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Rhode Island has been experiencing a heroin epidemic for several years. Many residents developed prescription opioid addiction problems and then found they were no longer able to afford or obtain the drugs they had become dependent on. From there, thousands have turned to heroin as a means to satisfy their urge to use. During 2014, Rhode Island drug rehab centers enrolled 10,831 individuals; 35.4% (3,838 persons) of these residents cited heroin addiction as their primary reason for entering treatment. Following heroin addiction, Rhode Island treatment centers saw 2,488 persons (23%) for alcohol addiction, 1,408 persons (13%) for alcohol with a secondary drug and 1,109 persons (10.2%) for other opiates addiction.

Recovery from drugs and alcohol is best conducted in a drug rehab program. These treatment centers are able to address the person�''s addiction and emotional issues surrounding their substance abuse. While in rehab the recovering person works with the staff members to develop new life skills to enable them to live clean and sober. For recovery to be successful, the first step of the journey begins with detox. When conducted in a treatment setting, the process of detoxification helps the individual come off the substances they are dependent on while managing their withdrawal symptoms.

Detox is different for each person depending on the substance or substances they are physically addicted to, how long they have been an addict and the severity of their addiction. For example, persons who are addicted to drugs like heroin and prescription opioids will likely experience more physical withdrawal symptoms than a person detoxing from cocaine or marijuana addiction. For individuals struggling with severe physical withdrawal symptoms during detox, prescription medications are used to ease the intensity and lessen cravings.

In either case, whether the person completes detox in a drug rehab or in a separate medical detox program it is imperative that they continue with additional rehabilitation treatment. Completing detox without any further drug rehab services such as inpatient, outpatient or residential treatment leaves the individual without the in-depth counseling and the development of life skills necessary to live the clean and sober future they envision.