Opioid Epidemic | South Carolina Department of Public Health

For more information on Narcan distribution and how to get an Opioid Overdose Kit, please see the DPH Narcan Distribution and Opioid Overdose Kits webpage.

South Carolina Opioid Overdose Death Trends

In South Carolina, as across the nation, Fentanyl has become the primary driver for overdose and the leading cause of overdose deaths. Without the user’s knowledge, Fentanyl is often mixed with cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illicit drugs, therefore increasing the risk of a fatal overdose.

In 2022, 2,296 drug overdose deaths occurred in South Carolina (SC), which is a 6% increase from 2021 (SC DPH Vital Statistics).
In 2022, death rates attributed to opioids rose by 5% and fentanyl-attributed deaths rose by 9% from 2021 (SC DPH Vital Statistics).
For more information on 2022 Overdose Mortality Statistics please see the 2022 South Carolina Drug Overdose Death Report.

South Carolina’s Opioid Emergency Response Plan

In 2017, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a statewide public health emergency for the opioid epidemic and established the Opioid Emergency Response Team. The Governor's emergency declaration allows state officials, private partners, and law enforcement to combat the growing epidemic or opioid deaths, addiction, and abuse.

"We are confident that if there is a group capable of combating this problem, providing treatment for those affected, and bringing about tangible results that will change lives, it’s this group of dedicated, talented individuals that we have been able to put together” -Gov. Henry McMaster.

SC Overdose Emergency Response Team Partners are: SC Dept. of Public Safety, SC Dept. of Health and Human Services, SC Emergency Management Division, SC Law Enforcement Divison, SC Dept. of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, and SC DPH.

Learn More About the Opioid Emergency Response Plan

Xylazine in South Carolina

Xylazine Facts

The South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Team, to include DPH, has been monitoring deaths involving the drug Xylazine. According to provisional estimates from the DPH Division of Biostatistics, deaths involving Xylazine have been on the rise, with an anticipated 379 percent increase between years 2020 and 2021. Xylazine can contribute to oversedation alongside opioids, an individual experiencing an overdose may remain unresponsive even after Naloxone administration if Xylazine is present, and the person may need rescue breaths. It is important to administer Naloxone for a suspected opioid overdose. Although Naloxone will not reverse the effects of Xylazine, Naloxone will reverse the effects of any opioids present.

Xylazine and Overdose Death

Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer and long-acting sedative with analgesic and muscle relaxant properties. Xylazine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human consumption. In humans, Xylazine can cause slowed heart rate, reduced breathing, lowered blood pressure, and unresponsiveness. Xylazine is commonly found in combination with fentanyl, heroin and other substances not purchased from a pharmacy. Xylazine can be present in powder form or in pills that are not purchased with a prescription from a pharmacy. Common names of drugs cut with Xylazine are “tranq or “tranq dope.” Xylazine is often in drugs without a person’s knowledge.

For more information, please see the Increase in Overdose Deaths and Health Hazards Associated with Xylazine in South Carolina Health Alert Network Advisory.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Overdose Data to Action States Cooperative Agreement

DPH participates in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Overdose Data to Action States initiative. DPH was first awarded OD2A funding in 2019 and was recently awarded OD2A-S funding in 2023 for another five years. DPH coordinates with internal and external partners across the state to implement overdose surveillance and prevention activities. To learn more please visit the CDC Overdose Prevention Data webpage.