Rhode Island residents now have access to a new three-digit hotline that promises to place callers in addiction assessment programs within 24 hours.

The Providence Journal reported Dec. 16 that the Rapid Response Rhode Island program was launched on a three-month trial basis. Run by Phoenix Houses of New England, the hotline seeks to remove barriers to treatment for individuals who are ready to get help for alcohol and other drug problems.

Children, adolescents and adults can call the United Way's information line at 2-1-1 and the operators – trained by Phoenix House staff – will make an appointment for the caller at one of eight assessment centers throughout Rhode Island. Rapid Response is the first hotline to make these services available to children and to offer the services statewide.

"There are people in need right now who need to find an answer. Now it will be easier to find that answer," said Patrick McEneaney, executive director of Phoenix Houses of New England. "At 2-1-1, you're on the road. We'll identify the issues and move you along into the process."

"The sooner you engage a person in the process, the sooner you break down some of the denial and sooner you give them some hope," said Neil Corkery, executive director of the Drug and Alcohol Treatment Association of Rhode Island. "Once they have a contact with somebody who tells them they're not alone, this is not the end of the world, there is hope and treatment, most people will stay afterward."

"The hardest part of all is making the call."