Rhode Island offers a multitude of treatment options such as detox services, outpatient services, residential services, etc. for those wishing to begin and/or continue recovery from addiction. An explanation of treatment options is listed below.

Detoxification:   “Detox”, short for detoxification, is when an individual enters a facility, whether a medical or social setting, and is medically supervised while they safely withdraw from alcohol and/or drugs. Depending upon the individuals’ circumstances as well as the facilities program, it generally lasts from 3 to 7 days.

Outpatient Treatment:  Outpatient treatment is designed for individuals who can commute to a center for treatment.  It is more suitable for people who are employed and/or have strong social support.  Many outpatient providers also offer other services, including detoxification, intensive day treatment, individual counseling sessions, group therapy, family counseling and drug education programs.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment: Also referred to as “day” or “partial hospital”, intensive outpatient treatment generally consists of one to two weeks of daily participation in treatment provided in an outpatient setting such as a community health center.  Because of the intense level of care, intensive outpatient treatment can provide a wide range of treatment services including group therapy, relapse prevention training, individual counseling, family therapy, life skills training and vocational training.

Residential Treatment:  Residential/inpatient treatment takes place in a 24-hour, live-in setting.  It is designed for individuals with serious drug or alcohol problems that have resulted in a significant disruption in some aspect of the individual’s life such as work, school, family relationships, friends, money, health and/or the law.  Contingent on the needs of the individual, it can be short term (1-3 months) mid term (3-5 months) or long term (6-12 months).

Intervention: An intervention is a deliberate process by which change is introduced into an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This change is accomplished by talking to the person about the behavior in question in a clear and respectful way. In an attempt to intervene on the part of the person in need you may want to receive guidance from a professional. The ultimate goal is to get the person in need to agree to some form of treatment. Family members and friends will gather to discuss the details with the interventionist and jointly decide what form of intervention will take place. Depending upon the situation, the intervention will identify who should be included, what treatment options will be offered, and development of proper execution and follow through of the plan.

For local treatment provider referrals please contact our 24-hour helpline at 1-866-252-3784 or order our newest edition of the Directory of Rhode Island Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention Services