Carolina officials promote substance abuse recovery in 2026 with realistic goals and support systems, as highlighted by OSUS coordinator Dan Loffredo. Moncks Corner hosts a town hall tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley County Administration Building to address Kratom’s rising risks in the Lowcountry. The event features experts like a prevention specialist, physician, and affected families discussing its impacts.​
Kratom Concerns
Kratom, a Southeast Asian plant, contains psychoactive compounds like 7-OH, mimicking opioid effects and sold in forms such as gummies or kava bar drinks. Local experts report its role in 19 mixed-drug overdose deaths in Charleston County since 2023, available widely at gas stations despite a 2025 age-21 restriction law. Risks include addiction, respiratory issues, seizures, liver damage, and unpredictable potency due to inconsistent regulation.​
Event Details
The panel covers Kratom’s local effects, personal stories, and action steps for families and leaders. It’s organized amid broader Lowcountry overdose spikes, with community calls for stricter bans beyond age limits. No registration needed; open to Moncks Corner and Berkeley County residents.​
Recovery Resources
Visit embracerecoverysc.com for personalized recovery support or daodas.sc.gov for statewide services, including prevention and treatment via county authorities. OSUS partners with hospitals and naloxone distributors to aid those affected.
