22 April 2017

Ministry to Stem Drug Addiction in East Greenwich, RI

"Bob Houghtaling has been fighting substance abuse in East Greenwich for 33 years. In that time, he's seen 'hundreds, perhaps thousands of people who have gone on to live quality lives' after struggling with addiction.

"He has also seen plenty of ugly endings: prison, death and devastated families.

"'When I first got in, the major problems were teenage drinking and marijuana,' he said. 'I remember when the cocaine phase came in. When the Grateful Dead would come around, people would start dropping acid.'

"For the last 10 to 12 years, the big change has been the proliferation of prescription medications. 'We have a culture now where there's a pill for everything,' he said. Some have brought 'tremendous advances,' but some are overprescribed.

"Fighting stereotypes has been one of his biggest challenges. East Greenwich is wealthy, and its schools are ranked as the state's best or near best. High achievement expectations, stress, anxiety and access to money and cars can bring their own problems."

A recent Providence Journal article profiles Mr. Houghtaling and his ministry as Director of the East Greenwich, RI, Drug Program.

 To access the complete Providence Journal report, please visit:

Providence Journal: In East Greenwich, one man's effort to stem drug addiction (22 APR 17)

Background information:

Town of East Greenwich

Wikipedia: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

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