Charleston Sees Nearly 30% Decrease in Overdose Deaths

Charleston, South Carolina, September 20, 2025

News Summary

Charleston, South Carolina, has witnessed a nearly 30% drop in overdose deaths from April 2024 to April 2025, exceeding the national reduction average. Experts attribute this positive trend to increased availability and awareness of naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. The state also received $360 million from a national opioid lawsuit to fund addiction initiatives. However, challenges remain as the county grapples with ongoing opioid crises, including a recent spike in overdose incidents likely due to potent drugs in circulation.

Charleston, South Carolina has reported a significant decrease in overdose deaths, with the number dropping almost 30% from April 2024 to April 2025, according to the CDC. This decline surpasses the national average reduction of around 24%. The trend of decreasing deaths started in 2023, ending a decade-long rise in fatalities connected to substance use.

The precise reasons for the reduction in overdose deaths remain unclear. Experts suggest that the increased availability and public awareness of naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, play a crucial role. In recent years, health clinics and schools statewide have begun offering naloxone for free. Moreover, the South Carolina Department of Public Health provides free opioid overdose kits at local health clinics.

South Carolina’s progress in combating opioid addiction has also been bolstered by financial resources from a national opioid lawsuit, which resulted in a settlement of $360 million in 2023. This funding has been allocated to various initiatives aimed at addressing addiction issues across the state. For instance, the Charleston Center, a pivotal substance use treatment facility in Charleston County, received $1.7 million from the settlement, which has been used to enhance government programs, form partnerships, and employ a new opioid initiative coordinator.

Among the innovative measures taken to tackle substance use issues is the launch of a public dashboard by the Charleston Center. This dashboard tracks data related to overdose responses, funded by the opioid settlement resources.

Despite the overall decrease in overdose deaths, Charleston County continues to grapple with the ongoing opioid crisis. In 2023, the county reported over 2,000 opioid overdose deaths, making it the leading cause of death for individuals aged 18 to 44. The following year, 2024, recorded 173 confirmed fatal overdoses, with numbers for 2025 still under review.

Local community resources are playing an active role in response to the substance use epidemic. Initiatives like Narcan distribution stands and support from organizations such as Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Lowcountry are critical components of the community’s effort to address these challenges.

However, a recent report highlighted a troubling spike in overdose cases, with the Charleston Chief of Staff indicating that there were 35 incidents within just 18 hours, likely due to a bad batch of drugs. In light of the rising dangers from new substances, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to identify the sources of these hazardous drugs contributing to the overdose epidemic.

One notable case involved the arrest of an individual named Robert Edward Williamson Jr., who faces charges related to a fatal overdose at a sober living residence. Charges include involuntary manslaughter and trafficking fentanyl, underscoring the ongoing challenges of managing substance use in the community. The victim had reportedly maintained sobriety for at least 90 days prior to the tragic incident.

As South Carolina continues to navigate the complexities of addiction and opioid-related fatalities, the combination of community initiatives, governmental support, and increased awareness of overdose prevention strategies might provide a pathway toward sustained improvement in the state’s public health landscape.

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Additional Resources

• Charleston City Paper
• WSAZ Investigates
• Live 5 News
• Wikipedia: Naloxone
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Opioid Epidemic

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.