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Today, the damaging effects of substance abuse reaches to every state and every city. Families and communities suffer from the pain and chaos it creates, and no one is immune—it touches the rich and poor alike, the young and the old, blue collar and white collar.
Rhode Islanders know this to be true too, as the statistics bear out the facts:
Rhode Island's criminal justice system recognizes that many drug offenders have a substance abuse disorder, which causes them to commit crimes that fund their addiction. While most drug offenses in Rhode Island are met with stiff punishments, the state offers lighter sentences for people struggling with substance abuse.
Under state definition, drug offenders with an addiction must show a destructive pattern of behavior resulting from their substance abuse, including:
A drug offender who wishes to qualify for reduced sentencing in Rhode Island must plead nolo contendere (no contest) for their crime. Afterward, they may be required to complete 100 hours of community service and a drug education program alongside their sentence. Failure to participate in the program results in traditional prison time.
Drug sentences in Rhode Island are also determined by the type of illicit substance associated with the crime. Rhode Island classifies substances into five schedules according to how likely a person would develop an addiction. Substances listed in schedules I – II carry the most potential for dependency, while drugs in schedules III – V are typically less addictive. Crimes that involve drugs in schedules I – II generally carry the most severe penalties.
The table below shows the maximum fines and prison time for drug offenders in Rhode Island, regardless of whether they qualify for reduced sentencing to treat their drug addiction.
| Type of substance | Maximum prison time | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|
| Schedules I – II | 30 years | $3,000 – $100,000 |
| Schedules III – IV | 20 years | $40,000 |
| Schedule V | 1 year | $10,000 |
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Rhode Island; however, it's been decriminalized to a certain degree. While some charges only carry a civil infraction, violators intending to sell marijuana can be charged with a felony.
Rhode Island also enforces a strict mandatory minimum sentence penalty. This means that a judge has no power to sentence a defendant to less time than the mandatory minimum. In Rhode Island's case, the mandatory minimum sentence for selling marijuana is 10 years.
| Amount involved | Penalty | Maximum prison time | Maximum fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Possession | |||
| Less than 1 oz | Civil violation | None | $150 |
| 1 oz – 1 kg | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $500 |
| Sale | |||
| 1 – 5 kg | Felony | 10 – 50 years | $500,000 |
| More than 5kg | Felony | 25 years – life | $100,000 |
Extenuating circumstances can also result in a much harsher punishment. For example, if a person is caught selling marijuana to a minor at least three years younger, their original sentence doubles. Possession while driving a vehicle will also result in the suspension of a person's driver's license for six months.
Medical marijuana was legalized in Rhode Island in 2006 to treat the following medical conditions:
Other conditions may apply, but are subject to approval by a licensed physician.
Raising awareness about the risks of drug abuse helps communities understand addiction as a preventable disease. In the wake of the state's multifaceted drug epidemic, Rhode Island is taking measures to ensure that everyone suffering from an addiction can get help if they choose. The state also has a number of policies and laws focused on reducing the harm associated with drug use, like:
All of these programs has one unified goal: to ensure the safety and welfare of Rhode Islanders and encourage everyone to get treatment.
Much of the U.S., like Rhode Island, is experiencing an opioid prescription crisis. In 2013, the state had the highest rates of illicit drug abuse in the nation, including prescription drugs. As a response to the nation's high rates of drug abuse, many states have started using prescription monitoring programs to monitor potential drug risks.
Rhode Island established their PDMP in 2012 to monitor schedule II – IV drugs prescribed to patients. Physicians and pharmacists can view a patient's prescription history all the way back to 2004. From that information, prescribers can determine whether a patient is showing any patterns of destructive drug behavior, like doctor shopping (going from doctor to doctor to get more prescriptions).
Some highlights of the state's PDMP to help curb future drug addictions from forming include:
In 2014, legislation was passed in Rhode Island requiring all licensed physicians be registered for the PDMP. That way, every medical professional has the opportunity to help patients end their cycle of prescription drug abuse.
Rhode Island's Superior Court understands that the path to recovery for addicted drug offenders is treatment – not time in prison. The state began its Adult Drug Court Program in an effort to help drug offenders return to society as healthy, non-offending citizens.
The program is open to people charged with a non-violent drug or alcohol offense who also suffer from a substance abuse disorder. Rather than face prison time, participants go through a year of substance treatment, random screenings and court appearances. Once they graduate the program, their drug offense is expunged from their criminal record.
Research shows that Rhode Island's Adult Drug Court program has a positive impact on people and communities. For those who graduate the program, their recidivism rate is 50 percent lower than people released from prison.
Rhode Island is eighth in the nation for states with the biggest drug problems, particularly for opioid abuse. Large numbers of overdose deaths contribute to this ranking.
From 2009 to 2016, overdose deaths steadily increased throughout Rhode Island. In 2016, drug overdose deaths were higher than all those caused by homicide, motor vehicle crashes, and suicide combined.
The Rhode Island Medical Society projects that, unless the state takes action to turn the tide of substance abuse, overdose deaths will continue to increase in the years ahead. Projected overdose rates include:
Mirroring the crisis impacting the rest of the nation, opioid drugs are largely to blame for increasing drug-related fatalities in Rhode Island. Heroin, synthetic opioids like fentanyl and prescription opioids (OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin) drive this crisis.
In 2016, Rhode Island's opioid-related fatality rate was more than double the national rate. For every 100,000 Rhode Islanders, 26.7 lost their lives to an opioid drug. Nationally, there were 13.3 deaths for every 100,000 people.
From 2014 to 2016, of the three main categories of opioids fueling this epidemic, only heroin-related overdose rates fell. Synthetic- and prescription opioid-related overdose deaths rates climbed.
In 2016:
Fentanyl was responsible for nearly 60 percent of the total opioid-related overdose deaths in 2016. Fentanyl is increasingly being mixed into other substances, primarily heroin. In 2017, the amount of fentanyl-laced cocaine appearing in Rhode Island spiked.
The presence of fentanyl makes these substances even more addictive and increases the potential for a fatal overdose. Carfentanil, a synthetic fentanyl analog that is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, has also been found in Rhode Island. Like fentanyl, a tiny amount of this substance can cause a deadly overdose.
This initiative works with state and local officials to fight opioid use disorders and prevent overdoses. Volunteers receive training on addiction, overdose prevention and how to use naloxone (Narcan). This medication can save lives by reversing opioid overdoses.
This council advises the governor on mental health and substance abuse needs and issues in the state. Information on these problems is used to develop statewide behavioral health services.
Communities and schools have access to drug abuse prevention and early intervention services through this organization.
Getting the help you need for a drug or alcohol addiction has always been important, and it’s never been more true than now as all manner of drug and alcohol abuse claims lives across our country.
The good news is you can start here by searching our directory for reputable treatment centers in Rhode Island, elsewhere in New England, or across the country, depending on where you feel most comfortable beginning your recovery journey. You can also call to speak with a member of our treatment support team to ask all the questions you may have about entering treatment, and receive a wealth of information and resources to get you started.
Additionally, you can ask your friends and family for trusted recommendations if they have completed treatment in the past. Rhode Island churches, non-profits, and community health centers also have vetted information about trustworthy treatment options across the state.
If you have health insurance, calling the number on the back of your card connects you with someone who can advise you which providers and treatment centers your plan covers, both in Rhode Island and out of state, depending on your coverage.
BHDDH licenses and certifies drug and alcohol treatment programs and individual providers. The agency maintains a list of both short-term and long-term residential treatment programs. When searching, here are some things to look out for:
The state has several inpatient medically-managed detox and residential treatment programs. Rhode Island has fifteen Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) centers and fourteen Centers of Excellence which establish treatment plans for recovery and ensure access to MAT services. Here are more details on essential rehab services:
When a person is ready to begin treatment they must first determine what combination of treatments is best for their needs. A clinical assessment gives treatment providers information on a person's life and addiction history so a customized treatment plan can be formed.
This evaluation outlines how severe the addiction is, how it's damaged a person's life and what other issues underlie the addiction. Once this information is obtained, an addiction specialist will assist a person in designing an individualized treatment plan.
Rhode Island addiction treatment may include any combination of the following.
Addiction can make it hard for a person to take care of themselves. Instead of looking for treatment or admitting that they have a problem, many people are involuntarily consumed by thoughts of finding and using the drug.
Rhode Island intervention services build a bridge between a person and the treatment they need. A professional interventionist will help plan and guide the discussion, and they can often assist in researching treatment centers that may be a good fit for the person.
Medically supervised drug and alcohol detoxification programs give a person a safe and supported atmosphere to detox in. Unsupervised withdrawal can lead to a variety of health and medical problems. In the case of alcohol and certain drugs, some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.
Medications are commonly used to taper a person off the substance and to prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms. This approach is frequently used for people working to overcome addiction to alcohol, opioids or benzodiazepines.
Rhode Island inpatient addiction treatment programs give a person the opportunity to live on-site at the treatment facility while they're getting treatment. This format helps to keep a person focused on treatment and protected from triggers.
Inpatient drug rehab programs generally offer a greater number of specialized treatments that are customized to each patient's needs. Rehabilitation centers may follow a 12-step approach or create dynamic treatment plans.
Every person battling an addiction arrived there on a different path. Certain life experiences put a person at a higher risk for addiction and complicate their treatment needs, including:
Some people use drugs or alcohol to numb the pain or stress they're experiencing from these events. Treating these issues and helping a person to heal is a critical part of addiction treatment.
Overcoming negative and painful life circumstances takes time. Inpatient drug rehab programs typically provide a person with more in-depth therapies and opportunities for healing.
Coping techniques, relapse-prevention skills, and stress-reduction methods increase a person's chance of stability and success. Dual-diagnosis treatment can help with any mental health problems that stem from these challenges.
The first few days and weeks after finishing an inpatient treatment program can be intimidating. This is an especially vulnerable period where the threat of relapse runs high.
During this time it can be beneficial for a person to use an outpatient program as a step-down service from inpatient treatment. Both traditional outpatient and intensive outpatient programs can be adapted to fit this need. Rhode Island outpatient addiction treatment programs can stand alone, but they're often far more valuable to a person's recovery when used this way.
Addiction can alienate a person from their friends, family, and community. The sense of isolation and loneliness that results can perpetuate the addiction. Being involved in a recovery community after treatment ends is one of the best ways to maintain an active support network.
Resources that may be included in Rhode Island aftercare and alumni programs include:
Practicing recovery principles on a regular basis boosts morale and keeps a person accountable and focused on their recovery.
Addiction doesn't discriminate or affect only a single type of person. Instead, individuals from all walks of life, with a wide variety of needs and circumstances, suffer from this devastating disease.
Specialized addiction treatment programs meet a person where they're at in their unique journey. This personalized approach can help a person stay strong in their sobriety so they can face the demands of their life.
Specialized addiction treatment programs in Rhode Island may include medication-assisted treatment, gender-specific treatment groups, and dual-diagnosis care, as well as programs that are faith-based, holistic, LGBTQIA-friendly or designed for professionals or executives.
Alcohol and opioid use disorders are commonly treated by a combination of medications, behavioral therapies, and counseling. This integrated approach, called medication-assisted treatment, helps many people regain sobriety and improve their physical and mental health.
Acamprosate (Campral), disulfiram (Antabuse) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) may be used to treat alcohol use disorders.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and methadone may be used to treat opioid use disorders.
Men and women can face unique health, medical and social challenges when suffering from a substance use disorder. Some people have an easier time in treatment if they're in a program that is designed to accommodate these needs. Gender-specific treatment programs offer specialized treatment for these and other concerns.
Dual-diagnosis treatment provides therapy for co-occurring disorders—when a patient experiences both a mental health disorder and substance use disorder—in one integrated program. Mental health issues commonly co-occurring with addiction include:
Addiction treatment therapies form the foundation of a person's rehabilitation program. These therapies include evidence-based practices grounded in scientific research and holistic therapies that are rooted in a mind-body-spirit approach. Together, these therapies renew, inspire and teach a person sober-living skills.
Evidence-based addiction treatment therapies include:
Minimizing and balancing stress is a critical part of a strong recovery. If stress gets out of control it can lead a person to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, causing a relapse. A variety of complementary therapies help to balance stress and reinvigorate a person's outlook:
Addiction treatment is an investment that can nurture better health, more fulfilling relationships and stable recovery. Understanding payment options may help a person get treatment faster.
A variety of Rhode Island health insurance carriers may cover addiction treatment, including:
If a person's insurance benefits don't cover the full cost of treatment, other resources may exist:
Short-term drug rehab programs last 28 to 30 days. Sixty-day programs can be a good middle-ground for people who can't enroll in a longer treatment program. However, programs lasting 90 days or longer have been shown to produce the best treatment outcomes in most individuals. Long-term treatment can last 120 days to a year or more.
When considering the expense of rehab in rhode-island, look at the expense as an investment in your future and your family's. Most treatment facilities are able to take partial payment through any PPO or HMO plan you have. If you wish to talk about your eligibility and the cost of treatment in RI, call our help line, at no charge to get direct and truthful answers to your questions.
Whether your RI inpatient-residential drug and alcohol addiction recovery with take 28 days or 90 days, beginning your recovery now improves your chances of getting and staying healthy. Deciding on a rehabilitation program that can meet your standards before you ever arrive at the clinic can also help considerably. When you're ready to book treatment, our hotline advisors can help you find the right spot so you are completely satisfied.
In Rhode Island, the price of rehab depends on the facility you select, the length of your stay, and the type of treatment you need. The best way to get an accurate quote is to contact the facility directly, but keep in mind that there are options to help you pay for treatment.
Many addiction programs accept health insurance as a form of payment, and some even accept Medicaid and Medicare. For those who are uninsured, a low-interest healthcare loan may be a suitable option to help you repay the cost of coverage over time. Certain facilities may work with you directly to establish a payment plan, or offer sliding scale fees for low-income patients.
Even if you don’t have insurance or a network of friends and family to help you, state and federal programs exist to ensure you don’t have to go without the life-saving treatment you need. Medicaid has provisions specifically for substance abuse treatment for those who meet the eligibility requirements.
Also, treatment centers are often very accommodating to those who struggle to afford their treatment. From sliding scale payment levels to a monthly payment plan, most substance abuse treatment programs want to help—simply ask what your options are and go from there.
Still other charitable and community organizations—as well as some treatment centers—offer grants and scholarships for people who fall into practically every demographic possible. Do your homework, ask around locally (recruit friends and family to help you search too), and don’t give up until you’ve found a way to get the help you need.
You need to look no farther than these Rhode Island resources to find the best drug and alcohol treatment for you.
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