Quick answer
CDC's provisional data count 106 drug overdose deaths in Charleston County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 147 a year earlier. Within 30 miles of Charleston, FindTreatment.gov lists 7 substance use facilities, including 2 offering detoxification. Here is how to start treatment.
Last updated: Thu Oct 08 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Charleston is South Carolina Lowcountry port city. Within 30 miles of downtown Charleston (ZIP 29401), the federal treatment locator lists 7 substance use facilities. This guide covers the local overdose numbers, where to call for help, and how to pay for care.
What the overdose data show
CDC's provisional county-level overdose data count 106 drug overdose deaths in Charleston County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 147 in the 12 months ending December 2024. These are provisional counts as of July 2026 and may be revised.
Statewide, CDC's provisional overdose counts show 1,336 drug overdose deaths in South Carolina in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 1,479 the year before.
Treatment near Charleston by the numbers
The SAMHSA treatment locator lists 7 substance use facilities within 30 miles of downtown Charleston (ZIP 29401):
- 2 offering detoxification (withdrawal management)
- 1 with residential programs
- 7 offering outpatient services
- 3 federally certified opioid treatment programs (methadone clinics) and 5 that prescribe buprenorphine
- 4 that administer or prescribe medication for alcohol use disorder
Counts change as programs open and close, so confirm current openings by phone. The locator only includes programs that report to SAMHSA, so a short list here does not mean there is no other care nearby; ask your doctor or the helpline about programs farther out.
Where to get help in Charleston
The SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 is free and confidential and gives referrals to local treatment, including programs for people without insurance.
You can also search findtreatment.gov from ZIP code 29401 and filter by level of care, medication, and payment option.
Levels of care to expect
Care is matched to the person, usually after an assessment. Depending on what is available near Charleston, options range from medically supervised detox and residential treatment to intensive outpatient programs, regular outpatient counseling, and medication for opioid or alcohol use disorder. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous, so ask about medical withdrawal management before stopping heavy use.
Paying for treatment
South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, so many adults with low incomes but no children or disability do not qualify. If you do have Healthy Connections (South Carolina Medicaid), administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, it covers medically necessary substance use disorder treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder; confirm covered levels of care and prior authorization with your plan. If you are uninsured, ask the helpline about state-funded treatment and sliding-fee programs.
If you have private insurance, federal parity rules require your plan to cover substance use treatment on terms comparable to medical care; ask about in-network programs and prior authorization. See our Medicaid and rehab guide for how coverage works.
How to start today
- In a medical emergency, call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to speak with a treatment specialist, or use this form:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers, and we check your benefits before you commit.
- Call the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357), or search findtreatment.gov to compare programs.
- If someone uses opioids, keep naloxone (Narcan) on hand. Pharmacies can dispense it without a prescription.
Peer support in Charleston
Mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery can support treatment and recovery. Search our meeting finder for in-person and online meetings near Charleston.
Treatment by substance in Charleston
Questions about rehab in Charleston
How many addiction treatment facilities are near Charleston?
The SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov locator lists 7 substance use treatment facilities within 30 miles of downtown Charleston (ZIP 29401), including 2 offering detoxification, 1 with residential programs, and 7 offering outpatient care. Counts change as programs open and close.
How many people die of drug overdoses in Charleston County?
CDC's provisional county data count 106 drug overdose deaths in Charleston County in the 12 months ending December 2025, down from 147 a year earlier. Counts are provisional and may be revised.
Who do I call for addiction help in Charleston?
Call the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) for help finding treatment. For a crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
Does Healthy Connections cover rehab in Charleston?
Yes, for people who qualify. Healthy Connections (South Carolina Medicaid) covers medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and medications. Confirm network and prior authorization with your plan. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid, so many uninsured adults need state-funded or sliding-fee programs instead.
Is alcohol or opioid withdrawal dangerous?
Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens and should be managed with medical supervision. Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening on its own, but the risk of overdose after a break is high, so start with a plan for medication and naloxone. Call 911 if someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe.