The Recovery Landscape in Rhode Island: Treatment, Services, and Statistics

The Recovery Landscape in Rhode Island: Treatment, Services, and Statistics

Rhode Island is known for its picturesque coastal regions and colonial villages, which reflect the state’s heritage as one of the original 13 colonies. A burgeoning drug issue, on the other hand, inhibits numerous Rhode Islanders from having excellent health and full life. Addiction to drugs and alcohol has a devastating effect on a person’s health, relationships, and life. The longer a person lives like this, the more harm they do to their physical, mental, and social health. 

High rates of drug use are driving families apart in this New England state, but there is hope. Addiction treatment can assist a person in regaining control over their life. Residents of Rhode Island can choose from a variety of treatment alternatives, including detoxification and inpatient drug rehab. 

Statistics on Substance Abuse in Rhode Island 

Rhode Island is ranked eighth in the US for states with the most serious drug problems, especially opioid abuse. This ranking is influenced by a large number of overdose deaths. 

Deaths from Drug Overdose 

Overdose deaths in Rhode Island grew gradually from 2009 to 2016. In 2016, drug overdose deaths outnumbered all other causes of death, including homicide, car accidents, and suicide. Overdose deaths will continue to rise in the years ahead, according to the Rhode Island Medical Society, unless the state takes steps to stem the flow of substance misuse. 

Overdose rates are expected to be as follows: 

  • 370 people died in 2018, 
  • 398 people died in 2019, 
  • 425 people died in 2020. 

Deaths from Opioid Overdose 

Opioid medications are mostly to blame for an increase in drug-related fatalities in Rhode Island, mirroring the national epidemic. This issue is fueled by heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and prescription opioids (OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin). In 2016, the rate of opioid-related deaths in Rhode Island was more than double the national average. 

An opioid drug claimed the lives of 26.7 Rhode Islanders per 100,000. There were 13.3 fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants in the United States. Only heroin-related overdose rates decreased between 2014 and 2016, out of the three main types of opioids that are fueling the epidemic. Overdose deaths from synthetic and prescription opioids have increased. 

In 2016, 25 people died as a result of a heroin overdose, down from 66 deaths in 2014. 

 In 2014, 182 people died as a result of a synthetic opioid overdose, up from 82 deaths in 2014. Prescription opioid overdoses claimed the lives of 114 people in 2015, up from 88 in 2014. 

 In 2016, fentanyl was responsible for roughly 60% of all opioid-related overdose deaths. 

Fentanyl is increasingly being combined with other drugs, most notably heroin. The amount of fentanyl-laced cocaine found in Rhode Island increased dramatically in 2017. The inclusion of fentanyl in these substances makes them considerably more addictive and raises the risk of a deadly overdose. In Rhode Island, carfentanil, a synthetic fentanyl analog 10,000 times more potent than morphine, was also discovered. 

A small amount of this drug, like fentanyl, can induce a fatal overdose. 

Addiction Recovery Resources in Warwick, Rhode Island

Programs to Prevent Addiction 

Rhode Island’s Naloxone and Overdose Prevention Education Program 

This project collaborates with state and local officials to combat opioid addiction and overdoses. Volunteers are educated on addiction, overdose prevention, and naloxone administration (Narcan). By reversing opioid overdoses, this drug has the potential to save lives. The Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health in Rhode Island advises the governor on the state’s mental health and drug abuse needs and concerns. The data collected on these issues are used to create statewide behavioral health services. 

Student Assistance Services in Rhode Island 

This organization provides drug misuse prevention and early intervention services to communities and schools. 

Treatment for Addiction in Rhode Island 

When a person is ready to start treatment, they must first figure out which treatment options are ideal for them. A Clinical evaluation provides treatment specialists with information about a person’s life and addiction history, allowing them to create a personalized treatment plan. 

This assessment highlights the severity of the addiction, how it has harmed a person’s life, and what underlying issues are at the root of the addiction. 

An addiction specialist will help a person design a tailored treatment plan after this information is acquired. 

The following are some of the options for addiction treatment in Rhode Island. 

Services for Intervention 

Addiction makes it difficult for a person to care for themselves. Many people are involuntarily consumed by ideas of finding and using the substance, rather than seeking help or recognizing that they have a problem. 

Intervention services in Rhode Island serve as a link between a client and the therapy they require. A trained interventionist will assist in planning and guiding the conversation, as well as investigating treatment programs that may be a good fit for the individual. 

Detox Programs For Drugs And Alcohol 

Drug and alcohol detoxification programs that are medically supervised provide a safe and supportive environment in which to detox. Withdrawal without supervision might result in a range of health and medical issues. 

Some withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and certain substances might be life-threatening. Medications are frequently used to help people taper off substances and prevent or alleviate withdrawal symptoms. 

People who are trying to overcome an addiction to alcohol, opiates, or benzodiazepines typically employ this method. 

Addiction Treatment in a Hospital 

Inpatient addiction treatment programs in Rhode Island allow a person to reside on-site at the treatment facility while receiving treatment. 

This structure aids in keeping a person focused on treatment while also shielding them from potential triggers. 

Inpatient drug rehab programs typically provide a wider range of specialized treatments that are tailored to the specific needs of each patient. 

Rehab institutions may use a 12-step program or devise customized treatment strategies. 

Everyone who is battling an addiction has taken a different route to get there. 

Certain life events put a person at a higher risk for addiction and make treatment more difficult, such as: 

  • Negative childhood events 
  • Medical issues that persist 
  • Problems at work 
  • Bereavement of a loved one 
  • Problems with mental health 
  • Problems with relationships 

As an adult, I’ve had several traumatic incidents. To cope with the anguish or stress caused by these occurrences, some people turn to drugs or alcohol. Addiction treatment includes addressing these difficulties and assisting a person in healing. 

It takes time to overcome unfavorable and traumatic life conditions. Inpatient drug rehab programs usually offer more intensive therapy and better prospects for recovery. Coping skills, relapse prevention skills, and stress-reduction approach all improve a person’s chances of success and stability. Dual-diagnosis treatment can assist with any mental health issues that arise as a result of these difficulties. 

Addiction Treatment in the Outpatient Setting 

After completing an inpatient treatment program, the first few days and weeks might be scary. This is a particularly vulnerable time, with a significant risk of recurrence. 

Using an outpatient program as a step-down service from inpatient therapy can be beneficial during this time. This need can be met through both standard outpatient and intensive outpatient programs. Outpatient addiction treatment programs in Rhode Island can be used on their own, but they’re frequently significantly more beneficial to a person’s recovery when employed in this fashion. 

Alumni Services and Aftercare 

Addiction can cause a person to become estranged from his or her friends, family, and community. 

The feeling of isolation and loneliness that follows can contribute to the addiction’s perpetuation. 

One of the best ways to keep an active support network following therapy is to participate in a recovery community. 

Aftercare and alumni programs in Rhode Island may include the following resources: 

  • Mentorship opportunity for alumni 
  • Recovery materials are available on the internet. 
  • Groups that provide assistance 
  • Classes for self-improvement 
  • Sober living facilities 
  • Regularly practicing recovery principles promotes morale and helps people stay accountable and focused on their recovery. 

Specialized Addiction Treatment Programs in Rhode Island 

Addiction does not discriminate and does not affect just one sort of individual. 

Instead, this deadly disease affects people from all walks of life, with a wide range of requirements and circumstances. 

Addiction treatment programs that are tailored to a person’s specific needs meet them where they are on their path. 

This tailored strategy can assist a person in maintaining their sobriety so that they can confront the challenges of life. 

In Rhode Island, specialized addiction treatment programs may include medication-assisted therapy, gender-specific treatment groups, and dual-diagnosis care, as well as faith-based, holistic, LGBTQIA-friendly, or professional or executive-oriented programs. 

Treatment with Medication 

A mix of drugs, behavioral therapy, and counseling is often used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. 

Many patients benefit from this integrated strategy, known as MAT, which helps them regain sobriety and enhances their physical and mental health. 

Alcohol use disorders can be treated with acamprosate (Campral), disulfiram (Antabuse), and naltrexone (Vivitrol). 

Opioid use disorders can be treated with buprenorphine (Suboxone) and methadone. 

Our sober house directory is a great tool to help you find homes, but it’s up to you to find the right fit. While certification and a good outward appearance are a start, do more digging before you commit. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! While many homes offer fantastic sober living, we’re partial to Vanderburgh House, but that’s because they helped build this directory.  

 If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to open a sober house, we would encourage you to reach out to Vanderburgh Communities, the first organization offering sober living charters in the United States. Keep your head up and take it one day at a time! 

To read more articles on substance abuse, visit our website for more  

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