Community

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic medical condition characterized by an individual’s inability to stop or control their drinking. The good news is that no matter how severe the problem, most people can benefit from treatment with behavioral therapies, medications, or both.

Naloxone (also known as Narcan®) is a safe medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose–such as an overdose caused by fentanyl or heroin. 

We encourage everyone to have it handy just as you would want to have a first aid kit handy. It is safe to use and can’t hurt anyone, even if the person you treat was not having an opioid related overdose. 

In addition to being available through community-based organizations and pharmacies, naloxone is now available for over-the-counter purchase.


Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, anyone struggling with addiction are welcome to visit any one of the safe stations, speak with the trained staff on duty, and immediately get connected to treatment support and services. Safe Stations are free and provides a welcoming environment for when you’re ready for recovery. 

You can also pick up Narcan and other supplies to have handy in case of an overdose emergency in your home or wherever you are.

Learn more about medications, caregiving & other concerns.

Tips, new drugs trends, and how to talk to youth about substance use and mental health. 

A guide to help you gain more knowledge and skills to allow you to serve alcohol in a positive and meaningful way.

Play a direct role in protecting young people from nicotine addiction and the deadly effects of tobacco use. Learn what you, as a tobacco retailer, can do to comply with Rhode Island and federal laws regarding selling tobacco products to those under age 21.

Partnerships for Success Grant funded gathering data for 18-25 year olds who live in Rhode Island at least part of the year. This is the first time in Rhode Island that we have gathered data for this population.

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24/7 Drug Disposal. Free, Anonymous, No Questions Asked.

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Community Work Together
Communities become safer and healthier when its members work together to help keep teens substance-free and promote wellbeing.

When the various sectors of a community get involved in prevention, they can actually create an environment where teens are much more likely to remain drug-free. Evidence shows that teen substance use decrease when community sectors each play a special role.

Your Words Matter
Words Matter - Terms to Use and Avoid When Talking About Addiction

This web page offers background information and tips for providers to keep in mind while using person-first language, as well as terms to avoid to reduce stigma and negative bias when discussing addiction. Although some language that may be considered stigmatizing is commonly used within social communities of people who struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs), clinicians can show leadership in how language can destigmatize the disease of addiction.

GET INVOLVED

Community
Please “Like” and “Follow” our Facebook page for updates on community news and events.

Attend one or all of our coalition meetings or go to the About Us page on this website to reach out to the municipal coordinator in your town.

What Community Members Can Do

Check out the following evidence-based practices recommended for different community sectors.

Parents learn the risks and talk about them often with their teens.

Teens get smart about drugs and promote safe, healthy lifestyles to their peers.

Schools teach about drugs and healthy decision-making in a drug-free environment and provide substance use counseling services to students when needed.

Coaches promote programs like VAASA — peer leadership program in which high school varsity athletes pledge to remain alcohol and drug free. The athletes are trained to address younger students as positive role models.

Mental Health Professionals help to educate the community about risks, signs and symptoms of addiction through bulletins and community forums.

Pediatric Offices screen for drug use disorders as part of a physical exam. Counsel your teen and tween patients about the risks and harms associated with alcohol and marijuana use.

Businesses hire youth, co-sponsor prevention programs, and maintain a zero-tolerance policy in the workplace. Liquor stores and tobacco retailers check IDs. All those who serve alcohol are required to complete the Responsible Beverage Service training, please contact SPC regional coalition about these trainings.

Youth Organizations and Faith Communities offer youth programs, co-sponsor prevention programs, and promote prevention among their members.

Law Enforcement use Best Practices for enforcing substance use laws and ordinances, serve as a school resource, and train Drug Recognition Experts (DREs).

Town Government enacts and funds the enforcement of ordinances and policies known to reduce and prevent underage substance.

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Help Prevent Rx Drug Misuse

Dispose of Rx Medicines Safely. Use the MedReturn dropboxes in Southern Providence County located at local police departments, the RI State Police Barracks and all 24-hour CVS Pharmacies. Dispose of unused and expired prescription patches, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and samples — including pet medications. It’s just too risky to leave them hanging around. Free, anonymous, no questions asked.

Click here to see our flyer for med return.

SPCRC © 2024 All rights reserved.

SPCRC © 2024 All rights reserved.