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South Carolina Value:
Percentage of women ages 18-49 who reported misusing prescription psychotherapeutics (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants or sedatives) or using cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or methamphetamine in the past year
South Carolina Rank:
Additional Measures:
Appears In:
Percentage of women ages 18-49 who reported misusing prescription psychotherapeutics (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants or sedatives) or using cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or methamphetamine in the past year
<= 9.1%
9.2% - 10.2%
10.3% - 11.3%
11.4% - 12.4%
>= 12.5%
US Value: 10.4%
Top State(s): Idaho: 7.3%
Bottom State(s): Oregon: 19.1%
Definition: Percentage of women ages 18-49 who reported misusing prescription psychotherapeutics (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants or sedatives) or using cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants or methamphetamine in the past year
Data Source and Years(s): SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2021-2022
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of SAMHSA, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2024.
The use of illicit drugs, including the use of prescription drugs without a doctor's guidance, can be dangerous and have lasting consequences. The adverse effects of drug misuse vary by drug and can include heart attack, stroke, psychosis and death. Substance abuse can also lead to addiction, which often requires medical or therapeutic intervention. Drug use during pregnancy increases the risk of negative birth outcomes such as preterm labor, miscarriage and stillbirth.
The health consequences of illicit drug use are costly to individuals and society. In 2007, the economic burden of illicit drug use in the U.S. was an estimated $193 billion. Emergency room visits for drug misuse among those ages 18-34 have increased since 2008-2009, from 45.4 visits per 10,000 people to 76.0 visits per 10,000 in 2016-2017.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the prevalence of illicit drug use is higher among:
Mental illness and substance use disorders are frequently related, though one can rarely be said to cause the other. More than 1 in 4 individuals with a severe mental health disorder will develop a substance use problem during their lifetime. Additionally, research has found that women who have experienced intimate partner violence have a higher risk of substance use.
Illicit drug use can be prevented and treated. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has screening tools and prevention strategies that health care professionals can use for substance abuse prevention. In 2018, the National Institutes of Health received funding from Congress for the Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, which supports the development of drug abuse prevention strategies, non-addictive pain management methods and treatments for opioid misuse and addiction.
When prevention is no longer an option, there are evidence-based treatment programs. SAMHSA’s treatment locator can help individuals find state-licensed providers that specialize in substance use disorders. SAMHSA also collects resources on evidence-based practices for treatment facilities and medical practitioners providing substance abuse treatment and recovery.
Healthy People 2030 objectives related to illicit drug use include:
“2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Among Females Aged 12 or Older.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2023. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt41854/NSDUH%20highlighted%20population%20slides/For%20NSDUH%20highlighted%20population%20slides/2021NSDUHPopulationSlidesFemales050323.pdf.
“Highlights by Race/Ethnicity for the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42731/2022-nsduh-race-eth-highlights.pdf.
“National Drug Threat Assessment 2011.” Johnstown, PA: U.S. Department of Justice, National Drug Intelligence Center, August 2011. https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs44/44849/44849p.pdf.
Rui, Pinyao. “QuickStats: Number of Emergency Department Visits for Substance Abuse or Dependence per 10,000 Persons Aged ≥18 Years, by Age Group — United States, 2008–2009 and 2016–2017.” MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 68, no. 50 (December 20, 2019): 1171. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6850a7.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.