South Carolina's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission: What It Does and How to Find Help

What the South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission does

The South Carolina Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (ADAC) is a state agency that oversees substance abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery services across South Carolina. It does not provide treatment directly, but instead licenses and funds treatment providers, sets standards for programs, and connects people to services in their area. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drug use, ADAC maintains a network of programs you can contact.

ADAC operates under South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The agency funds community mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, outpatient programs, and recovery support services. It also manages prevention initiatives in schools and communities, and tracks data on substance abuse trends in the state.

Key Takeaways

• ADAC is a state agency that funds and oversees treatment programs but does not provide treatment itself—you contact individual providers in your area.
• You can search for treatment programs through ADAC's online directory or call your local community mental health center for a referral.
• Treatment options include outpatient counseling, intensive programs, residential facilities, and recovery support groups, with costs varying by program and insurance.
• ADAC also funds prevention programs in schools and workplaces, and offers resources for families affected by substance abuse.

How to find treatment programs through ADAC

Start by visiting ADAC's website or calling the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's main line to ask for substance abuse treatment referrals. You can also contact your county's community mental health center directly—these centers receive ADAC funding and maintain lists of local treatment options. If you do not know which center serves your county, ADAC staff can tell you.

When you call or visit, have your location and insurance information ready. Programs ask about your insurance because many accept Medicaid, Medicare, or private plans. If you do not have insurance, ask about sliding-scale fees or programs that serve uninsured patients. Many ADAC-funded programs offer both options.

Types of treatment programs ADAC funds

Outpatient programs let you live at home while attending counseling sessions during the day or evening. These range from one or two sessions per week to intensive daily programs. Outpatient works well if you have a job, family responsibilities, or a stable living situation.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) require more hours per week than standard outpatient—usually nine to twenty hours—and include group therapy, individual counseling, and sometimes medication management. IOP is a step between outpatient and residential care.

Residential or inpatient programs provide 24-hour care in a facility where you stay while receiving treatment. These programs last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on your needs. Residential treatment is often recommended for people with severe addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, or unstable housing.

Recovery support services include peer support groups, case management, and help with housing or employment after treatment ends. ADAC funds these services to help people stay connected to recovery long-term.

What to expect when you contact a program

When you reach out to a treatment program, staff will ask about your substance use history, any medical conditions, current medications, and whether you have insurance. This is called an intake assessment. Be honest about how much and how often you use, and mention any previous treatment attempts. This information helps the program recommend the right level of care.

Most programs can tell you within a few days whether they have an opening. If they do not, they will refer you to another program or add you to a waiting list. Do not wait passively—call other programs on the list while you wait. Treatment works best when you start soon after deciding to seek help.

Ask about the program's approach to treatment. Some use cognitive behavioral therapy, others use 12-step models, and some combine methods. Ask whether they treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. Ask about aftercare—what happens after the main program ends. These details matter for your success.

ADAC prevention and family resources

ADAC funds prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and communities aimed at reducing substance abuse before it starts. These programs teach young people about risks, build coping skills, and create supportive environments. If you work in education or community health, you can learn about prevention resources ADAC offers.

ADAC also recognizes that substance abuse affects entire families. The agency funds support groups and counseling for family members, including Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings in many communities. These groups connect you with others whose loved ones struggle with addiction. Many are free or low-cost.

Cost and insurance coverage

Treatment costs vary widely depending on the program type and your location. Outpatient programs may cost between fifty and two hundred dollars per session, while intensive programs can run several hundred dollars per week. Residential treatment typically costs more but is often covered by insurance if medically necessary.

Medicaid covers substance abuse treatment in South Carolina, and most ADAC-funded programs accept Medicaid. Medicare also covers treatment. If you have private insurance, call your insurance company to ask which ADAC-funded programs are in-network. If you do not have insurance, tell the program—many offer sliding-scale fees based on income or accept uninsured patients at reduced rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if someone needs treatment or just counseling?

That depends on the severity of use, whether it is affecting work or relationships, and whether the person has tried to cut back without success. A treatment program's intake assessment will help determine the right level of care. If you are unsure, call a program and describe the situation—staff can advise whether treatment, counseling, or support groups might help.

What if someone does not want treatment?

Motivation matters, but it can grow. Many people enter treatment reluctant and become engaged once they start. If a loved one refuses, you can still attend family support groups through ADAC-funded programs. These groups teach you how to set boundaries and take care of yourself while someone else struggles with addiction.

Does ADAC cover medication-assisted treatment?

Yes. ADAC-funded programs offer medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for opioid addiction, and medications for alcohol use disorder. These are prescribed by doctors within the program and combined with counseling. Ask whether a program offers medication-assisted treatment when you call.

Can I get treatment if I have a criminal record related to drugs?

Yes. Treatment programs do not turn people away based on criminal history. In fact, some programs specialize in serving people involved with the criminal justice system. If you have concerns, mention this when you call—the program can tell you whether they have experience working with your situation.

What happens after treatment ends?

Most programs include aftercare planning before you leave. This might include ongoing counseling, support group attendance, peer mentoring, or help with housing and employment. Ask about aftercare when you choose a program. Strong aftercare increases the chance of staying in recovery long-term.