Rehab Cost in South Carolina: 2026 Treatment Cost Guide
South Carolina recorded 2,157 drug overdose deaths in 2023 — a rate of 40.7 per 100,000 residents, approximately 32% above the national average. Fentanyl was involved in nearly 72% of those fatalities, and both synthetic opioid and methamphetamine death rates have increased more than 25-fold since 2002 (South Carolina Department of Public Health).
The 2023 numbers do offer a glimmer of hope: a 6.1% decline from 2,296 deaths in 2022, marking the first decrease in overdose deaths in 10 years. But the crisis remains severe, and South Carolina’s lack of Medicaid expansion creates a unique financial barrier. Approximately 76,000 adults fall into a coverage gap — too much income for traditional Medicaid, too little for ACA marketplace subsidies — leaving them without affordable insurance to pay for treatment.
This guide breaks down what addiction treatment costs in South Carolina in 2026, navigates the complex insurance landscape including the coverage gap, and identifies pathways to affordable care whether you’re in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, or rural South Carolina.
Rehab Costs in South Carolina: 2026 Overview
| Treatment Type | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | $1,500 – $8,000 | $500 – $3,500 | 5-14 days |
| Inpatient Rehab | $12,000 – $42,000 | $5,000 – $18,000 | 30 days |
| Luxury/Executive Rehab | $45,000 – $100,000+ | $12,000 – $35,000 | 30 days |
| Outpatient IOP | $3,000 – $10,000 | $1,000 – $4,500 | per month |
| Standard Outpatient | $1,200 – $4,500 | $350 – $1,500 | per month |
| Medication-Assisted Treatment | $200 – $800/month | $20 – $200/month | ongoing |
| Sober Living Housing | $500 – $2,000/month | typically not covered | ongoing |
Source: SAMHSA N-SSATS 2022; facility-reported data aggregated by ClearCostRecovery, 2026.
South Carolina treatment costs are near the national average, with coastal and Charleston-area programs pricing at the higher end and upstate and rural facilities pricing more affordably. The state’s 9% uninsured rate — the 13th highest nationally — makes out-of-pocket cost a more significant barrier than in expansion states.
Why South Carolina’s Coverage Gap Matters for Treatment
South Carolina is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This creates a unique and devastating impact on addiction treatment access:
The Coverage Gap Explained: South Carolina’s traditional Medicaid program covers low-income parents only up to 67% of the federal poverty level ($10,092/year for an individual) and does not cover childless adults at all. ACA marketplace subsidies begin at 100% FPL ($15,060/year). Adults earning between $10,092 and $15,060 fall into a gap with no affordable insurance option.
Who’s Affected: Approximately 76,000 South Carolinians are in the coverage gap. Many work low-wage jobs that don’t offer employer insurance. 38% of those at risk are Black residents, reflecting broader health equity disparities.
Impact on Treatment: For individuals in the coverage gap who need addiction treatment, the options are limited to:
- State-funded treatment through county alcohol and drug use authorities (capacity-limited)
- Charity care and sliding-scale programs at federally qualified health centers
- Faith-based residential programs
- Emergency Medicaid for immediate, life-threatening situations
The Marketplace Safety Valve: For those above the coverage gap, South Carolina’s ACA marketplace has become a critical lifeline. A record 631,948 South Carolinians enrolled for 2025 coverage — with 95% qualifying for premium subsidies averaging $523/month, reducing average out-of-pocket premiums to just $73/month. Over 169,000 individuals transitioned from Medicaid during the unwinding process and found marketplace coverage.
South Carolina’s Treatment Landscape
South Carolina has 130 licensed treatment facilities, including approximately 100 residential or inpatient programs, 94+ outpatient centers, and 19 detox facilities (Source: SAMHSA Treatment Locator / SC BHDD). The state’s treatment system is overseen by the new Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), established in April 2025.
Distribution of Treatment Facilities in South Carolina
- Charleston/Lowcountry: ~25 facilities (coastal hub, premium programs)
- Columbia/Midlands (Richland, Lexington counties): ~25 facilities (state capital)
- Greenville/Upstate: ~25 facilities (including several faith-based)
- Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand (Horry County): ~15 facilities
- Spartanburg/Anderson: ~12 facilities combined
- Florence/Pee Dee region: ~8 facilities
- Rural/underserved counties: Limited access across multiple counties
South Carolina’s treatment infrastructure is thinner than many comparable states — 130 total facilities for 5.3 million residents translates to approximately 1 facility per 40,000 people. By comparison, neighboring North Carolina (which recently expanded Medicaid) has significantly higher facility density. This shortage is most acute in rural Pee Dee, Santee-Wateree, and lower Savannah counties.
The BHDD Reorganization (April 2025)
South Carolina’s addiction treatment governance changed significantly in April 2025 when Governor McMaster established the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD). This new cabinet-level agency consolidated:
- DAODAS (Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services) → now the Office of Substance Use Services
- DMH (Department of Mental Health) → integrated behavioral health services
- DDSN (Department of Disabilities and Special Needs) → developmental disability services
The consolidation aims to improve coordination between substance use and mental health services — a longstanding challenge for individuals with co-occurring disorders. The Office of Substance Use Services within BHDD continues to subcontract with county alcohol and drug use authorities for direct service delivery across all 46 counties.
Key South Carolina Treatment Regulations
No Medicaid Expansion: South Carolina’s decision not to expand Medicaid under the ACA remains the single largest barrier to addiction treatment access. Traditional Medicaid covers parents up to 67% FPL and excludes childless adults entirely. Approximately 76,000 adults fall into the coverage gap.
County Authority System: BHDD’s Office of Substance Use Services operates through a network of county alcohol and drug use authorities in all 46 counties. These local authorities provide outpatient counseling, prevention services, and referrals to residential treatment. Funding levels vary by county, creating access disparities.
ACA Marketplace Reliance: With no Medicaid expansion, South Carolina relies heavily on the ACA marketplace. The state’s record 631,948 enrollees (2025) and high subsidy rates (95% receive subsidies) demonstrate the marketplace’s role as the primary coverage vehicle for non-employer populations.
BHDD Licensing: All substance use treatment providers in South Carolina must be licensed and accredited through the Office of Substance Use Services. Standards cover staffing, clinical protocols, and quality of care.
Insurance Coverage in South Carolina
South Carolina has an uninsured rate of 9.0% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS) — approximately 469,000 uninsured residents. This is the 13th highest uninsured rate nationally, driven largely by the lack of Medicaid expansion.
Major Insurance Carriers in South Carolina
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina — Dominant carrier with the broadest statewide network. Covers most licensed treatment facilities. Comprehensive behavioral health benefits including inpatient rehab, IOP, detox, and MAT. Largest marketplace presence.
Molina Healthcare — Significant Medicaid managed care and marketplace presence. Growing provider network. Covers essential addiction treatment services.
Ambetter (Centene) — Major ACA marketplace carrier with competitive premiums. Broad geographic availability. Covers addiction treatment as essential health benefit.
UnitedHealthcare — Available through employer plans. Large Optum behavioral health network. Covers residential treatment with prior authorization.
Cigna — Present in employer plans. National network provides access to both in-state and out-of-state programs. Good behavioral health coverage.
Aetna — Available through employer plans. Covers inpatient rehab at standard coinsurance rates for in-network care.
What Insurance Covers in South Carolina
Under the ACA and federal parity law, your health insurance must cover:
- Inpatient/residential treatment: 24/7 care in a licensed facility
- Partial hospitalization (PHP): 6+ hours/day of structured programming
- Intensive outpatient (IOP): 9-12 hours/week of group and individual therapy
- Standard outpatient therapy: Weekly counseling sessions
- Medication-assisted treatment: Suboxone, methadone, Vivitrol, and monitoring
- Medical detoxification: Medically supervised withdrawal management
- Psychiatric care: For co-occurring mental health disorders
- Family therapy: Sessions with family members as part of treatment
Don’t Have Insurance in South Carolina?
If you’re among the 9% of South Carolina residents without insurance, your options depend on your income level:
Above 100% FPL — ACA Marketplace (HealthCare.gov): If your income is above $15,060/year (individual), you can access subsidized marketplace plans. South Carolina’s marketplace enrollment reached a record 631,948 in 2025, with 95% qualifying for subsidies averaging $523/month. Average after-subsidy cost is just $73/month. All plans cover addiction treatment. Enroll at HealthCare.gov.
Below 67% FPL (parents) — Traditional Medicaid: Low-income parents earning below 67% FPL ($10,092/individual) may qualify for traditional South Carolina Medicaid. Apply at scdhhs.gov or call 1-888-549-0820. Children are covered through Medicaid/CHIP at higher income thresholds.
In the Coverage Gap (67-100% FPL) — State and Charitable Programs: If you earn between $10,092 and $15,060 as a childless adult, you fall into the coverage gap. Options include:
- County alcohol and drug use authorities — Free or sliding-scale services in all 46 counties
- Federally qualified health centers — Sliding-scale addiction treatment regardless of insurance
- SC BHDD Substance Use Helpline: (833) 364-2274 — Referrals to treatment and community resources
- Faith-based programs — Miracle Hill Ministries, Salvation Army, and other organizations provide free residential treatment
- Emergency Medicaid — Covers emergency situations regardless of standard eligibility
Free and Low-Cost Programs:
- Miracle Hill Ministries (Greenville) — Free faith-based residential treatment
- Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers (multiple locations) — Free 6-month programs
- Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health (Charleston) — Financial assistance programs
- Federally Qualified Health Centers — 20+ locations statewide
- SC BHDD county authority network — Sliding-scale services in all 46 counties
South Carolina’s Overdose Crisis: A Decade of Escalation
South Carolina’s overdose crisis has escalated dramatically over the past decade, with 2023 providing the first pause in a relentless upward trend:
2013-2017: Prescription Opioid to Heroin Transition — Overdose deaths rose from approximately 670 in 2013 to 1,120 in 2017 as heroin replaced diverted prescription opioids. Fentanyl began appearing in the drug supply.
2018-2022: Fentanyl Dominance — Deaths accelerated from 1,180 in 2018 to 2,296 in 2022, an 83% increase in just four years. Fentanyl involvement climbed from roughly 40% to over 70% of overdose deaths. Methamphetamine deaths rose 25-fold over this period.
2023: First Decline in a Decade — Deaths fell 6.1% to 2,157, the first year-over-year decrease since 2012. However, 15 of 46 counties still saw increases, and the statewide rate of 40.7 per 100,000 remains 32% above the national average.
Hardest-Hit Regions
South Carolina’s overdose crisis is not evenly distributed:
Pee Dee Region (Florence, Darlington, Marion counties): Among the highest per-capita overdose rates in the state. Limited treatment infrastructure in a largely rural area.
Midlands (Richland, Lexington, Orangeburg counties): High absolute overdose numbers centered around the Columbia metro area. Better treatment access than rural areas but still inadequate for the level of need.
Lowcountry (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester counties): Growing fentanyl presence in urban and suburban communities. Charleston has the best treatment options in the region.
Upstate (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson counties): Significant methamphetamine and opioid challenges. Greenville has the strongest treatment network in the upstate.
Racial Disparities
South Carolina’s overdose crisis has significant racial dimensions. Black South Carolinians face disproportionate overdose rates relative to population size, and the 38% of coverage gap residents who are Black face compounded barriers to treatment access. The new BHDD has identified health equity as a priority.
Detox Costs in South Carolina
Medical detox costs vary by substance and level of supervision:
Alcohol Detox: $250-$700 per day ($1,750-$9,800 total for 7-14 days). Alcohol withdrawal carries seizure and delirium tremens risks requiring 24/7 medical monitoring. Multiple South Carolina hospitals and stand-alone facilities offer alcohol detox.
Opioid Detox: $200-$500 per day ($1,400-$5,000 total for 7-10 days). With 71.9% of South Carolina overdose deaths involving fentanyl, opioid detox is the most common type. Medication-assisted withdrawal (Suboxone tapers) is standard protocol. Fentanyl detox may require longer timelines.
Methamphetamine Detox: $150-$400 per day ($750-$2,800 for 5-7 days). Meth death rates in South Carolina have increased 25-fold since 2002. Withdrawal requires monitoring for depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation.
Benzodiazepine Detox: $250-$700 per day ($3,500-$9,800 for 14 days). Requires the longest taper protocols with seizure risk comparable to alcohol. Never attempt without medical supervision.
Polysubstance Detox: $300-$800 per day. Polysubstance use is increasingly common as fentanyl contaminates meth and cocaine supplies.
Most South Carolina insurance plans cover medical detox. For uninsured residents, county authorities can provide referrals to available detox services.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Costs in South Carolina
South Carolina has expanded MAT access through the State Opioid Response grant and BHDD initiatives. Monthly costs:
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone):
- Without insurance: $350-$650/month (medication + provider visits)
- With insurance: $20-$150/month
- Generic versions reduce costs by 40-60%
Methadone:
- Without insurance: $300-$500/month (daily dosing + counseling)
- With Medicaid: Fully covered (for those who qualify)
- With private insurance: $50-$200/month
Vivitrol (naltrexone injection):
- Without insurance: $1,200-$1,500 per monthly injection
- With insurance: $0-$200/month
- Manufacturer patient assistance available for uninsured
Oral Naltrexone:
- Without insurance: $50-$120/month
- With insurance: $10-$40/month
MAT access remains a challenge in rural South Carolina. While buprenorphine prescribers have increased statewide, many rural counties have limited or no providers. The State Opioid Response grant has funded mobile MAT units and telehealth expansion to address these gaps. BHDD county authorities coordinate MAT referrals in their service areas.
Choosing the Right Rehab in South Carolina
When evaluating treatment facilities in South Carolina, consider:
Accreditation: Look for Joint Commission, CARF, or COA accreditation in addition to BHDD licensing. National accreditation indicates higher quality standards.
Evidence-Based Practices: Quality programs offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and MAT when appropriate. Ask about the program’s approach to medication-assisted treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Capability: Over 60% of people with substance use disorders have co-occurring mental health conditions. The BHDD consolidation aims to improve integrated care — choose a program with psychiatric capacity.
Insurance Navigation: Given South Carolina’s complex insurance landscape (coverage gap, marketplace reliance), facilities that provide financial counseling and insurance verification services are particularly valuable.
MAT Availability: For opioid or alcohol use disorder, programs offering medication-assisted treatment produce significantly better outcomes. Ensure the program supports MAT.
Aftercare Planning: Strong programs begin discharge planning at admission and connect you with outpatient services, peer support, and recovery housing.
How Long Does Rehab Take in South Carolina?
Evidence-based treatment duration recommendations:
28-30 Day Programs: Standard insurance-approved length. Appropriate for individuals with less severe addiction and strong support.
60-Day Programs: Better outcomes for moderate to severe addiction. Allows deeper therapeutic work and relapse prevention planning.
90-Day Programs: Recommended for severe or long-term addiction, polysubstance use, or co-occurring disorders. Research shows 90+ days produces significantly better one-year outcomes.
Long-Term Residential (6-12 months): Available through BHDD-funded programs and faith-based organizations like Miracle Hill Ministries. Particularly valuable for individuals with limited support systems or extensive treatment history.
Typical South Carolina treatment continuum:
- Medical detox (5-14 days)
- Inpatient/residential (28-90 days)
- Intensive outpatient IOP (8-12 weeks, 9-15 hours/week)
- Standard outpatient (3-6 months, 1-2 hours/week)
- Continuing care/aftercare (ongoing)
South Carolina Addiction Resources
Crisis and Referral Hotlines
- SC BHDD Substance Use Services Helpline: (833) 364-2274 (24/7 — treatment referrals, family support, Narcan information)
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (call or text, 24/7)
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- South Carolina 211: Dial 211 for non-emergency resource referrals
State Agencies
- SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD): bhdd.sc.gov — New cabinet agency overseeing behavioral health services
- SC BHDD Office of Substance Use Services (formerly DAODAS): daodas.sc.gov — Treatment licensing, county authority directory, prevention programs
- SC Department of Public Health: dph.sc.gov — Overdose surveillance data, prevention resources
- HealthCare.gov (SC Marketplace): healthcare.gov — ACA insurance enrollment
- SC Healthy Connections (Medicaid): scdhhs.gov — Traditional Medicaid application
Recovery Support
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) South Carolina: 400+ meetings statewide, aa.org
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) South Carolina: na.org
- SMART Recovery South Carolina: Science-based meetings in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville
- Celebrate Recovery South Carolina: Faith-based recovery support statewide
- Faces & Voices of Recovery — SC: Statewide advocacy and peer support
Final Thoughts: Getting Help in South Carolina
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction in South Carolina, the path to treatment exists even without Medicaid expansion — though it requires more navigation than in many other states. The state’s record-high ACA marketplace enrollment (631,948) and county authority network in all 46 counties provide pathways to care.
- Call the SC BHDD Substance Use Helpline at (833) 364-2274 for 24/7 referrals to treatment, family support, and community Narcan distribution
- Call 988 for crisis support and immediate safety concerns
- Verify your insurance coverage — Most plans cover addiction treatment; use our calculator to estimate costs
- Check ACA marketplace eligibility — 95% of SC enrollees receive subsidies averaging $523/month, reducing premiums to ~$73/month
- Contact your county alcohol and drug use authority — Sliding-scale treatment available in all 46 counties through BHDD’s network
- If you’re in the coverage gap — Ask about BHDD-funded programs, FQHCs, and faith-based options that serve uninsured residents
- Consider medication-assisted treatment — MAT significantly improves outcomes for opioid and alcohol use disorder
- Don’t wait — Early intervention produces better results, and South Carolina’s first overdose decline in a decade shows that treatment access is improving
South Carolina’s 6.1% decline in overdose deaths in 2023 — the first decrease in 10 years — and the creation of the new BHDD consolidating behavioral health services signal momentum toward better treatment access. Help is available regardless of your insurance status.
Sources
- South Carolina Department of Public Health, 2023 Drug Overdose Deaths Report. dph.sc.gov
- SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD). bhdd.sc.gov
- SC BHDD Office of Substance Use Services (formerly DAODAS). daodas.sc.gov
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator, South Carolina. Accessed February 2026. findtreatment.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2023. census.gov
- KFF Medicaid State Fact Sheet — South Carolina (May 2025). kff.org
- CMS, 2025 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Report. cms.gov
- SAMHSA, National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) 2022. samhsa.gov
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Treatment Duration and Outcomes Research, 2024.
Your Plan May Not Cover Treatment in South Carolina.
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Prodest Insurance Group is a licensed, independent health insurance brokerage. Calling the number above connects you with a licensed insurance agent, not a treatment facility. Insurance placement is a separate service from treatment referral.
South Carolina Crisis Resources
SC BHDD Substance Use Services Helpline: (833) 364-2274
South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), Office of Substance Use Services: https://bhdd.sc.gov/
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does rehab cost in South Carolina?
Inpatient rehab in South Carolina costs between $12,000 and $42,000 for a 30-day program without insurance. With PPO insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically range from $5,000 to $18,000 depending on your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. South Carolina costs are near the national average, with coastal and Charleston-area programs charging higher rates. The state's 9% uninsured rate — driven partly by the lack of Medicaid expansion — makes out-of-pocket cost a significant barrier for many residents.
What are the payment options for rehab in South Carolina?
Payment options for rehab in South Carolina include private insurance (PPO, HMO, EPO plans), ACA marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov (631,948 enrolled in 2025), traditional Medicaid (limited eligibility — no expansion), self-pay with facility payment plans, sliding-scale fees at county substance use authorities, state-funded treatment through BHDD, and faith-based free programs. Because South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, adults without children face a coverage gap — those earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for marketplace subsidies may need to rely on state-funded or charitable programs.
Does insurance pay for addiction treatment in South Carolina?
Yes. All health insurance plans in South Carolina — including employer plans and ACA marketplace plans — must cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. South Carolina enforces the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, meaning insurers cannot impose stricter limits on addiction treatment than other medical conditions. However, South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, leaving approximately 76,000 adults in a coverage gap with no affordable insurance option.
How long is the average stay in drug rehab in South Carolina?
The standard inpatient rehab stay in South Carolina is 28-30 days. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends at least 90 days for optimal outcomes. Many South Carolina programs offer 30, 60, and 90-day residential options. The appropriate length depends on the substance involved, severity of addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, and treatment history. After residential care, most individuals step down to intensive outpatient (8-12 weeks) and then standard outpatient therapy.
Does South Carolina Medicaid cover drug rehab?
South Carolina Medicaid covers substance use disorder treatment for those who qualify, but eligibility is very limited because the state has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Traditional Medicaid covers low-income parents up to only 67% of the federal poverty level — and does not cover childless adults at any income level. This means approximately 76,000 South Carolinians fall into the 'coverage gap' — earning too much for Medicaid but too little for ACA marketplace subsidies. For those who do qualify, Medicaid covers inpatient rehab, outpatient counseling, detox, and MAT.
How much does detox cost in South Carolina?
Medical detox in South Carolina costs $200-$700 per day without insurance, with total costs ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 depending on the substance and length of stay. Alcohol and benzodiazepine detox require 7-14 days. Opioid detox takes 7-10 days with medication-assisted protocols. With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is typically $500-$3,500. For uninsured residents, county alcohol and drug use authorities may provide referrals to free or sliding-scale detox services.
Are there free rehab programs in South Carolina?
Yes, though options are more limited than in Medicaid expansion states. South Carolina's BHDD Office of Substance Use Services (formerly DAODAS) subcontracts with county alcohol and drug use authorities in all 46 counties to provide free or sliding-scale treatment. Federally qualified health centers offer sliding-scale addiction services. Faith-based programs such as Miracle Hill Ministries (Greenville) and the Salvation Army provide free residential treatment. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and SC's own helpline at (833) 364-2274 can connect you with local options.
What is the coverage gap in South Carolina?
The 'coverage gap' refers to approximately 76,000 South Carolina adults who earn too much to qualify for the state's traditional Medicaid program (which covers parents only up to 67% FPL and does not cover childless adults) but too little to qualify for ACA marketplace premium subsidies (which start at 100% FPL). These individuals have no affordable health insurance option. 38% of South Carolinians at risk of falling into the coverage gap are Black. The coverage gap is a direct result of South Carolina's decision not to expand Medicaid under the ACA, and it disproportionately affects people seeking addiction treatment.
What qualifies someone for inpatient rehab in South Carolina?
Medical professionals determine inpatient rehab eligibility using ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) criteria. You typically qualify if you have a severe substance use disorder, history of unsuccessful outpatient treatment, medical complications requiring 24/7 monitoring, co-occurring mental health conditions, unsafe home environment, or high risk of dangerous withdrawal. Insurance companies use these same criteria when reviewing medical necessity. For uninsured residents, county alcohol and drug use authorities can assess eligibility for state-funded residential placement.
What is the new SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities?
In April 2025, Governor McMaster established the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) — a new cabinet-level agency that consolidated three previously separate departments: DAODAS (Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services), DMH (Department of Mental Health), and DDSN (Department of Disabilities and Special Needs). The Office of Substance Use Services within BHDD (formerly DAODAS) continues to oversee addiction treatment services statewide, including county authority contracts, licensing, and prevention programs.
How bad is the overdose crisis in South Carolina?
South Carolina recorded 2,157 drug overdose deaths in 2023 — a rate of 40.7 per 100,000 residents, approximately 32% above the national average. Fentanyl was involved in 71.9% of these deaths (1,550 of 2,157). The overdose death rate has increased 83% since 2018 and more than tripled since 2013. While 2023 marked the first decline in overdose deaths in 10 years (down 6.1% from 2,296 in 2022), 15 of South Carolina's 46 counties still saw increases. Synthetic opioid and methamphetamine death rates have increased 61-fold and 25-fold respectively since 2002.
What types of rehab programs are available in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers a full continuum of addiction treatment: medical detox (5-14 days), inpatient/residential rehab (28-90 days), partial hospitalization or PHP (6+ structured hours daily), intensive outpatient or IOP (9-15 hours per week), standard outpatient therapy (1-2 sessions weekly), medication-assisted treatment (Suboxone, methadone, Vivitrol), and sober living/transitional housing. The state has 130 total treatment facilities including approximately 100 residential or inpatient programs, plus 94+ outpatient programs and 19 detox centers.