Drug abuse in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has a population of 1,095,610 people. The most recent data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 227,000 people over the age of 12 had abused illegal substances in the past month, around 20.72% of the population. 204,000 reported marijuana use in the past month and 274,000 in the past year. The report also found that 29,000 Rhode Island residents had abused cocaine in the past year, 15,000 had abused meth, and 43,000 had abused prescription pain medication. 12,000 people over the age of 18 reported using heroin in the last year. Those reporting opioid misuse including heroin, painkillers, and fentanyl in Rhode Island totaled 46,000 people.

Alcohol abuse in Rhode Island

Alcohol misuse was also reported in Rhode Island with 556,000 people over the age of 12 saying they had used alcohol in the last month and 266,000 reporting binge drinking. The perceived risk of people over 12 years of age indulging in problematic alcohol use (5 or more drinks twice a week) in a month was 430,000 people.

Overdose deaths in Rhode Island

In 2021, Rhode Island saw a total of 429 recorded drug-related overdose deaths. This includes those that were accidental or unidentifiable but excludes those that were related to suicide or homicide. This puts the overdose death toll in Rhode Island at 39.2 people per 100,000. The total number of alcohol related deaths (including overdose and all other causes) was 216 or 19.7 per 100,000 people.

Addiction treatment statistics in Rhode Island

The NSDUH report also recorded the total amount of substance abuse disorders in Rhode Island and those who currently require treatment. The report found that 206,000 were recorded as having a substance use disorder (SUD) and 126,000 had an alcohol use disorder. 30,000 people were recorded as having an opioid use disorder including those with painkiller, heroin, and other opioid-based drug use disorders. There are also many who have been diagnosed with or reported a substance, illicit drug, or alcohol use disorder that require rehab treatment and are not receiving it. The report found that 101 people in Rhode Island needed treatment for illicit substance abuse, 128,000 required treatment for an alcohol use disorder, and 198,000 needed treatment for a diagnosed substance use disorder.

What treatment options are available in Rhode Island?

You can get treatment for various addictions in Rhode Island. Rhode island rehab centers offer treatment for opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, and heroin addiction. You can also choose treatment options suitable for your age and gender, like detox programs for seniors or adolescents. 

Here are some of those facilities in Rhode Island that offer these treatment options.

Rehab for alcohol addiction in Rhode Island

  • Journey to Hope Health and Healing Inc

  • Addiction Recovery Institute

  • Adcare Rhode Island

  • East Bay Center Inc

  • Newport County

Rehab for Opioid addiction in Rhode Island

  • Addiction Recovery institute

  • Ocean state Recovery Center

  • Journey to Hope Health and Healing Inc

  • Addiction Recovery Institute

  • Medical Assisted Recovery Inc

Rehab centers for Adolescents in Rhode Island

  • Tri-Town Community Action Agency

  • Bridgemark Inc

  • Tides Family Services

  • Thrive Behavioral Health

  • Providence Center

How do I pay for rehab in Rhode Island?

Most people who seek addiction treatment services need assistance paying for rehab. Many rehab centers accept private insurance plans to cover addiction treatment. 

If you can’t afford private health insurance, you might qualify for public health insurance like Medicaid or Medicare to get the treatment services you need. Before choosing the needed rehab center, you should check if you are eligible for this state program.

There are also treatment facilities that offer free and no-cost care in Rhode Island that you can visit. Don’t let the high cost of treatment be the reason you don’t get help for your addiction.

Local government assistance

The Rhode Island department of health understands that addiction is a disease and works to promote the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse in the area. 

The department offers programs, information, and publications to help people of Rhode Island access treatment and recovery options for addicted individuals. Some services include prescriber continuing education sessions and recovery and Hope hotline to talk to a professional. 

To get help, reach out to the department at 401-414-LINK 5465, and they can help you connect with treatment and recovery resources.