River Stone in the News

Innovative Treatment Programs

River Stone Recovery Centre is at the forefront of innovative treatment programs for substance use disorders. The center offers an injectable treatment program for participants with treatment-resistant opioid-use disorder. This program, which started in October 2020, provides an individualized liquid hydromorphone prescription that can be taken up to three times each day by self-injection in the clinic. The program has already seen positive results, with 62 participants and more than 300 people seeking services such as oral medication and therapy at the clinic. The center is also participating in a national trial on possible treatments for addiction to crystal meth and other stimulants. This study is being billed as the largest-ever clinical trial for methamphetamine use disorder.


Community Engagement and Support

River Stone Recovery Centre is deeply committed to community engagement and support. This commitment is manifested in its comprehensive approach to treatment, which extends beyond medical intervention to include support for housing and reintegration into society. This aligns with the broader shift towards a housing-first approach in New Brunswick, a critical step in addressing the complex issue of homelessness.

In addition to its community engagement and support, River Stone is dedicated to finding effective solutions to substance use disorders. This dedication is evident in its participation in innovative treatment programs and trials. By addressing the multifaceted needs of its clients and continuously seeking out more effective treatment methods, River Stone is making a significant impact in the lives of individuals struggling with homelessness and substance use disorders.


Art and Humanization

River Stone Recovery Centre believes in the power of art to humanize people struggling with substance use. The center is involved in a community art project in collaboration with the Fredericton-based performing arts company Solo Chicken Productions. An art exhibit at the Charlotte Street Art Centre features vivid portraits in oil and watercolor, along with poignant portrait photographs, capturing the humanity of the River Stone Recovery Centre participants. This exhibit, which will continue until March 11 at the Charlotte Glencross Gallery at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre, serves as a powerful reminder of the human faces behind the statistics of substance use disorders.


Harm Reduction Clinic in Fredericton Sounds Alarm After Recent Overdose

River Stone Recovery Centre, a harm reduction clinic in Fredericton, New Brunswick, has raised serious concerns following a recent overdose incident involving Carfentanil, a highly potent synthetic opioid. RSRC’s staff are deeply worried about the presence of this deadly drug in the community and the potential for devastating consequences if urgent action is not taken.

Carfentanil is known to be significantly more potent than fentanyl, making it extremely dangerous even in very small amounts. River Stone emphasizes the critical need for increased awareness, education, and intervention to prevent further tragedies. They are calling on the community, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to address this urgent public health issue.

RSRC is also advocating for expanded access to harm reduction services, including the distribution of naloxone kits, which can reverse opioid overdoses, and the implementation of safe consumption spaces. These measures are essential to protect vulnerable individuals and reduce the risk of overdose deaths.