I need help but have no insurance — where do I start?

Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (free, 24/7). They'll connect you to state-funded treatment providers that accept uninsured clients. Every state has a Single State Agency for Substance Use that funds community treatment on sliding-scale fees.

What's MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)?

MAT combines medications (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone/Vivitrol) with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It's evidence-based, reduces overdose risk substantially, and is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. Find providers at findtreatment.gov.

Will going to rehab hurt my custody case?

Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by courts — it shows responsibility and commitment to sobriety. Coordinate with your attorney so treatment documentation supports your case. Court-ordered programs through drug courts specifically protect custody rights.

How long is treatment?

Detox: 3–7 days. Residential rehab: 30–90 days typically. Intensive outpatient: 8–12 weeks, 9–15 hours per week. Standard outpatient: months to years. Aftercare and peer support (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) is ongoing and free.

Substance Abuse in Rhode Island

10 verified resources.

About Substance Abuse for Fathers

Substance abuse treatment in the US is delivered through state-licensed treatment providers, nonprofit recovery programs (AA, NA, SMART Recovery), hospital-based detox, methadone clinics, and sober living houses. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provides free, confidential referrals to local treatment 24/7. Most states fund a network of publicly-supported treatment centers that accept uninsured and Medicaid clients; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains a national treatment locator at findtreatment.gov. Fathers dealing with substance issues during custody disputes often need documented treatment compliance — court-ordered programs exist for this specific purpose. Recovery support includes peer recovery specialists, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and drug courts. This directory pulls together the state's single state agency for SUD, treatment finders, mutual aid meetings, and MAT providers.

Substance Abuse in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

10 Resources

1. SAMHSA Helpline – RI — Free

Free 24/7 federal helpline offering confidential referrals to substance use disorder treatment providers in Rhode Island, including detox, outpatient, and medication-assisted treatment programs. Fathers, family members, and loved ones can call for information on finding help and understanding insurance options. Calls are confidential and in English and Spanish. Have a pen ready to write down referrals and the person's ZIP code when calling.

800-662-4357 · 24/7 · Visit Website

2. BH Link – Crisis & Referral — Free

24/7 walk-in behavioral health and substance use triage center on Waterman Avenue in East Providence for Rhode Island adults in crisis. Clinicians assess, stabilize, and connect callers to detox, outpatient, and peer recovery supports. Fathers and family members can also call for guidance. Walk in any time or call first. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards if available, and a list of current medications to the visit.

401-414-5465 · 975 Waterman Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. CODAC Behavioral Healthcare — Paid

Comprehensive addiction treatment across Rhode Island including medication-assisted treatment, outpatient counseling, and peer recovery support. The Cranston location on Park Avenue serves fathers and others seeking help with opioid, alcohol, or other substance use. Services are billed to Medicaid and most insurance. Call for intake. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, a list of current medications, and prior treatment records.

401-461-5056 · 1052 Park Ave, Cranston, RI 02910 · Mon-Fri 7am-7pm · Visit Website

4. Discovery House – Warwick — Paid

Substance use disorder treatment for Kent County fathers and other Rhode Island adults at Discovery House's Warwick location, including medication-assisted treatment and counseling for opioid addiction. Services are billed to Medicaid and most insurance. Call to schedule intake; same-day starts may be possible. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical or court paperwork.

401-732-0044 · Warwick, RI 02886 · Mon-Fri 5am-1pm · Visit Website

5. Anchor Recovery Community Center — Free

Peer recovery support for Rhode Island fathers and family members in or seeking recovery, located on Roosevelt Avenue in Pawtucket. Certified peer specialists offer coaching, recovery groups, employment support, and connections to treatment. Services are free and open seven days a week. Drop in during posted hours or call first. Bring photo ID if you want to connect with specific programs that require basic intake paperwork.

401-722-5959 · 249 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860 · Mon-Sun 8am-8pm · Visit Website

6. SSTAR – Fall River (serves RI) — Paid

Comprehensive addiction treatment including 24/7 detox, medication-assisted treatment, and outpatient care at SSTAR on Stanley Street in Fall River, just across the Massachusetts border and commonly used by eastern Rhode Island fathers and families. Services are billed to Medicaid and most insurance. Call for intake or walk in for detox. Bring photo ID, insurance or Medicaid cards, and a list of current medications and treatments.

508-679-5222 · 386 Stanley St, Fall River, MA 02720 · 24/7 detox · Visit Website

7. AA Meetings – Rhode Island — Free

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings across Rhode Island offering free peer support for fathers and other adults working toward recovery from alcohol use. The online directory lists in-person and virtual meeting times, locations, and formats statewide, including men's groups and open meetings where family members are welcome. No registration is needed. Arrive a few minutes early; bring nothing but yourself and an open mind.

Varies by meeting · Visit Website

8. Newport Mental Health – Substance Abuse — Paid

Addiction services for Newport County residents at Newport Mental Health's Middletown office on Johnny Cake Hill Road, integrated with mental health care. Clinicians help fathers and other adults with assessment, outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and referrals. Services are billed to Medicaid and most insurance. Call for intake and bring photo ID, insurance cards, a list of medications, and prior treatment history if available.

401-846-1213 · 127 Johnny Cake Hill Rd, Middletown, RI 02842 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Narcotics Anonymous – RI — Free

Narcotics Anonymous meetings and peer support across Rhode Island for fathers and other adults recovering from drug use, coordinated through the New England region. The online directory lists in-person and virtual meeting times, locations, and formats statewide, including open meetings where family members are welcome. No registration or fee is required. Arrive a few minutes early and bring only yourself and a willingness to listen.

Varies by meeting · Visit Website

10. RI Opioid Helpline — Free

Information and referrals for opioid addiction treatment statewide through Rhode Island's Prevent Overdose campaign. Staff connect callers to medication-assisted treatment, detox, recovery housing, naloxone training, and harm reduction services. Fathers, family members, and concerned friends can call during business hours for help planning next steps. Have the person's town and insurance or Medicaid status handy to receive targeted referrals.

401-942-7752 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Substance Abuse — Common Questions

I need help but have no insurance — where do I start?: Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (free, 24/7). They'll connect you to state-funded treatment providers that accept uninsured clients. Every state has a Single State Agency for Substance Use that funds community treatment on sliding-scale fees.
What's MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)?: MAT combines medications (methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, naltrexone/Vivitrol) with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It's evidence-based, reduces overdose risk substantially, and is covered by Medicaid and most private insurance. Find providers at findtreatment.gov.
Will going to rehab hurt my custody case?: Voluntarily seeking treatment is almost always viewed favorably by courts — it shows responsibility and commitment to sobriety. Coordinate with your attorney so treatment documentation supports your case. Court-ordered programs through drug courts specifically protect custody rights.
How long is treatment?: Detox: 3–7 days. Residential rehab: 30–90 days typically. Intensive outpatient: 8–12 weeks, 9–15 hours per week. Standard outpatient: months to years. Aftercare and peer support (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) is ongoing and free.