According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the number of opioid overdoses in the state has spiked 50% more than last year. In the month of May, EMS workers responded to over 900 opioid overdoses, breaking the state record for the most overdoses in a single month.
Unfortunately, DHEC predicts that these numbers will continue to rise. What is even scarier is that illegal AND prescription drugs have contributed to the rising number of overdoses.
What is South Carolina doing to reduce the number of overdoses?
First, South Carolina has several locations throughout the state where people can safely dispose of unused medications. Second, police officers and firefighters have been trained to respond to overdose calls and revive people with Narcan. Furthermore, patients can request free doses of Narcan from health care providers.
Opioid addiction can result in loss of life, trouble with law enforcement and jail time for those who have been charged with drug crimes. If a person is struggling with opioid addiction, South Carolina has several treatment centers throughout the state where individuals can recover and get help.
How should an individual proceed after being charged with drug crimes?
When an individual is convicted of drug crimes, they can face thousands of dollars in fines, months in prison and long periods of probation after release. Drug charges can cause a person to lose their job, lose custody of their children and eliminate employment opportunities. Don’t let drugs destroy all that you have worked hard to build.
When faced with drug charges, calling an attorney might be the best option. An attorney can review the charges and figure out a strategy that results in the best possible outcome for their client.
