Butler Hospital: Comprehensive Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Butler Hospital provides specialized and compassionate care for adults actively struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction. The hospital offers a continuum of care, ensuring individuals receive support whether they require immediate, intensive medical supervision or structured outpatient assistance for long-term recovery.
Acute Inpatient Treatment and Detoxification
The Alcohol and Drug Inpatient Unit focuses on acute treatment, often starting with medically supervised detoxification. This essential service is designed for individuals who lack the necessary support systems to safely detoxify on an outpatient basis. The typical length of stay ranges from three to five days, adjusted based on the patient’s specific needs and clinical presentation.
A typical day in the inpatient program is highly structured and includes:
- Scheduled meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Community meetings
- AA meetings
- Therapeutic group sessions
- Morning and afternoon walks
- Relaxation activity groups
Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs
Beyond acute care, Butler Hospital offers less intensive programs designed for continued recovery and skill-building. The Alcohol and Drug Partial Program (ADP) provides comprehensive, daily treatment while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. During the ADP, patients receive regular individual sessions with both their substance use counselor and physician. Medication education is provided by the doctor and pharmacy staff when prescriptions are necessary. A core component of this program is the development of a robust relapse prevention plan.
The hospital also features an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which focuses on longer, more frequent sessions designed to enhance coping skills, provide group and individual therapy, and foster peer support for individuals further along in their recovery journey.
Focus on Relapse Prevention and Skill Development
Both the partial and intensive outpatient programs utilize group education to equip patients with vital skills for overcoming addiction. Educational topics include managing intense emotions and strategies for effective relapse prevention, helping individuals build a strong foundation for sustained sobriety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for acute detox admission?
Admission to the inpatient unit for acute treatment is managed through the hospital’s assessment process; it is not typically based on scheduled appointments, as it addresses immediate medical and detoxification needs.
Is Butler Hospital a smoke-free campus?
Yes, Butler Hospital maintains a completely smoke-free and tobacco-free campus. If a patient uses tobacco products, the hospital provides cessation medications and resources to manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms during their stay.
Are cell phones allowed on the treatment units?
No, cell phones are not permitted on the unit to maintain patient confidentiality. However, a unit phone is available for patient use during designated free time and non-group hours.
What items should patients avoid bringing to the unit?
Patients should not bring alcoholic beverages, non-prescription drugs, large sums of money, jewelry, sharp or breakable objects, or plastic bags.





