South Carolina Alcohol Facts & Statistics
The statistics around underage drinking and alcohol abuse across the United States are sobering. South Carolina is not immune to these problems. The state tracks at or above the national average in most areas of alcohol use and abuse. Continued prevention efforts and raising awareness around the problem are needed to help stem these worrying trends around binge drinking, underage consumption, and the significant loss of life each year.
We’ve gathered 17 critical facts and statistics about alcohol use in the state of South Carolina. Many of these highlight the impact of underage drinking in the Palmetto State.
1) Underage Drinking Fatalities
Of those South Carolinians under 21, it is estimated that 85 die each year from alcohol use.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
2) Economic Impact of Underage Drinking
Underage drinking costs South Carolina $1 billion per year, equating to $2,309 for each young person in the state.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
3) High School Alcohol Consumption
23.1% of students in grades 9 through 12 in South Carolina reported drinking alcohol in the past month.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
4) Early Initiation of Alcohol Use
17.8% of high school students in South Carolina took their first drink, beyond just a few sips, before age 13.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
5) Source of Alcohol for Minors
38.1% of students who drank alcohol in the past month obtained it by someone giving it to them.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
6) Teen Drinking and Driving
4% of high school students in South Carolina have driven after drinking in the past month.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
7) Underage Alcohol Use (Ages 12–20)
16.1% of individuals aged 12 to 20 in South Carolina reported past-month alcohol use.
Source: South Carolina SAMHSA
8) Underage Binge Drinking (Ages 12–20)
10.8% of individuals aged 12 to 20 in South Carolina reported binge alcohol use in the past month.
Source: South Carolina SAMHSA
9) Years of Potential Life Lost (Under 21)
Alcohol contributes to 4,716 years of potential life lost annually among individuals under 21 in South Carolina.
Source: South Carolina SAMHSA
10) Fatal Crashes Involving Young Drivers
20% of all fatal crashes in South Carolina involve a 15- to 20-year-old driver.
Source: South Carolina SAMHSA
11) Adult Alcohol Consumption
48.9% of adults aged 21 and over in South Carolina reported past-month alcohol use.
Source: South Carolina SAMHSA
12) Adult Binge Drinking
26% of adults aged 21 and over in South Carolina reported past-month binge alcohol use.
Source: South Carolina SAMHSA
13) Average Age of Alcohol Initiation
The average age of first alcohol use in South Carolina is 16.4 years.
Source: South Carolina SAMHSA
14) Alcohol-Related Hospitalizations
The rate of alcohol-related hospitalizations in South Carolina varies by county, with some counties experiencing rates as high as 197.33 per 10,000 population.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
15) Binge Drinking Among Adults
The prevalence of binge drinking among adults in South Carolina ranges from 5.61% to 24.11%, depending on the county.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
16) DUI Crashes
The rate of DUI crashes in South Carolina varies by county, with some counties experiencing rates as high as 348.36 per 100,000 population.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
17) Heavy Drinking Among Adults
The prevalence of heavy drinking among adults in South Carolina ranges from 2.33% to 11.78%, depending on the county.
Source: South Carolina DAODAS
Source Articles
SAMHSA: Underage Drinking Prevention
DAODAS: 2022 State Reports – Underaged Drinking Prevention and Enforcement in South Carolina
