The perception of South Carolina is more of a drug "consumer state" rather than a "source state." Though, there has been rising confirmation of drug trafficking organizational activity expanding to major distribution hubs like New York City, southern Florida, southern Texas/Mexico southern California.

Cocaine is widely available in South Carolina. Cocaine is considered the most serious threat to the state, especially crack cocaine, because it is directly associated with violent crimes. Heroin is also available throughout the State. Heroin traffickers use a variety of methods, including State mail service, courier service and public transportation to transport heroin.

South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services says that of the South Carolina students surveyed in grades 6-12 between 2001-2002, 30.7% used an illicit drug in their lifetime, and 17.9% used an illicit drug within the past 30. And 19% of South Carolina 8th graders surveyed reported lifetime marijuana use.

Alcoholism and substance abuse is an ailment that progresses through predictable stages. Drug rehab centers, alcohol rehab centers equipped with trained health professionals, often a doctor specializing in addiction treatment medicine, make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment for right kind of drug rehabilitation. Alcohol rehab and drug rehab programs vary in the level and quality of family participation opportunities.