Columbia Drug Rehab and
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Information

Looking for drug rehab treatment or counseling centers in Columbia? Please call toll free 1-888-341-3784 to speak with one of our representatives who can help you locate a facility to meet your needs. Our resources cover North, East, South, West, and the Central areas of Columbia.

Across the country there are numerous different kinds of alcohol addiction, drug rehab, and treatment programs. Whether you are looking for a drug rehab center for yourself or someone you care about in Columbia, one of the most important things you can do is to become educated on the many different kinds of drug rehab methods that exist.

Here are a few of the many different kinds of drug rehab programs that exist: outpatient counseling, detoxification, short-term inpatient treatment (30-day program) and long-term residential treatment (longer than 60 days). Also, inside the above mentioned programs there are two different types of rehab models. One medical model which substitutes one drug addiction for another during the treatment process, such as methadone maintenance. The other model is one which is entirely drug-free and does not prescribe more drugs to the addict. It is not unusual for many of the drug rehab centers in Columbia, South Carolina to have aftercare or a follow-up program in addition to their initial rehab program.

Drug Threat in Columbia

Sources
Drug Situation: Columbia is identified more as a drug "consumer city" rather than a "source city." However, there has been increasing evidence of organizational activity extending to major distribution hubs, such as New York City (cocaine and heroin), southern Florida (cocaine and Ecstasy (MDMA)), southern Texas/Mexico (marijuana, Methamphetamine and diverted/illicit drugs), and southern California (methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine). Investigations are becoming more complex and cross numerous citywide and nationwide jurisdictions. Additionally, Mexican-based traffickers have taken advantage of the increase in Latino immigration to the city by hiding within Hispanic enclaves. citywide based on the last census Hispanics are the fastest growing racial group in Columbia. Aside from Hispanics recent investigations have targeted Cuban, Haitian and Jamaican traffickers.

The history of investigations conducted by the Charleston RO reveals that a significant portion of the Cocaine and Marijuana distributed by coastal South Carolina distribution organizations originated from Charleston port smuggling activities. It is a well-known fact that traffickers utilize forty-foot and twenty-foot containers to transport contraband secreted inside these containers with legitimate commercial products. It is a conservative estimate that for every container loaded with illegal drugs discovered at the Charleston port, at least nine other containers with illegal drugs have slipped through without detection. The port of Charleston is the second largest containerized seaport on the eastern seaboard of the United citys and handles over 1.5 million containers of the over 11 million containers that enter or pass through U.S. ports per year. Currently there are three terminals; however, a fourth may be opened in the near future. Despite this intimidating volume of containers, the USCS has only 10 inspectors to service the inspection requirements in three Charleston port facilities and they must rely on Confidential Source information and container profiling to maximize their chances of success. These 10 Customs Inspectors are only able to actually inspect less than 1 % of the containers destined to or passing through Charleston. Recent investigations have shown that there are numerous "cells" of traffickers working at the port with or as longshoremen to bring Cocaine, Marijuana and Heroin into the United citys from overseas (Panama, Colombia, etc.).

Cocaine: Cocaine trafficking has been detected at stable to moderately increased levels in the major metropolitan areas of the city, to include the population centers of Columbia, Greenville, and Florence. An increase in trafficking has also been noted in recent years along the coast, particularly in the tourist areas of Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Sources of supply are located in South Florida, New York, Georgia and California, with the most common method of importation being motor vehicle. Other less common methods of transport of drugs into the city include courier services, commercial airline, bus, and train travel. At the retail level, trafficking groups appear to be moderately sized and loosely organized. Cocaine is often transported into the city in powder form and converted into Crack Cocaine by local distributors at its destination. During 2003 and 2004 DEA offices citywide placed significant attention on the development of cases targeting high level trafficking groups. Title III investigations during 2003, resulted in the dismantling of a large Cocaine trafficking organization operating in Columbia, SC. A total of 17 arrests were made in connection with the investigation.

Heroin: Heroin is available in multi-gram quantities throughout Columbia and is routinely packaged in "bindles" for distribution. The most common source location for Heroin distributed in Columbia is the New York City area. Heroin supply sources use a variety of methods, including mail service and public transportation, to transport Heroin into Columbia. Although the Heroin user population has historically been a limited and stable group generally located in the inner cities, recent information indicates an increasing pattern of Heroin use by a younger population in "experimental" or "party" situations.

Methamphetamine: While Methamphetamine is available across Columbia, investigations indicate that there is a growing abuse and availability of the drug in the coastal population centers of the city, particularly in the Myrtle Beach area. Methamphetamine distributed in the city is normally obtained from supply sources in California, and in some cases, from Atlanta. The number of clandestine laboratory seizures in Columbia continues to increase.

Club Drugs: Ecstasy (MDMA) is readily available in several cities in South Carolina, predominantly in the population centers of Greenville and Columbia and those cities along the city’s coastal area. During the past year there has been a significant increase in Ecstasy distribution throughout the city, with traffickers operating out of the city capitol in Columbia distributing a significant portion of the Ecstasy sold. Recent data indicates that Atlanta has become a significant hub for MDMA distribution in Columbia. Law Enforcement agencies are attempting to infiltrate organizations distributing Ecstasy, but are hampered by the cost of Ecstasy currently available on the street. There have been increasing incidents of LSD distribution and abuse, as well as incidents of Rohypnol and Ketamine appearing in entertainment clubs in communities along the coast and upcity.

Marijuana: Marijuana is the most prevalent illegal drug of abuse in South Carolina, with Mexico the most common source location. Traffickers using vehicles, tractor-trailers, commercial air, buses, and trains, as well as commercial package shipping companies import Marijuana from Mexico through California. Members of the Columbia National Guard and the Columbia Law Enforcement Division (SLED) routinely eradicate small patches of outdoor marijuana. In 2002, SLED discovered and destroyed 27,013 plants in Columbia. In 2003 another 15,038 plants were destroyed.

Other Drugs: Ecstasy is readily available in several cities in Columbia, predominantly those cities along the city's coastal area. Recent intelligence indicates that traffickers operating out of the city capital at Columbia distribute a significant portion of the Ecstasy sold throughout the city.

DEA Mobile Enforcement Teams: This cooperative program with city and local law enforcement counterparts was conceived in 1995 in response to the overwhelming problem of drug-related violent crime in towns and cities across the nation. There have been 409 deployments completed resulting in 16,763 arrests of violent drug criminals as of February 2004. There have been six MET deployments in the city of Columbia since the inception of the program: Greenville, Dillon, North Charleston, Orangeburg, and Spartanburg (2).

DEA Regional Enforcement Teams: This program was designed to augment existing DEA division resources by targeting drug organizations operating in the United citys where there is a lack of sufficient local drug law enforcement. This Program was conceived in 1999 in response to the threat posed by drug trafficking organizations that have established networks of cells to conduct drug trafficking operations in smaller, non-traditional trafficking locations in the United citys. Nationwide, there have been 22 deployments completed resulting in 608 arrests of drug trafficking criminals as of February 2004. There have been no RET deployments in the city of Columbia.

Drug rehabilitation is a multi-phase, multi-faceted, long term process. Detoxification is only the first step on the road of addiction treatment. Physical detoxification alone is not sufficient to change the patterns of a drug addict. Recovery from addiction involves an extended process which usually requires the help of drug addiction professionals. To make a successful recovery, the addict needs new tools in order to deal with situations and problems which arise. Factors such as encountering someone from their days of using, returning to the same environment and places, or even small things such as smells and objects trigger memories which can create psychological stress. This can hinder the addict's goal of complete recovery, thus not allowing the addict to permanently regain control of his or her life.

Almost all addicts tell themselves in the beginning that they can conquer their addiction on their own without the help of outside resources. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. When an addict makes an attempt at detoxification and to discontinue drug use without the aid of professional help, statistically the results do not last long. Research into the effects of long-term addiction has shown that substantial changes in the way the brain functions are present long after the addict has stopped using drugs. Realizing that a drug addict who wishes to recover from their addiction needs more than just strong will power is the key to a successful recovery. Battling not only cravings for their drug of choice, re-stimulation of their past and changes in the way their brain functions, it is no wonder that quitting drugs without professional help is an uphill battle.

As an organization we are dedicated to finding the correct solution for your specific addiction problem. Our referral list contains over 3,000 resources which encompass the following treatment categories :

Drug Rehab, Columbia, South Carolina, SC

The ultimate goal of a drug rehab is to enable the individual to achieve lasting abstinence from drug use. The short term goal of a drug rehab is to help the individual through detox and withdrawal from drugs in addition to improving their ability to function in society again. A drug rehab will help minimize the medical and social complications of drug abuse.

Patients who stay in a drug rehab longer than 3 months typically have better outcomes than those who stay less time. Those who go through medically assisted withdrawal to minimize discomfort but do not receive any further rehab, perform about the same in terms of their substance use as those who never attended a drug rehab. Over the last 25 years, studies have shown that attending a drug rehab works to reduce drug intake and crimes committed by drug-dependent people. Researchers also have found that drug abusers who have been through a drug rehab are more likely to have jobs.

Inpatient Drug Rehab, Columbia, South Carolina, SC

Inpatient drug rehab is one of many methods whose ultimate goal is long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Those who attend an inpatient drug rehab use the new tools they have learned to help them re-enter society and lead responsible, successful drug and alcohol free lives.

Inpatient drug rehab centers offer support and structure for men and women seeking help for problems with drugs or alcohol. Participants reside on location for the course of the rehab program; lengths of stay vary and may be individualized. Care at an inpatient drug rehab is provided 24 hours a day 7 days a week; this is only one of the benefits of attending an inpatient drug rehab.

Outpatient Drug Rehab, Columbia, South Carolina, SC

An outpatient drug rehab is a program designed to provide long-term abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Outpatient drug rehab programs use a broad verity of techniques. These techniques include a wide range of approaches including problem-solving groups, specialized therapies such as insight-oriented psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and 12-step programs. Similar to other drug rehabs, the individual may stay in the program for several months or longer. Those who attend an outpatient drug rehab do not live at the drug rehab as they would an inpatient drug rehab.

Outpatient drug rehab programs vary in the types and intensity of services offered. Low-intensity outpatient drug rehab programs may offer little more than drug education and counsel. Other outpatient drug rehab models, such as intensive day treatment, can be comparable to residential programs in services and effectiveness, depending on the individual's characteristics and needs. All in all, the ultimate goal of an outpatient drug rehab is to help the individual recover from drug addiction so that they may re-enter society and lead responsible, successful drug and alcohol free lives.

Alcohol Rehab, Columbia, South Carolina, SC

Alcohol rehab is a place where an individual who has a drinking problem can receive help. Rehab is a program that helps the individual with their alcohol addiction and provides them with the tools necessary for a complete recovery.

Alcohol rehab works for many people who have problems with alcohol abuse. But just like any other drug of abuse, the individual has to be committed to make a change for the better. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse. And still others cannot stop drinking for any length of time. With alcohol rehab, one thing is clear: the longer a person abstains from alcohol, the more likely he or she will be able to stay sober.

Drug Detox, Columbia, South Carolina, SC

The goal of detox is to rid the body of toxins accumulated by drug use. The first step of detox is drug withdrawal. Drug withdrawal is "the act or process of ceasing to use an addictive drug." Once an individual has discontinued using drugs physical and behavioral withdrawal symptoms may follow. Detox is a process that helps diminish the uncomfortable symptoms of drug withdrawal.

Detox is performed in many different ways depending on where you decide to receive treatment. Most detox centers simply provide treatment to avoid physical withdrawal to alcohol & other drugs. A quality detox program will not only to provide the individual with counseling during detox but help with the physical withdrawal and the psychological root cause of the individual's addiction problem, so as to decrease the chances of relapse.

Drug detox can be viewed in three separate stages:

1. Medical Detox: A medical doctor will need to supervise your medical withdrawal from drugs, ensuring you complete this phase safely and with minimal complications. Medical detox can take several days.

2. Physical Detox: Once your body is no longer dependent on drugs, you will need to work on building up your physical health. A nutritionist can be helpful during this phase, enabling you to develop a balanced diet to help you through the rest of the detox process.

3. Emotional Detox: Detox can be extremely difficult on your emotional health, which is why most treatment centers offer counseling during detox. Because drugs have become an integral part of your mental, emotional and social life, you will need emotional help as you detox.

You can overcome addiction and we can help. Contact us for free consultation today.