Roger Williams Medical Center operates a hospital-based alcohol and drug detoxification program at 825 Chalkstone Avenue in Providence. The program is part of CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island’s behavioral health system and is designed for adults who need medical supervision while withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs. Because the detoxification unit is located inside a full-service medical center, patients can receive additional medical evaluation and treatment when substance use is complicated by other health conditions.
Medically Supervised Detoxification
Roger Williams maintains a 15-bed alcohol and drug detoxification unit for adults with substance dependence. Medical detoxification is appropriate when withdrawal could be dangerous, severe, or difficult to manage safely outside a hospital. Physicians, nurses, and behavioral health clinicians monitor symptoms, address medical risks, and adjust care according to the substance used, duration of use, previous withdrawal history, medications, and overall health.
Detoxification is only the first stage of treatment. The goal is to help the patient reach medical stability and prepare for continued addiction care. Daily therapy and clinical support are incorporated into the stay so patients can begin considering the next steps in recovery before discharge.
Emergency and Crisis Evaluation
Roger Williams also operates a Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Emergency Treatment Unit next to the hospital emergency department. The unit provides a private setting for people experiencing drug, alcohol, or psychiatric emergencies. Patients can be medically cleared through the emergency department and then monitored by behavioral health nurses and clinicians while a treatment plan is developed.
Clinical evaluation may include assessment of psychosis, suicidal thoughts, dementia, substance use, medical complications, and immediate safety. When appropriate, family members and community treatment providers may be contacted to clarify history and support discharge planning.
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
The hospital maintains a 12-bed dual-diagnosis unit for patients who have both an acute psychiatric condition and an addictive disorder. This setting allows the treatment team to address mental health and substance use together. An interdisciplinary team completes behavioral health and medical evaluation and develops an individualized treatment plan.
Dual-diagnosis care may be appropriate for people whose substance use occurs with depression, anxiety, psychosis, trauma-related symptoms, or another serious mental health condition. Treatment focuses on stabilization, medication needs, safety, and preparation for continued care after the hospital stay.
Continuing Care
After detoxification or stabilization, patients may be referred to outpatient behavioral health treatment, intensive outpatient services, residential rehabilitation, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, or community recovery programs. Discharge planning is important because withdrawal management alone does not address the behavioral and social factors connected with addiction.
Admissions and Payment
Roger Williams lists 401-456-4807 for detoxification and behavioral health admissions. Insurance coverage depends on medical necessity, network participation, and authorization requirements. CharterCARE accepts many commercial and government plans and may offer financial assistance. Patients should call before arrival when possible or use the emergency department when immediate medical or psychiatric care is required.
