AdCare Rhode Island Pays Tribute to Veterans

Substance use disorders (SUD) impact many individuals, including our war heroes and Veterans. Active-duty service members and Veterans alike have risked the ultimate sacrifice for the good of our country. The gravity of this weight, the trauma, in addition to the experiences on the battlefield, have led some down a path toward alcohol and/or drug misuse. AdCare Treatment Centers, located in Rhode Island, is a rehab facility that provides a Veterans program dedicated to the needs of these heroic individuals.

In the same vein as its parent company, American Addiction Centers (AAC), a nationwide leader in addiction treatment, AdCare offers hope to those who may feel there is none. On October 8, 2021, AdCare celebrated the opening of the “Walk of Peace & Hope,” which is dedicated to “those who have faced war within and without.” It’s a peaceful trail on the facility property that was inspired and developed by the staff itself.

“The Walk of Peace & Hope promises to enhance the treatment experiences of patients, including Veterans and active-duty military, for years to come,” shared AdCare Rhode Island CEO Fred Trapassi.

The celebration consisted of remarks from a Veteracrn currently in treatment, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mr. Trapassi and Admissions Supervisor Michelle Lavoie, and a commemoration led by Kayla Cunningham dedicating a bench in memory of her brother, Andrew Cunningham. Ms. Lavoie named the walkway; her inspired words were chosen from a naming contest entry. And Ms. Cunningham had the opportunity to honor her late brother, who passed away in 2018, with part of the bench inscription wording: “Music is a Safe Kind of High.”

The staff and guests had the pleasure of walking along the trail and taking in the beauty and tranquility of nature, and afterwards reconvened in the dining room at the end for camaraderie and delicious refreshments.

General Overview and Veterans program

AdCare provides virtual support meetings, telehealth services, family services, inpatient and outpatient treatment care, and the incredible Veterans program.

The program is available for U.S. Armed Forces, Veterans, and first responders (current and retired). First responders include:

• Firefighters.
• Police officers.
• Probation and correctional officers.
• Emergency dispatchers.
• Emergency medical services providers.

We treat those battling with alcohol or opioid misuse, as well as provide withdrawal and detox.
The program has been tailored to fit the unique needs of Veterans and first responders. Treatment includes:

• Trauma-based therapies.
• Trauma groups.
• Pain management.
• Emotional regulation strategies.
• Co-occurring disorder treatment.
• Nutrition guidance.
• Coping skills.
• 12-Step groups.
• Behavioral therapy.
• Recreational and alternative therapies.
• Relapse prevention strategies.
• Aftercare planning.

It’s important for Veterans and others to understand that help is within reach. Although facing the struggles of drug and/or alcohol misuse and given the choice to enter into treatment may be daunting, scary, and may even feel hopeless, it’s not. There’s always hope. There’s always a path to sobriety. And like the “Walk of Peace & Hope” at AdCare Treatment Centers that lives up to its name, Veterans have the opportunity to create their own path to recovery.