




West Columbia, South Carolina
West Columbia, SC Profile
West Columbia, SC, population 13,064 , is located
in South Carolina's Lexington county,
about 2.3 miles from Columbia and 63.2 miles from Augusta.
In the 90's the population of West Columbia has grown by about 23%.
It is Estimated in recent years the population of West Columbia has been declining at an annual rate of less than one percent.
Reports show that during 2003 property crime levels in the West Columbia area were higher than South Carolina's average.
The same data shows violent crime levels to be higher than the South Carolina average.
West Columbia Statistics
West Columbia Gender Information
Males in West Columbia: 6,135 (47%)
Females in West Columbia: 6,929 (53%)
As % of Population in West Columbia
Race Diversity in West Columbia
White: 75%
African American: 20%
Asian: 2%
Other/Mixed: 3%
As % of Population in West Columbia
Age Diversity in West Columbia
Median Age in West Columbia: 38.7 (Males in West Columbia: 36.5, Females in West Columbia: 41.2)
West Columbia Males Under 20: 11%
West Columbia Females Under 20: 11%
West Columbia Males 20 to 40: 16%
West Columbia Females 20 to 40: 15%
West Columbia Males 40 to 60: 12%
West Columbia Females 40 to 60: 13%
West Columbia Males Over 60: 9%
West Columbia Females Over 60: 15%
Economics in West Columbia
West Columbia Household Average Size: 2.13 people
West Columbia Median Household Income: $ 30,999
West Columbia Median Value of Homes: $ 79,200
Law Enforcement in West Columbia
Reported crimes in the West Columbia area during 2003:
Murder and non-negligent man-slaughter: 1
Forcible rape: 10
Robbery: 51
Aggravated assault: 268
Violent crime events per 100,000 people: 2,524
Burglary: 179
Larceny-theft: 945
Motor vehicle theft: 79
Arson: 5
Property crime events per 100,000 people: 9,202
West Columbia Location Information
Land Area: 4.9 Square Miles.
Water Area: 0.2 Square Miles.
Nearby Towns & Cities to West Columbia
Cayce 1.9 Miles
Columbia 2.3 Miles
Springdale (Lexington County) 3.1 Miles
St Andrews 4.2 Miles
Forest Acres 5.1 Miles
Seven Oaks 5.6 Miles
Pine Ridge 6.0 Miles
South Congaree 6.7 Miles
Arcadia Lakes 7.7 Miles
Dentsville 8.2 Miles
Big Cities Nearest West Columbia
(Population 100,000+)
Columbia 2.3 Miles
Augusta 63.2 Miles
Charlotte 86.3 Miles
Savannah 132.1 Miles
Athens 132.2 Miles
Fayetteville 145.0 Miles
Winston-Salem 153.1 Miles
Greensboro 161.1 Miles
Raleigh 185.0 Miles
Durham 185.3 Miles
|
Facts
ALCOHOL. After a person who has used alcohol heavily for a long time stops drinking, he or she may experience increased heart rate, shaking, difficulty sleeping, nausea, restlessness, anxiety, and even seizures . The affected person may also experience hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling something that isn't really present). In some cases, delirium tremens (DTs) may occur as part of the withdrawal. Delirium tremens is a violent delirium (fading in and out of consciousness) with tremors, increased motor activity, visual hallucinations, disorientation, confusion, and fever that happens 48-96 hours after the alcohol-dependent person has had his or her last drink. These symptoms can last anywhere from three to 10 days. This state is a medical emergency because it could be fatal. Drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause the nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters, or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals, which is needed to shut off the signal between neurons. This disruption produces a greatly amplified message that ultimately disrupts normal communication patterns. Family History and Ethnicity. The risk for alcoholism in sons of alcoholic fathers is 25%. The familial link is weaker for women, but genetic factors contribute to this disease in both genders. In one study, women with alcoholism tended to have parents who drank. Women who came from families with a history of emotional disorders, rejecting parents, or early family disruption had no higher risk for drinking than women without such backgrounds. A stable family and psychological health were not protective in people with a genetic risk. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict which members of alcoholic families are most at risk for alcoholism. As one uses more and more of a drug, or any kind of substance, the body develops a drug tolerance. This does not just refer to illegal substances, it can also happen when one drinks coffee on a daily basis. After a while, just one cup may not be enough to get that kick which is neccesary to get going in the morning, or to stay up all night. Thus, a second or third cup may be needed. In the case of drug users, one pill or one puff on x substance may not be enough. The body adapts to the substance that has been introduced. When the drug is no longer available withdrawal symptoms that are the opposite of the direct effects of the drug appear- and this is when the withdrawal occurs. Depending on the elimination half life of the drug, symptoms can arise a few hours afer the drug is stopped or may even begin several days after discontinuation of the substance. |
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment offers intensive drug addiction help over a period of weeks or months. This form of treatment has some advantages over out-patient treatment, although it may not be suitable for everyone. For example, those who are responsible for caring for young children may be better suited to attendance at an out patient treatment program. Residential treatment offers a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment where individuals can confront their own drug addiction and associated issues, with the help of qualified staff. Therapy usually consists of a mixture of group counseling, individual counseling and an introduction to the principles of a drug recovery program.
Tolerance
Tolerance to a drug takes place when an individual is exposed to the same drug repeatedly and begins to build up an resistance to the drugs effects. The body then adapts and develops a tolerance for the drug. The addiction that is produced is so powerful that it creates cravings in the user. These cravings for the drug are the result of its impact on the individual's memory with feelings of pleasantness and euphoria which the individual has come to associate with the taking of the drug.
Addiction
Addiction is one of the many consequences of so-called 'casual' drug and alcohol abuse. A loss of control over drugs and alcohol can be driven by physical or psychological factors, or sometimes both. Physical addiction takes place when the body comes to need a drug to function normally. If it is not taken, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms occur. The only way to avoid this is to take more of the drug. Psychological addiction takes place when an individual comes to rely on a drug to supply good feelings, such as relaxation, self-confidence, self esteem, and freedom from anxiety. This is not just a casual desire, it's a powerful compulsion.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is what happens when a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol discontinues use. There are numerous symptoms that take place both physically and emotionally when an addicted individual stops using. Withdrawal can last a few days to a few weeks and may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. Keep in mind; this only occurs if a person has regular, heavy use of a drug or alcohol. Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable without professional help. Treatment for withdrawal from alcohol or drugs may require a medical professional to be present. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is often the best way to overcome withdrawal and its symptoms as well as recovery from drug addiction.
Therapeutic Community
An effective therapeutic community attends to the many needs of the individual, not just his or her drug use. Care given at a therapeutic community addresses the individual's drug use and associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems. Also, a therapeutic community will continue to be flexible and provide ongoing assessments of the individual's needs, which may change during the course of care.
Remaining in care at a therapeutic community for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness. The time depends on an individual's needs. For most people, the significant improvement is reached at about 3 months in treatment.
|
|

To Find Drug Rehab and Treatment Centers in West Columbia
Call toll free


West Columbia Drug Rehab and
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Information
|