Substance Abuse Hotlines in Rhode Island

What Are Addiction Hotlines?

A drug addiction helpline provides information, support, and referrals to anyone misusing drugs or alcohol, those uncertain whether their substance use constitutes misuse, and those seeking addiction and treatment insights on behalf of others.

Similar to other helplines, Rhode Island substance abuse hotlines are usually free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals. These individuals can offer treatment and community-resource referrals, answer substance- and treatment-related questions, direct callers to support groups, and more.

Some helplines, including those provided by American Addiction Centers , can even discuss payment options and/or verify your insurance benefits for use at their facilities. Alcohol and drug addiction helplines typically offer toll-free numbers. However, more and more of them are now providing alternative communication options such as online chat and texting.

Types of Rhode Island Hotlines

Drug and alcohol hotlines in Rhode Island are operated by various entities such as local organizations, national and state-funded programs, nonprofits, and treatment facilities. However, virtually all hotlines are staffed by trained individuals who can listen to your story and offer various forms of support to suit your needs.

Free Alcohol and Drug Addiction Hotlines in Rhode Island

Several addiction and/or crisis hotlines are available in Rhode Island. Alcohol and drug hotline numbers and organizations include:

• American Addiction Centers. Available 24/7 for a free and confidential conversation, staff at American Addiction Centers (AAC) can answer your questions about treatment, discuss a variety of facilities within the U.S., verify your insurance (if any), and explore alternative payment options. Providing evidence-based care via accredited facilities, AAC is the parent company of AdCare Rhode Island in North Kingstown, RI. Call or fill out a form to receive text-based assistance.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline. The SAMHSA National Helpline is available 24/7 to connect you or your loved one with a trained professional who can provide addiction-related resources.¹ Call 800-662-HELP or text your zip code to 435748.
• National Drug Helpline. The National Drug Helpline provides information and assistance for addiction needs 24/7. Conversation topics often include treatment options, information on how to support friends and family struggling with addiction, etc.² Call 844-289-0879.
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in crisis. Chat features are also available, and special chat lines are offered for Veterans and service members, Spanish speakers, and deaf or hard of hearing individuals.³ By dialing 988, Rhode Island residents can also access BH Link, which provides immediate access to behavioral healthcare in a community-based 24/7 facility in East Providence.⁴ Call or text 988.
• 211: United Way of Rhode Island.  Offering 24/7 support for drug and alcohol addiction, the United Way of Rhode Island also provides info on housing, job training, childcare, food, domestic violence, and more for Rhode Island residents.⁵ Call 211 or start a chat on their website.
• Boys Town National Hotline. This national teen support network is open 24/7 and offers both text and voice support to all genders. The hotline helps parents and teens better understand addiction and treatment.⁶ Text VOICE to 20121 or call 800-448-3000.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Nevada HelpLine. This free, nationwide peer-support service offers information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. The helpline is staffed Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.⁷ Text HelpLine to 62640, email helpline@nami.org, or call 800-950-NAMI (6264).

Are All Rhode Island Helpline Numbers Free?

Drug addiction helplines and text lines in Rhode Island are typically free of charge. In addition, most hotlines are available 24/7.  However, if you reach out and don’t get an answer, simply call another number from the list above.

What Happens When You Call a Substance Abuse Hotline?

When you call a Rhode Island hotline, you will be connected to a counselor or admissions navigator who will ask you several questions. Your answers enable reps to determine exactly what kind of assistance you need and how they can help.

They may pose queries such as:

• Is this an immediate, life-threatening situation?
• Are you seeking help for yourself or for a loved one?
• Are you having suicidal thoughts?
• Are you safe?
• Does your substance use involve a single substance, multiple drugs, alcohol, or all of the above?
• How long have you been using the substance(s), and how frequently do you use it (them)?
• Are you ready to start treatment today?
• Have you been in drug or alcohol rehab before?

The primary goal of a call-center rep is to help you get the treatment or resources you need as soon as you are ready. At the end of your conversation, reps may ask if it’s OK to call and check on you later.

Preparing for Your Call

While you do not need to do anything to prepare for a call to a drug addiction hotline—or to ready yourself for an addiction hotline text conversation—you may want to think through your answers to the aforementioned questions and create a list of questions you’d like to ask as well.

Keep in mind, hotline reps normally can’t provide medical advice nor diagnose a substance use disorder. However, they’re usually well versed in information regarding the following:

• Risks and adverse effects of substance misuse.
• Treatment facility referrals and treatment options, including medically assisted detox, inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient care, telehealth, aftercare, etc.
• Resources for those whose loved ones are struggling with addiction.
• Treatment costs, payment options, verification of insurance benefits, etc.

Questions you may want to ask on your call include:

• What type of treatment programs might fit my needs?
• What are the costs and payment options associated with treatment?
• Do rehab programs offer mental health care?
• What steps are involved in the admissions process?

It’s also a good idea to make the call from a private and quiet area where you can speak freely. If you feel like you need additional support during the call, ask a friend or trusted family member to be present with you when you call.

To help the rep provide the best support for your needs, try to be as honest as possible about your situation. Attempt to accurately explain the severity of your substance misuse, whether you have been diagnosed with any mental health disorders, and any other health concerns you have that might impact your care.

Can You Call the Rhode Island Addiction Hotline for a Loved One?

Anyone can call a drug addiction hotline and may do so on behalf of another person. However, while you may have good reason to be concerned about your loved one, expressing those concerns may not convince them to seek treatment.

In addition, only professionals can diagnose a substance use disorder. If you are worried about a loved one, it may help to arm yourself with information. In addition to calling a helpline, consider exploring online insights about substance use disorders, overdose, withdrawal, and more.

Is the Conversation Confidential When I Call a Substance Abuse Helpline?

In most cases, calls to a hotline are confidential. The amount of personal information you provide is up to you, and you can remain as anonymous as you like. If you choose to provide your name and contact information, most organizations will only use that information in a manner that you have authorized, such as sending your contact information to a treatment center for follow-up. If you have concerns about privacy, express them at the start of the call and ask how any personal information will be used.

Can I Text a Rhode Island Substance Abuse Helpline Number Instead of Calling?

Some Rhode Island substance abuse hotlines provide the ability to communicate via text or chat. If you prefer not to talk on the phone or do not have access to an area where you can have a private conversation, seek out an addiction text line. You can sign up for personalized text support from American Addiction Centers with no obligation.

How Do You Know if You Should Call a Rhode Island Substance Abuse Hotline?

It’s normal to feel a little fearful about calling a hotline, as doing anything new can be challenging. However, helplines can offer a host of support and education. Plus, the only true obligation you have at the end of the call is to hang up the phone. With support and resources at hand, it’s up to you to decide what to do with them.

Calling a helpline can also provide new insights about addiction and treatment, many of which you may not have been aware of prior to the call. What’s more, simply talking to someone about your substance misuse may help you take your first steps toward recovery.

Getting Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Rhode Island

A substance use disorder is a form of disease, not a moral failing. With proper treatment, you can overcome the negative effects of addiction and get a fresh start on life. American Addiction Centers can help.

Contact the AAC hotline at for a free and confidential conversation 24/7. Reps can provide an empathetic ear, insights on treatment options, and referrals to Rhode Island rehabs such as AdCare Rhode Island. AAC hotline reps can also verify your insurance benefits (if any)—or you can do so online. Reach out today to learn more.