Addiction Recovery Institute

05/06/2026

Save the Date for one of Rhode Island’s biggest celebrations of recovery! Rally4Recovery RI takes places on September 19th at 195 District Park.

It’s a full day of community, connection, and showing up for recovery in a real way. Expect speakers, local organizations, music, food, games, resources, and a whole lot of people who care deeply about this work!

Hope to see you there!

05/06/2026

RIDOH is issuing a statewide overdose spike alert. Read the full alert: tinyurl.com/mvbsnfkk

In the past seven days, there were 61 people across the state receiving medical care at an emergency department for a non-fatal drug overdose. Rhode Island has averaged 46 non-fatal overdoses per week this year, to date.

When RIDOH data show an increase in overdoses, the Department sends out an overdose spike alert. These alerts help communities know what is happening and connect people to local overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.

Increases in overdoses can happen because the drug supply is always changing. Fentanyl and other very strong substances are in all types of drugs, including he**in, co***ne, and counterfeit pills. Learn about these common drugs so you can know how to be prepared and prevent an overdose: preventoverdoseri.org/drugs

📊 Learn how RIDOH tracks non-fatal overdoses with its Overdose Spike Alert System: tinyurl.com/3br63fx5

📧 Subscribe to receive Overdose Spike Alert email notifications: tinyurl.com/3576vt97

05/06/2026

From the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute: “Across 35+ states, more than 1,500 employers and over 570,000 employees are now engaged with Recovery Friendly Workplace initiatives. This report captures that momentum and highlights the real opportunity for businesses to lead.”

Read the 2026 full report here:https://rfwinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-RFW-National-State-Recovery-Friendly-Workplace-Report.pdf

04/21/2026

The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an overdose spike alert for the city of Providence on Monday.

04/21/2026

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a week from today. This event provides a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs within our communities.

For a list of RI drop-off locations, go to https://tinyurl.com/2026DTBLocations

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

Join us this May for a Community Recovery Ally Training hosted at RICARES! 💜 💙

This session is designed for anyone looking to better support people in recovery, whether you’re part of the community, a loved one, or just want to learn more!

📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 RICARES Office (in person)

Facilitated by Alex Gautieri, Assistant Director of Advocacy!

Together, we’ll:

• Build a deeper understanding of addiction as a medical condition
• Practice person-centered, stigma-free language
• Learn how to show up in supportive, meaningful ways
• Walk away with practical tools, confidence, and connections to local resources

Open to all community members, people in recovery, family, friends, and allies.

Register here: https://catalog.protraxx.com/ClassDetails/446922?CustomerID=263

04/21/2026

Check out the latest Overdose Task Force Newsletter! This month, you’ll find info. on the featured presentations:

- Federal policies changes and compliance overview

- New excessive alcohol use data

- ’s comprehensive treatment & support services

Stay up to date on upcoming events, news, and more! Access the newsletter tinyurl.com/2xtbvfd8 and subscribe today tinyurl.com/mpuhwd77 Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services RI Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals

04/21/2026

Today, RIDOH issued an overdose spike alert for the city of Providence. When RIDOH's emergency department data show an increase in drug overdoses, the community is alerted so people can connect with local overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery resources. Read the full alert here: tinyurl.com/4f564pu8

Connect to local resources:

Get free naloxone, connect with community harm reduction organizations, find treatment and recovery supports, and more at PreventOverdoseRI.org.

The 988 Lifeline offers 24/7 access trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing substance use or mental health-related distress. Youth and adults can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

RI Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services

04/08/2026

🔬 An NIH study found that combining fentanyl and alcohol led to reductions in minute ventilation and severe apnea that were not fully reversed by naloxone.

Alcohol use is reported in nearly 30% of fentanyl fatalities since both substances depress respiratory function—thus their combined effects can be lethal.

These findings improve our understanding of the role opioid/alcohol combinations play in overdoses, which advances research on preventing and reversing overdoses from poly-substance use.