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4.3 (13,000) Rhode Island Drug and Alcohol Statistics
Much like the rest of the country, residents of Rhode Island struggle with alcohol and drug misuse. Here are some Rhode Island stats:1,2,3
- In 2020, 145,000 people ages 12 and up in Rhode Island received substance use disorder treatment over the previous 12 months
- The majority of those treated entered a Rhode Island alcohol rehab
- 71,000 people sought treatment for illicit drug use
- 6,000 people entered treatment for an addiction to prescription pain relievers
- More than 135,000 people in 2020 reported that they needed, but did not receive, treatment for their substance use disorder
- Most people in Rhode Island who entered substance use disorder treatment were male and fell between the ages of 25 and 49
- In 2021, Rhode Island had 435 fatal drug overdoses
- Opioids were the leading cause of death, followed by fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol
Cost of Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Rhode Island
Since there is no one-size-fits-all rehab program, the cost of a drug or alcohol rehab in Rhode Island also varies based on the program you choose. Inpatient is typically more expensive than outpatient treatment, and the longer the program, the more it will cost.
Amenities and location also play a factor. For example, a rehab that feels more like a spa will cost more than a standard facility, and a beachfront location may also add to the overall price.
While private insurance can help keep costs down, you will want to find a rehab that accepts your insurance provider and is considered in-network to avoid paying additional out-of-pocket costs. You can check your coverage by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.
Free Treatment Options in Rhode Island
Cost should not be seen as a barrier to addiction treatment. There are free treatment options available in Rhode Island. You can reach out to the State of Rhode Island Department of Health for more information.4
You can also explore whether the rehab you’re interested in offers a rehab scholarship or a sliding scale payment option based on your income. Some private insurance plans will cover the cost of some types of addiction treatment. If you qualify, Medicaid and Medicare are also two federal government insurance programs that cover the cost of rehab.
Should I Travel to Rhode Island for Drug and Alcohol Treatment?
Traveling to Rhode Island for drug and alcohol treatment may make sense for your situation. If you are currently on your own and moving would provide a better living situation and a strong support system, making the move could be in the best interest of your long-term recovery.
Regional Considerations for Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Rhode Island
Even though it’s the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island does offer several different regions that may appeal to you for treatment.
Blackstone Valley
Located in the northernmost part of the state, Blackstone Valley is known for its history as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Lincoln Woods and the 11-mile-long Blackstone River Bikeway.
Providence
Providence offers the culture and sophistication of a big city. It features a thriving arts community, diverse neighborhoods, and a well-known restaurant scene.
Warwick and West Bay
This centrally located area offers convenient shopping and a wide range of attractions, including beaches and parks.
Bristol County
This area is known for the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States. It also features beautiful coastlines, incredible restaurants, and lots of history. Locals enjoy Colt State Park and the East Bay Bike Path.
Newport County
Newport County has been entertaining visitors for close to 400 years. Surrounded by water on all sides, it was once a destination for this country’s wealthiest residents, who built the world-renowned Newport mansions.
South County
Located in the southernmost region of the state, South County covers a large swath of land, including beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The region is home to the University of Rhode Island and features pine forests, large farms, and plenty of fresh seafood.
How Do I Choose a Drug or Alcohol Rehab?
A lot of factors can go into choosing a Rhode Island drug or alcohol rehab. Here are just a few things you should consider when looking at your options.
Program Cost
For many people, cost plays the biggest factor in their decision. You’ll want to see what types of payments are accepted and whether the facility accepts your insurance provider if you are going that route. Choosing a facility that offers several flexible payment options can make paying for rehab easier.
Treatment Philosophy
Perhaps you would prefer a facility with a specific treatment philosophy. Rehabs can take a more holistic approach that works to treat the mind, body, and spirit concurrently. There are also faith-based programs available that focus on the connection between spirituality and recovery.
You might decide a rehab targeted to a specific population would be beneficial. There are drug and alcohol rehabs in Rhode Island that are gender specific as well as ones that offer specialized treatment options for veterans or the LGBTQ+ population.
Treatment Setting and Location
A rehab’s setting or location can be an important factor. Rhode Island is known for its miles of ocean coastline. If a view of the water is important, look for a facility close to the ocean. Maybe it will benefit your recovery to be closer to family and friends. Be sure to factor in location when evaluating potential facilities.
Amenities
Some rehabs are straightforward, while others can offer a long list of amenities. Once again, think about what will make your recovery successful. Do you find swimming relaxing? Rehab with a pool may be a good option. Do you use exercise to clear your head? A rehab that offers outdoor activities and dedicated exercise time could help make your rehab experience more enjoyable. If you prefer some solitude and quiet time, look for a facility that offers private rooms.
What to Pack for Drug Rehab in Rhode Island
A Rhode Island drug rehab or alcohol rehab will have a strict policy on what you can and can’t bring. Some facilities are stricter than others, but you should bring contact information for those you want to be involved in your treatment, important jewelry, an alarm clock, current prescription medicine, a small amount of cash, insurance cards and driver’s license, a notebook or journal, and pictures of loved ones.
You’ll want to pack clothes that are comfortable and easy to wash along with comfortable shoes and personal hygiene and beauty products that are alcohol-free.
Comparing Addiction Treatment Settings
When evaluating a Rhode Island drug rehab or alcohol rehab near me, it’s important to determine the level of support needed to be successful. Inpatient rehabs are often more intense and require you to live at the facility full-time, while outpatient treatment allows you to live at home. It’s not unusual for patients to utilize both inpatient and outpatient rehab in their recovery journey.
Inpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Rhode Island
Inpatient or residential treatment allows you to focus 100% on your recovery without any outside distractions. This can be a good option for people who are dealing with a severe addiction or who are coming from an unsafe living environment. Patients attend group and individual therapy sessions and can participate in other specialty care such as exercise, art or music therapy, or medication and yoga.
Inpatient rehab allows you to go through treatment surrounded by individuals who understand the struggles of addiction.
Outpatient Rehab in Rhode Island
Outpatient treatment is a more flexible form of rehab and allows you to continue going to work or school while receiving addiction treatment. This type of treatment works best if you have a safe living environment and a supportive and sober social network. Patients attend scheduled treatment sessions for a set number of hours per week, which can include group and individual therapy and support groups. Outpatient rehab allows you to build a new social network and apply the skills you are learning in real-time.
What is a Typical Day Like at Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
An inpatient drug or alcohol rehab in Rhode Island will be highly structured. This allows you to know exactly what to expect each day so your focus can be on your recovery. While formats will vary from program to program, a general schedule is highlighted below.
Morning
Most inpatient rehabs will have you wake up at a certain time each day. A staff member will often come around to make sure everyone is awake and to hand out any needed medications. Residents will sometimes have assigned chores that need to be completed.
After breakfast, you will attend morning sessions with a therapist or counselor. These are often in a small group format where everyone can check in with each other.
Afternoon
After lunch, there are more individual and group sessions that can be more intense than what was held during the morning. Various therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy are often used to help address negative thought patterns. An individual therapy session can often be followed by some quiet, introspective time.
Specialized and alternative therapy sessions, skills training, relapse prevention, and educational programs are often hosted during the afternoons as well. There may also be structured exercise and other fitness opportunities.
Evening
Dinner is often served at the same time each night. Afterward, there can be another short group session to discuss the day. Support group meetings are also typically held at night. There can also be structured visiting time in the evening with family members. Sleep is an important part of the recovery process and lights-out times are often strictly adhered to while in rehab.
How Long Does Drug Rehab Last?
The length of time you’ll spend in a Rhode Island drug or alcohol rehab can vary and is based on your individual needs. An inpatient residential program typically lasts between 30 and 90 days, though there are longer programs available for those that need it.
Longer treatment programs allow patients more time to get used to the rehab process, live in a supportive, medically supervised environment, and fully understand their addiction and triggers. Research has shown this often leads to better long-term treatment outcomes.5
Outpatient programs can last from a few months to up to a year or more. Depending on the intensity of your program, you can be required to spend 6 to 20 or more hours of your time a week in treatment. Outpatient programs last longer than inpatient programs because you have the flexibility to live at home while undergoing addiction treatment.
Partial hospitalization programs are the most intensive form of outpatient treatment and require the greatest time commitment of around 20 hours a week. The next step down is an intensive outpatient program, which can include 9 or more hours a week in treatment. A standard outpatient program has the lowest time commitment per week.
What Happens After Rehab?
The recovery journey doesn’t end once rehab is completed. Aftercare is just as important as the rehab process to maintaining sobriety. A Rhode Island drug rehab or alcohol rehab will often help you create an aftercare program that will provide the support needed to prevent a relapse.
Here is a breakdown of a few of the services that are available once you complete rehab.
Sober Living Homes or Transitional Housing
Sometimes, someone who has completed inpatient rehab is not ready to live on their own. Sober living homes or transitional housing provides that bridge between inpatient rehab and independent living. While these facilities do not have the same level of structure as an inpatient facility, they do provide a safe and sober living environment that encourages residents to develop and practice healthy coping skills so they can successfully return to independent living.
Support Groups
Support groups are a common aftercare option for people who have completed drug rehab or alcohol rehab in Rhode Island. Two of the most well-known are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). AA and NA offer meetings in most towns and cities. A support group allows people who are in recovery to talk about their struggles and successes in an encouraging and motivating environment.
One other option growing in popularity is SMART Recovery. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training and takes a slightly different approach than AA and NA. Participants are asked to design and implement their own recovery plan.
Ongoing Therapy
Ongoing therapy can be critical following rehab, particularly for people who have been diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health disorder. This can include individual or group therapy. A therapist can help you work through any issues you’re experiencing post-rehab and can be a valuable resource if other services are needed.
Alcohol and Drug Laws in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has several laws designed to not only help people with addiction get the treatment they need but also to reduce the number of drug overdose deaths in the state.
Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act
The Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act provides some immunity against arrest to anyone who calls for help when someone is experiencing an overdose. The law also protects from prosecution the person who is experiencing the overdose as well as anyone who administers naloxone, or Narcan, to someone believed to be amid a drug overdose.
Naloxone Access
Rhode Island allows its residents to get naloxone, or Narcan, at a local pharmacy without a prescription. This drug helps to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Residents can also request to have naloxone delivered to their homes for free.
Adult Drug Court
The Adult Drug Court is designed to help people who are in the criminal justice system get needed substance use disorder treatment. Participants do not need to have been arrested for a drug charge and can enter the program with any felony that isn’t a violent crime if addiction was the determining factor.
A team assesses the defendant’s case to determine if they are eligible for the program. Participants must plead guilty to the charges and agree to a pre-determined sentence they will serve if they do not complete the program.
The Drug Court stays in contact with the treatment provider through the program and if all requirements are met after 12 months, participants can have their charges dismissed and their records sealed.
The Rhode Island Department of Corrections’ Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
Rhode Island was the first state to offer enhanced treatment for an opioid-use disorder to its entire prison population. Currently, inmate detoxification and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services are offered. Rhode Island also developed a system that allows the person to continue MAT once they are released, including the creation of a re-entry treatment plan. Case management helps to identify recovery services including primary care, community clinics, and referrals for specialized health care needs.
You don’t have the sort through the options for a Rhode Island drug or alcohol rehab alone. Our treatment support specialists are available 24/7 at 800-926-9037 (
Who Answers?) to answer your questions and help find the right rehab for you.
Resources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). State Estimates of Substance Use and Mental Disorders.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Admissions to and Discharges from Publicly Funded Substance Use Treatment.
- State of Rhode Island Department of Health. (2022). Drug Overdose Surveillance Data Hub.
- State of Rhode Island Department of Health. (2022). Addiction & Overdose.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, June 3). How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?
