease.
• Opioid Addiction: Opioid-related deaths are rising. In 2022, South Carolina reported 2,296 drug overdose deaths, a 6% increase from the previous year, primarily driven by opioids.
• Illicit Drug Addiction: Marijuana is the top reason for drug treatment admissions in South Carolina, especially among youth ages 12–17.

2. Behavioral Addiction

Behavioral addictions, also called non-substance addictions, involve compulsive behaviors that disrupt daily life and mirror the brain activity seen in substance addiction.

Common behavioral addictions include:

• Gambling Addiction: Compulsive gambling leads to severe financial and emotional distress. South Carolina offers limited legal gambling, but problem gambling still affects many residents.
• Gaming Addiction: Excessive gaming disrupts school, work, and relationships, especially among younger populations.
• Internet Addiction: Heavy internet use becomes problematic when it interferes with sleep, responsibilities, and mental health, issues that rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Shopping Addiction: Compulsive buying goes unnoticed but leads to debt and family strain, mainly when used to cope with stress or emotional pain.

What Are the Different Stages of Addiction?

The different stages of addiction are initial use, misuse, tolerance, dependence, addiction, and relapse. Understanding these stages is important for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for addiction.

The different stages of addiction are explained below:

• Initial Use: This is the first time someone uses a substance or engages in a behavior. Early use, especially during adolescence, increases the risk of addiction later.
• Misuse: Use becomes more frequent or excessive, to cope with stress or emotions. It starts interfering with responsibilities or daily life.
• Tolerance: The body adapts, requiring more of the substance or behavior to feel the same effect. This stage pushes individuals toward deeper dependence.
• Dependence: The person needs the substance to feel normal and experiences withdrawal without it. Dependence signals a significant shift in brain chemistry.
• Addiction: The individual compulsively uses despite knowing the harm. Their life begins to revolve around the substance or behavior.
• Relapse: Returning to use after a period of abstinence is common and not a failure. Recognizing triggers and having a plan is key to recovery.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of addiction are physical changes, behavioral shifts, and psychological effects. Recognizing these symptoms is paramount for early intervention and effective treatment. 

The signs and symptoms of addiction are explained below:

• Inability to Stop: You can’t stop using even when you want to. This loss of control is a core sign of addiction, according to NIDA.
• Increased Tolerance: You need more of the substance or behavior to feel the same effect. NIDA reports this is a key step toward deeper addiction.
• Health Issues: Addiction causes long-term physical and mental health problems. The CDC notes that substance use contributes to diseases like hepatitis, HIV, and heart disease.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: When not using, you feel anxious, irritable, nauseous, or shaky. NIDA states withdrawal is a major driver of continued use.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Work, school, or family duties get ignored. A 2019 SAMHSA report found 10.3% of South Carolina adults with substance use issues had severe functional impairments.
• Social Isolation: You avoid social events or people who don’t use it. This isolation deepens depression and worsens addiction.
• Financial Difficulties: Money goes to drugs, alcohol, or addictive behaviors, leading to debt or unpaid bills. South Carolina’s DAODAS reports financial stress as a top consequence of addiction-related ER visits.
• Risky Behaviors: You may drive impaired or share needles. South Carolina saw 510 emergency department visits related to opioid overdoses per 100,000 people in 202, according to the DPH South Carolinians.
• Obsession with Substance: You constantly think about how to get and use substances. This obsession replaces healthy goals and relationships.
• Continued Use Despite Harm: You keep using even when it damages your body, mind, or relationships. NIDA confirms this is the defining trait of substance use disorder.

What Are the Causes of Addiction?

The causes of addiction are genetic predispositions, mental health conditions, and environmental factors. Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, co-occur with substance abuse, making individuals more susceptible to addiction. 

The causes of addiction are explained below:

Genetic Factors

Genetic predisposition significantly influences addiction. Individuals with a family history of addiction are more likely to develop substance use disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), genetics accounts for 40% to 60% of addiction risk, particularly due to genetic variations in dopamine regulation, which make individuals more sensitive to substances.

Mental Health Conditions

Conditions like anxiety and depression often lead people to self-medicate with substances. The NIDA reports that nearly 50% of individuals with a mental health disorder also struggle with substance use disorder, creating a vicious cycle of addiction and mental health challenges.

Social and Environmental Factors

Social and environmental factors influencing addiction include: 

• Peer Pressure: Social influence, particularly among teens and young adults, plays a significant role in initiating substance use. The NIDA highlights that nearly 50% of young people report peer pressure as a key factor in their first drug or alcohol use.
• Socio-Economic Status: People in lower socio-economic conditions face increased stress and limited access to treatment, which heightens addiction risk. The NIDA states that those in disadvantaged socio-economic situations are more likely to develop substance use disorders.
• Environmental Triggers: Easy access to substances, especially in high-crime neighborhoods or families with substance abuse problems, increases addiction risk. The CDC found that exposure to such environments dramatically raises substance use rates.

What Are the Risk Factors of Addiction?

The risk factors of addiction are a family history of substance use, co-occurring mental health conditions, and peer pressure. These factors collectively increase the likelihood of developing addictive behaviors, with individuals possessing a combination of these risks being more vulnerable to addiction.

The risk factors of addiction are explained below:

• Family History of Substance Abuse: A family history of addiction increases the likelihood of developing substance use disorders due to genetic and environmental factors. NIDA states that genetic factors account for 40% to 60% of addiction risk, with family history being a significant predictor.
• Peer Pressure: Peer influence, especially during adolescence, plays a key role in the onset of substance use. CDC reports that nearly half of adolescents cite peer pressure as a reason for trying substances.
• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or PTSD raise addiction risk as individuals may turn to substances for relief. NIDA highlights that up to 50% of individuals with a mental health disorder also have a substance use disorder.

What Are the Complications of Addiction?

The complications of addiction are physical health deterioration, mental health issues, and social instability. Addiction leads to chronic diseases such as liver failure or heart disease, exacerbates mental health disorders, and strains relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

The complications of addiction are explained below:

• Physical Complications: Addiction leads to serious health issues such as heart disease, neurological damage, and HIV/AIDS. The CDC links substance abuse to increased mortality rates, with heart disease and liver cirrhosis being especially common among long-term addicts.
• Psychological and Emotional Complications: Addiction worsens mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. The NIDA reports that individuals with addiction are at higher risk for co-occurring mental health disorders, complicating treatment.
• Social Complications: Addiction strains relationships, leads to job loss, and increases the risk of legal issues. The NIH states that substance use disorders contribute to higher rates of incarceration and divorce.
• Economic Complications: Addiction often results in severe financial problems, including debt and job instability. The NIDA notes that the U.S. economic burden of addiction exceeds hundreds of billions annually, due to healthcare costs, law enforcement, and lost productivity.

How Is Addiction Diagnosed?

Addiction is diagnosed through a combination of clinical interviews, diagnostic criteria, and screening tools. Healthcare providers assess substance use history, mental health, and behavior through an interview. The DSM-5 sets standardized criteria, focusing on frequency of use, cravings, and daily life impact. Screening tools like the CAGE questionnaire or Addiction Severity Index help determine addiction severity. The NIDA highlights that these processes ensure accurate diagnosis, allowing for tailored treatment.

What Are the Treatments for Addiction?

The treatments for addiction include behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. These approaches are designed to help individuals manage cravings, change addictive behaviors, and build long-term coping strategies for maintaining sobriety.

Common treatments for addiction are given below:

• Medications: Medications like methadone for opioid addiction or disulfiram for alcohol addiction manage withdrawal and reduce cravings. They stabilize the brain’s chemical balance, making it easier to engage in therapy and maintain sobriety. According to the NIDA, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is effective in reducing relapse and improving recovery outcomes.
• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps individuals change harmful thought and behavior patterns related to addiction. It teaches coping skills to manage stress and prevent relapse. The NIDA states that psychotherapy is highly effective for addressing both the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction.
• Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient treatment involves staying in a rehab facility for intensive therapy and medical care, offering a structured environment with 24-hour support. The SAMHSA reports that inpatient treatment is highly beneficial for individuals with severe addiction, providing a safe space for detox and therapy.
• Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment allows individuals to live at home while attending therapy. It’s suited for those with less severe addictions or those who’ve completed inpatient care. The NIDA notes that outpatient treatment is effective when tailored to the individual’s needs.
• Support Groups: Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous offer emotional support and reduce isolation in recovery. The NIDA emphasizes that support groups are important in long-term recovery, fostering community and accountability.

Can Addiction be Cured?

No, addiction cannot be fully cured, but it can be managed effectively with the proper treatment and ongoing support. Addiction is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management. The NIDA states that addiction is a brain disorder, and treatment focuses on making lifestyle changes to reduce relapse risk. Ongoing therapy, medication, and support groups help maintain sobriety and manage cravings, but continuous effort and care are needed.

How to Prevent Addiction?

To prevent addiction, it is essential to educate individuals about the risks of substance use and promote healthy coping mechanisms for stress. Early intervention, strong family support, and positive community involvement significantly reduce the likelihood of developing addictive behaviors.

Ways to prevent addiction include:

• Education and Awareness: Providing knowledge about the risks of substance use, especially to young people, reduces the likelihood of addiction later in life. Early education discourages initiation and builds awareness of addiction’s effects.
• Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Teaching individuals to manage stress and emotions through mindfulness, exercise, and professional support helps avoid substance use. These strategies offer healthier alternatives to coping with difficult emotions.
• Early Intervention Programs: Implementing programs in schools and communities to identify at-risk individuals and offer support before addiction develops. The NIDA shows that early intervention reduces the onset of substance use disorders.
• Strong Family and Social Support: Encouraging strong family bonds and social networks lowers the risk of addiction. Positive relationships provide a support system that deters substance abuse.
• Access to Mental Health Care: Providing access to mental health services helps treat conditions like depression and anxiety, which are precursors to addiction. Addressing these issues early prevents substance abuse.

What Are the Most Common Addictions in South Carolina?

The most common addictions in South Carolina are alcohol, opioids, marijuana, tobacco, and cocaine. Alcohol addiction remains one of the most prevalent, affecting millions of individuals, while opioid use disorder has surged in recent years due to the opioid crisis. 

The common addictions in South Carolina include:

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a dependency on alcohol. It is widespread, with 14.5 million U.S. adults suffering from alcohol addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). South Carolina has seen a rising trend in alcohol-related incidents, including DUI offenses, which increased by 30% from 2019 to 2020.

Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction refers to dependency on opioids like prescription painkillers and heroin. Nearly 2 million Americans suffer from opioid use disorder (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). South Carolina’s opioid-related overdose deaths have risen by over 300% in the last decade.

Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder, occurs when individuals develop a dependency on marijuana. About 4 million U.S. adults are affected (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). In South Carolina, marijuana use among high school students has steadily increased, with 30% reporting use in the past 30 days, according to the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.

Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is a dependency on heroin, a potent illegal opioid. Around 500,000 people in the U.S. are addicted to heroin, as studied by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In South Carolina, heroin-related deaths have spiked by 50% since 2015, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Fentanyl Addiction

Fentanyl addiction is a dependency on fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. Fentanyl contributes to 60% of opioid-related deaths, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. South Carolina has seen a sharp increase in fentanyl-related deaths, up by 72% in the last year alone.

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction refers to dependency on cocaine, a stimulant drug that causes intense euphoria. About 1.9 million people in the U.S. are addicted to cocaine, according to NIDA. South Carolina has a higher-than-average cocaine-related arrest rate, with 1 in every 200 residents involved in cocaine-related offenses.

Meth Addiction

Meth addiction is a dependence on methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant. Roughly 1.6 million people in the U.S. suffer from meth addiction, according to NIDA. In South Carolina, meth use has increased by 40% over the last five years, contributing to higher rates of addiction and overdose deaths.