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Virginia Drug Statistics and Resources

Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is home to more than 8.6 million people. Based on national averages, it’s likely that 16% of this population is currently experiencing a substance use disorder, but only 6% are receiving the treatment they need.1 However, free substance abuse resources in Virginia are readily available for Virginians across the state. Find support for yourself or someone you know by accessing the following free addiction recovery resources in Virginia.

Drug Statistics in Virginia

Throughout Virginia, there are 279 active rehab treatment facilities.2 A look at recent statistics underscores the need for these services and reveals current trends in substance use among Virginians.

2,490 Overdose Deaths
In 2022, there were 2,490 drug overdose deaths in Virginia.
3902 Alcohol Deaths
An average of 3,902 Virginians die each year due to excessive alcohol use.
22,398 ER Visits
There were 22,398 drug overdose emergency department visits in Virginia in 2022
25,609 Rehab Admissions
25,609 Virginians are treated annually through drug rehab services.

Addiction Nonprofits in Virginia

Community Service Boards (CSB)

Every county and city in Virginia has a CSB. These boards offer access to behavioral healthcare support. Residents can find local treatment for substance use and addiction, mental health issues, and developmental disabilities.

Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance of Virginia (SAARA)

SAARA advocates, supports, and educates Virginians. The organization is a leader in Virginia on substance use disorder and recovery resources. Support services include community outreach, treatment resources, and training and education.

Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (VAFCC)

These community-based organizations are independent nonprofits that offer a variety of free services. Support includes mental health, behavioral health, and medical treatments. Each clinic establishes its own guidelines and requirements.

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

This department promotes recovery and wellness to support Virginians in all areas of life. Residents can find local rehab treatment and other recovery support services throughout the state.

Harm Reduction Programs

Opioid Reversal Agent Distribution Program - Naloxone

This division of the Virginia Department of Health offers information about naloxone, including where to obtain it. The site also offers links to additional resources.

Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition

This coalition provides safer-use supplies and social services to marginalized populations. The organization seeks to address the needs of people who use drugs by delivering public health services.

Curb the Crisis

This comprehensive resource for Virginia residents is designed to prevent opioid misuse and overdose. The website offers recovery and treatment options as well as prevention and rescue information.

REVIVE

Through REVIVE, Virginians can learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. The organization offers education and training on the use of naloxone, as well as other relevant resources on overdose emergencies.

College Addiction Resources

George Mason University Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC)

SSAC services include education, risk reduction, and recovery support. Students can access counseling, resources, and recovery support meetings.

Northern Virginia Community College Office of Wellness and Mental Health (OWMH)

The OWMH provides access to mental health and wellness resources and support. Resources include alcohol/drug use and mental health support.

Old Dominion University Health Promotion Office

Health Promotion engages students in wellness topics, such as substance use, through hands-on experiences. Students can access resources, attend events, and learn where to get support.

University of Virginia Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP)

University of Virginia’s CRP offers weekly Hoos in Recovery meetings, sober activities, sober coaching, sober housing, and information about other recovery services in the community.

Virginia Commonwealth University Rams in Recovery

This Collegiate Recovery Program is the largest in Virginia. It offers support for students in recovery, including housing, a clubhouse, recovery meetings, and a Recovery Scholars program.

LGBTQ+ Resources

ACLU Virginia

This organization defends the civil liberties of LGBTQ persons. The ACLU focuses on issues that impact the rights and privacy of Virginians.

PFLAG

PFLAG is dedicated to supporting and advocating for LGBTQ persons. These local Virginia chapters offer resources and links to community programs:
PFLAG Greater Charlottesville
PFLAG Hampton Roads
PFLAG Williamsburg
PFLAG Woodstock

Pride of Rural Virginia

This initiative addresses LGBTQ healthcare across the state. Their goal is to provide resources that are LGBTQ friendly. Initiatives include addressing substance use disorders in rural Virginia communities.

Veterans Programs

VA Crisis Line

Veterans can call 988 and Press 1 to receive 24/7 crisis intervention. This service is available for military, members of the Guard and Reserve, and their families.

Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

The DVS in Virginia supports services to Virginia’s veterans and their families. This includes benefits, support, care centers, and education.

Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) Program

VVFS is operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. It provides support and outreach to veterans and their families, addressing behavioral health concerns, physical injuries, transition, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries.

Virginia Veterans Service Foundation

This organization seeks to fill in any gaps left by government resources for veterans and their families. Services include veteran care centers and family support programs.

Indigenous & Tribal Programs

Indian Health Service (IHS) – Mid-Atlantic Service Unit

This unit of the HIS serves seven tribes within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their mission is to improve the mental, social, physical, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaskan natives through quality care systems with culturally responsive practices.

Drug Laws in Virginia

In Virginia, lawmakers have enacted the following policies to govern substance use, overdose response, and addiction treatment.

Good Samaritan Law

Virginia’s Good Samaritan Law protects individuals who use illicit substances and experience or witness an overdose. The law encourages Virginia residents to call for help by removing the fear of legal repercussions for drug-related charges.

Employee Protections for Addiction Treatment

Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, substance use disorders are considered a disability. Virginia employees cannot be discriminated against for having a substance use disorder. Note: The law does not prevent disciplinary action against employees who do not follow company policies regarding substance use during work hours.

First-time Offender Program

Virginia residents who are first-time drug offenders can access this program to avoid jail time. Charges may be deferred until the individual completes the program. This may include substance abuse treatment, community service, substance abuse education, and random drug testing. If completed successfully, the program can result in a dismissal of the drug charges.

Drug Trafficking

In Virginia, it is a felony to sell, transport, or import even small amounts of controlled substances. This law applies to one or more ounces of Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances.

Sources

Where do calls go?

Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: Rehab Media Group, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.