Rhode Island Addiction Hotlines and Text Helpline Number

Substance Use in Rhode Island

Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S., hundreds of thousands of residents are impacted by substance use disorder (SUD) each year:^{1, 2}

• Among adolescents aged 12—17, those in Rhode Island report higher rates of use for alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs than the national average.
• 9% (79,000) of Rhode Island residents reported a past-year substance use disorder.
• 7% (59,000) of Rhode Island residents reported a past-year alcohol use disorder.
• 3% (20,000) of Rhode Island residents reported a past-year illicit drug use disorder.
• Over 70% of overdose deaths in 2020 involved illicit fentanyl.

How a Hotline May Be Able to Help

Substance use disorders (SUDs) affect Rhode Island residents throughout the state, but the good news is, support and resources are available via Rhode Island addiction hotlines and similar services.

Although substance abuse hotlines differ depending on the group that provides the service, you can expect to receive information, resources, and support for substance abuse-related topics. Many are available around the clock and can connect you with Rhode Island-based rehab facilities as well as other local resources and support groups.

A Rhode Island addiction hotline can provide information on:

• What substance misuse and addiction are.
• The signs of substance misuse or addiction.
• What the detoxification process is.
• The types of addiction treatment including outpatient addiction treatment, residential addiction treatment, and medication-assisted treatment
• What to expect during addiction treatment.
• Rhode Island organizations and support groups near you, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
• How to pay for addiction treatment, including how to know what your insurance will cover and how to pay if you don’t have insurance.

List of Free Rhode Island Addiction Hotline Numbers

Below is a list of Rhode Island addiction hotlines and national hotlines where callers can receive assistance with addiction and mental health disorders. If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

American Addiction Centers (AAC)

• American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of both inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment services. AAC admissions navigators are available 24/7 to hear your story, provide information and resources on substance use, and guide you through the admissions process once you’re ready.

Boys Town National Hotline

• 1-800-448-3000
• The Boys Town National Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide resources for individuals and families struggling with behavioral health, medical issues, and substance use. They can also help identify the appropriate services for those in crisis due to abuse, bullying, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

Crisis Text Line

• Text “HOME” to 741741
• The Crisis Text Line offers text support around the clock from trained Crisis Counselors.

Mental Health Association of Rhode Island

• 1-401-726-2285
• The Mental Health Association of Rhode Island can provide information if you or someone you love is going through a mental health or substance use crisis. They also have a 24/7 triage center located at 975 Waterman Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline 

• 1-800-950-6264
• The Rhode Island Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a community of support, information, and referrals for those suffering from mental illness. The NAMI Helpline is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST Monday to Friday.

National Runaway Safeline

• 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
• The National Runaway Safeline is open 24/7 to help youths and teens in crisis, as well as concerned adults.

National Suicide Prevention

• 1-800-273-8255
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24/7 for people experiencing emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Beginning July 16^th, 2022, dialing 988 will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as well.

Poison Control

• 1-800-222-1222
• Poison Control can help guide you through what to do if you suspect poisoning of any kind.

Recovery and Hope Hotline

• 1-401-404-LINK (5465)
• The Recovery and Hope Hotline connects people with licensed chemical dependency counselors who can offer support and referrals for people struggling with opioid use disorder treatment services.

Rhode Island Smoker’s Quit Line

• 1-800-QUITNOW (784-8669)
• The Rhode Island Smoker’s Quit Line is a free service that provides personal tobacco cessation support by trained coaches.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

• 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides treatment referrals and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. SAMHSA services are available in English and Spanish.

The University of Rhode Island Counseling Center

• 1-401-874-2288
• The counseling center is available to students in crisis. Their regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST Monday to Friday. After hours, the number will connect callers with additional support services.

Can I Text a Helpline Number Instead of Calling?

Yes, there are several text helplines available, which can be a good option if you want help but aren’t quite ready to talk to someone on the phone.

You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741 and get connected with a trained Crisis Counselor right away. You can also contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) by texting “NAMI” to 741741 to get confidential and free crisis counseling.

If you are looking for more information about drug and alcohol addiction but aren’t ready to call, you can sign up for personalized text support from American Addiction Centers (AAC). AAC provides 24/7 text support at your convenience. Text support is always free and there is no obligation to enter rehab treatment. You can opt-out at any time.

Are Hotlines and Text Helplines Anonymous and Confidential?

It’s not always easy to pick up the phone and seek help; in fact, it can feel vulnerable and overwhelming. Just remember that many hotlines and helplines are confidential and anonymous. You do not have to disclose any personal or identifying information. Learning what resources are available and knowing you don’t have to navigate this alone can be an empowering first step towards treatment.

How to Prepare to Call a Hotline

Calling an addiction hotline for the first time can be intimidating but being prepared can help. Having the following information on hand can help you prepare before you call:

• Name, age, and location.
• Drug history (e.g., what substances you’re currently using, what you’ve used in the past, the amount, and frequency).
• If you think you need a drug detox.
• If you have a mental health condition (e.g., anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder).
• Insurance information.
• Your readiness to begin treatment.

Should I Consider Treatment?

As recently as 2017, only about 12% of people who needed treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) received it.³ It can be difficult to admit you or someone you love needs help but acknowledging there is a problem and seeking treatment is the first step in recovery.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5^th Edition, (DSM-5), has 11 diagnostic criteria for determining whether someone has a SUD. The number of criteria a person meets will determine the severity of their diagnosis.⁴

The diagnostic criteria includes:⁴

1. Taking the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
2. A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control the use of the substance.
3. A significant amount of time is spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
4. Having cravings for the substance.
5. Recurrent use of the substance leads to the inability to fulfill major role obligations at home, school, or work.
6. Continuing to use the substance despite experiencing recurrent interpersonal or social problems caused or worsened by the substance.
7. Giving up important occupational, recreational, or social activities because of the substance.
8. Using the substance results in repeated physically hazardous use (e.g., driving under the influence).
9. Continuing to use the substance despite knowing that a physical or psychological problem is likely to have been caused or worsened by substance use.
10. Developing a tolerance to the substance.
11. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms for the substance or using the substance to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

How to Find Treatment Centers Near Me

If you’re looking for rehabs near me you can use the American Addiction Centers (AAC) rehab directory to search for addiction treatment in Rhode Island or out of state. You’ll be able to search by location and can filter your search by accepted payment and services offered.

Does My Insurance Cover Treatment?

The cost of rehab can seem like a barrier to treatment for many people. However, private treatment and rehab for drug and alcohol addiction are typically covered, to some extent, by health insurance. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows for greater access to treatment through coverage expansions and regulatory changes.⁵ In addition, the ACA requires that substance use treatment is covered on par with medical or surgical procedures.⁵

Many rehab centers in Rhode Island and throughout the U.S. accept health insurance to help cover the cost of treatment. AdCare Rhode Island Treatment Centers are located in North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Warwick, and Greenville and may accept private insurance. Individual insurance plans and policies will differ, but you can verify your insurance by filling out the short form below.