24-Hour Hotline Numbers for Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Drug and alcohol addiction hotlines are available to Virginia residents suffering from any kind of substance abuse. These helplines are an important first step on a path to recovery. This valuable tool was initially established in the form of suicide prevention hotlines. During the ’60s and the ’70s, it became apparent that other population groups can also benefit from such an easily accessible, confidential, and free support model.1

Soon enough, other types of hotlines started emerging, offering help to the LGBTQ+ community, domestic abuse victims, people suffering from various mental health issues, and alcohol addiction or drug abuse problems.1

According to the data gathered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 7% of Virginia residents suffer from substance use disorders and more than 5% struggle with alcohol addiction.2

The 2019 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS) included 254 VA substance abuse treatment facilities with a total of 25,609 clients in treatment. Around 30% of those clients were treated for both alcohol and drug abuse.3

In 2018, 1,193 opioid-related overdose deaths occurred in Virginia. The number of deaths caused by prescription opioids declined (404 in 2017 to 326 in 2018). Unfortunately, the number of overdoses involving heroin (532) or synthetic opioids (852) didn’t improve. Prescription drug abuse also presents a considerable problem in Virginia. During the same year, healthcare professionals provided 44.8 opioid prescriptions to every 100 persons.4

What’s a Virginia Drug & Alcohol Addiction Helpline?

A VA addiction hotline is a free and confidential phone service for people seeking guidance and advice about their substance abuse. 24-Hour Virginia helpline representatives can direct callers to available treatment options across the state. They can also refer them to Virginia mental health facilities or hotlines since SUDs and mental health issues often co-occur.5

Drug rehab hotline advisors can provide resources and general information about the signs of addiction, recommend appropriate treatment options, and direct you to available Virginia drug rehabilitation centers. They can also connect you with other drug crisis lines, such as depression hotlines or helplines for heroin addiction.5

According to the 2019 N-SSATS Profile, the state of Virginia has 254 rehab facilities with 25,609 clients:3

24,388 clients in outpatient care, 319 of them in detox.
1,048 clients in residential (non-hospital) treatment, 98 in detox.
173 clients in hospital inpatient facilities, 65 in detox.

The total number of clients in Virginia facilities under the age of 18 was 554.3

What’s Curb the Crisis in Virginia?

Similar to the rest of the U.S., Virginia’s drug problem is most evident through drug abuse statistics and the opioid crisis. The state health commissioner declared it a public health emergency in 2016 since heroin and opioids in general were responsible for the majority of overdose deaths. As a result, Virginia health and community organizations, as well as state agencies, began a collaboration called Curb The Crisis to offer lifesaving resources to all VA residents.6

The state of Virginia has passed a statewide law allowing its residents to easily obtain a medication called naloxone (also known as Narcan or Evzio). Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking the effects on the brain and restoring breathing within minutes. Anyone can ask for it in any pharmacy in the state or ask a doctor for a prescription. Virginians can also get it from local health departments or other community-based organizations for free.7

What’s “REVIVE”?

REVIVE! is the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (OONE) program that offers free training across the state. It teaches bystanders to intervene and save lives by recognizing an opioid overdose and responding to it by using naloxone.8

There are two types of training:8

Lay Rescuer training usually lasts for about 1-1.5 hours. This is basic training that covers general facts about opioids, risk factors, how overdoses happen, and how to respond to an overdose emergency by administering naloxone.
Lay Rescuer Training of Trainers includes the aforementioned basic level, but it also prepares people to become REVIVE! instructors. This is a longer, 3-hour course that also covers the administrative requirements to lead REVIVE! training sessions.

What Should I Ask When I Call a Virginia Substance Abuse Hotline Number?

You might be calling a VA addiction hotline because you’re experiencing a crisis regarding your drug use, or you might not even be sure where the line between occasional use, abuse, and addiction is. Alternatively, you might need general information about signs of drug use because you’re worried about someone else. Whatever the case, there are some important questions you should keep in mind so you can get the most out of your conversation with a Virginia helpline advisor and be able to make an informed decision about what to do next:9

How will I know if I should start rehab right away?
What are the diverse types of addiction treatment?
Which are the rehab centers near me and where are they?
How long does substance abuse recovery usually last?
How much does alcohol or drug addiction treatment approximately cost?
Does health insurance cover substance abuse treatment in Virginia?
Is it possible to find any free rehab in Virginia?

Is It Possible to Call a Helpline in Virginia for Somebody Else?

If you’re worried that someone’s drug use has gotten out of control and they might present a danger to themselves or others, you should arm yourself with accurate knowledge and advice by calling a specialized hotline. Hotline representatives can also provide information about support groups for family members of addicted individuals.

To help an individual suffering from alcohol abuse or drug addiction, you should seek guidance from educated advisors on how to talk to them without judgment and present them with the idea of getting professional help. Some people get eager to help as soon as possible, but organizing an intervention isn’t something you should do on your own – reach out to experienced professionals.10

How Do I Know if I Should Call a VA Substance Abuse Hotline?

There are various reasons to call an addiction help hotline. You might be going through an acute drug or mental health crisis and simply not know what to do about it. Neglecting important aspects of your life and devoting considerable time to obtaining and using drugs would be one of the signs that you need immediate, professional help. VA hotline advisors can direct you to counselors or other professionals that know exactly what to do.9

Some people call the hotline after longer consideration. They might not be sure how severe their substance abuse issues are, so hotline representatives can provide them with an evaluation and recommend potential next steps. They can also explain different types of treatment and connect you to VA drug counseling or treatment facilities best suited to your needs.5

Are Virginia Helpline Numbers Confidential & Free?

Aside from getting accurate information and guidance, confidentiality is one of the main benefits of addiction services hotlines in Virginia, as well as across the country. The point of this kind of service is to make the best possible evaluation so they can direct you toward a professional for an official assessment and subsequent treatment. To do so, they need some personal information about the nature of your substance use. You can feel confident that any information you decide to share is protected by law, so it can’t be collected or disclosed without your explicit permission.11

All hotlines, both national and local, are toll-free, to make help equally available to everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status.12

What Happens During the Call to a Virginia Substance Abuse Hotline Number?

When you call a drug addiction helpline number, a trained representative will patiently listen to your concerns and then ask some questions so they can assess your situation and present you with available options. They can suggest possible next steps or available drug treatment centers in Virginia. Don’t forget that you’re not committing to anything by answering these questions. However, they are important for the accuracy of the assessment:9

Is your life in danger, or are you experiencing a drug or mental health crisis?
What’s your location and how old are you?
How severe is your addiction and how long ago did your abuse issues begin?
Have you already been diagnosed with any mental health disorders?
Are you motivated to start treatment and unpressured by others?
Could you share some information on the substance(s) you’re having abuse issues with?
Do you have insurance and what kind?

What Are Some Available Hotline Numbers and Resources in Virginia?

If you’re looking for help in Virginia regarding your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol addiction, the following resources can provide you with 24/7 hotline support:

The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides information to help you recognize signs of substance abuse without promoting any specific treatment program. You can visit their Step-by-Step Guides to find a suitable treatment for yourself or a loved one.13
SAMHSA‘s National Helpline is 800-662-HELP (4357). You can also search for treatment facilities in your area using their online Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.
Curb The Crisis offers support and guidance to individuals seeking help and treatment for substance use disorders in Virginia.
Substance Use Disorder Services of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services is also available.
REVIVE! is an Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education (OONE) program for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Virginia emergency hotline is 888-486-8264, and the non-crisis line for advice and assistance regarding alcohol abuse treatment is 804-285-8264.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 /7 at 800-273-TALK.
Virginia AA helpline: 804-452-1959.
Virginia NA helpline: 800-777-1515.
American Addiction Centers: This trusted treatment provider offers valuable information about addiction and treatment, as well as science-backed rehab programs. Their helpline is confidential, free, and available 24/7 .

Inpatient Rehab Facilities in Virginia: How to Find the Right One?

Aside from national and local VA resources, you can also get information about your treatment options by calling American Addiction Centers’ hotline and speaking to an admissions navigator who can guide you through available treatment options. You can get a referral to some of the best rehab centers near you and they will walk you through the usual steps of the intake process.

Sunrise House Treatment Center

Sunrise Treatment Hospital is one of the best options for individuals across the country who don’t mind traveling out of state for quality treatment. It’s located in a secluded mountain environment in Lafayette, NJ, ideal for people who enjoy being in natural surroundings that’s incorporated into therapy. This private facility offers a personalized treatment program tailored to each individual’s needs and a full continuum of care, usually starting with a medically supervised detoxification program.

After detox, depending on individual circumstances and the severity of addiction, patients can continue with treatment through outpatient services that usually include attending private counseling or individual therapy sessions. This can help patients recognize patterns of behavior and underlying causes that lead to their addiction and adopt new, healthier ways of coping with their thoughts and emotions.14

Inpatient rehab

Residential or inpatient programs include a stay at a rehab center during treatment, depending on a patient’s needs. Short-term treatment usually lasts for about a month, while some long-term treatment options may last 60 days. If the severity of addiction requires it, a 90-day program may be needed to enable the patient to thoroughly work through their issues so they can maintain lasting sobriety after the treatment.14

Aftercare & Additional Options

Most highly rated rehab centers offer various elements of aftercare support like sober living options and support groups, usually based on AA’s 12-step model. There are also special programs for population groups with particular needs:

Couples might want to battle their addiction together.
Religious people could find strength through faith-based, Christian addiction treatment programs.
Rehab programs tailored for the LGBTQ+ community.
Treatment approaches for women who feel more comfortable in a gender-specific program.
High-end treatment programs with extra amenities that allow for more personalized care.

The easiest way to find out what your treatment options are is by reaching out to your health insurance provider and asking about your coverage for substance abuse. The locators listed above can also be a helpful tool if you’re looking for treatment options near you.

You can also fill out and submit an online form on the AAC website to check if your insurance covers SUD services and treatment. You can also call and talk to one of AAC’s admission navigators who can check if your insurance is in-network with AAC and explain alternative payment options.

24/7 Free & Confidential Virginia Alcohol and Drug Addiction Helplines