Substance Abuse Stats in East Providence, Rhode Island
East Providence is the fifth-largest city in the state of Rhode Island, with a population of around 47,000 people. Given its proximity to Rhode Island’s only true urban hub, Providence, East Providence sees a lot of impact from substance abuse.
As a state, Rhode Island has one of the worst drug and alcohol problems in the nation:
- In 2015, RI was the worst in the nation for illicit drug use and third-worst for alcohol poisoning deaths.
- One study found that RI adults had higher rates of mental illness than any other northeastern states.
- People in RI report needing treatment for substance abuse but not receiving it more than U.S. averages.
Choosing Between an Outpatient and Inpatient Rehab
When it comes to substance abuse treatment, there are many levels of care to consider when searching in East Providence. Most of these levels fall under the umbrella of either inpatient rehab or outpatient care.
- Outpatient care means receiving treatment sessions for around 9 hours per week. Patients live at home and continue to go to work or school. Outpatient care is appropriate for people with minor substance abuse problems or those who have already been through rehab.
- Inpatient rehab entails living at a substance abuse treatment center, and engaging in recovery-focused activities all day, every day. Patients in this type of care benefit from the level of support and structure they receive.
How Long Can Treatment at a Rehab Last?
Most patients who go to inpatient rehab will benefit most from stays of 90 days or longer. That said, most treatment centers offer shorter programs for people who just can’t commit that much time to their recovery. Benefits of spending ample time at rehab include:
- Decreased likelihood of relapse
- Smoother transition into outpatient care
- Better long-term success rates
Addiction specialists can work with you to choose a length of care that fits your needs. It is critical to prioritize your recovery, as all aspects of your life (and, indeed, your life itself) depend on its success.
What to Expect at Rehab
Your treatment journey is a personal process that will likely address the underlying causes of your substance abuse, so it is difficult to predict exactly how it will go.
Still, everyone benefits from the same core elements of inpatient rehab. Some elements of rehab that are likely to be incorporated into your treatment plan are:
- Psychotherapy
- 12-step programs
- Medication
- Group meetings
- Activity therapy
- Exercise
- Nutrition
A comprehensive treatment plan addresses not only the substance abuse, but also all of its underlying causes and triggers. This means that your morning yoga class at rehab might be just as important as your medication.
When Would You Need to Go to Detox?
Inpatient detox is a necessary first step to treatment for many people. It is required for anyone who is experiencing or might experience withdrawal symptoms. Some drugs that can cause withdrawal are:
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Prescription opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Prescription stimulants
- Methamphetamine
Detox provides patients with a safe and comfortable place to go through withdrawal. This is achieved via medical monitoring and, in many cases, medication. Trying to go through withdrawal at home without the support of a detox staff is dangerous and ill-advised.
How Long is Detox?
Since detox is simply monitored and assisted withdrawal, the real question to ask is ‘how long is withdrawal?’. The answer to this question varies greatly and is not straightforward.
Mostly, the length of someone’s withdrawal period depends upon:
- The severity and duration of their drug abuse
- What substance(s) were abused
- Physical and mental health, including the presence of any co-occurring disorders
- Metabolism
- Age, weight, gender, and genetics
Detox ends when medical professionals decide that a patient is stable enough to move into treatment. Starting treatment with detox is a good way to ensure that you begin your recovery with a clear mind and a strong body.