Be In The Know
August 27, 2026
Path to Healing: Seven Services Supporting Treatment and Recovery from Substance Use Disorder
In observance of National Recovery Month, Virginia Beach Human Services highlights free and low-cost programs for residents
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex, chronic medical condition where a person’s use of alcohol or drugs brings significant health problems. It’s a treatable health issue, and people can and do recover from it.
Recovery is highly personal and can happen through many paths. It may include clinical treatment, medication, self-care, support from peers or family, faith-based and other approaches. Recovery is strengthened through relationships, connections and purpose.
Pathways to Recovery
For residents affected by SUD and their families, the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services (DHS) offers free and low-cost programs that support treatment and recovery
1. Events and TrainingDHS partners with first responders and others across the City of Virginia Beach to provide free training and events about SUD prevention, treatment and recovery topics. Upcoming programs include:
- The Truth About Today’s Drugs: Everything Families Should Know:Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. Learn what’s showing up in our community, how it affects young people, and what you can do to stay safe. Ages 12 and older. Free to attend. Register online or call 757-385-0803.
- REVIVE!: Sept. 15, 5:30-7 p.m., Virginia Beach EMS Headquarters, 4160 Virginia Beach Blvd. Learn to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose using naloxone (Narcan) in this Virginia training programpresented monthly by Virginia Beach DHS, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Police and Public Health departments. Narcan provided. Age 18 and older. Free to attend. Register online or call 757-385-0800.
2. Peer Support SpecialistsDHS employs peer support specialists, individuals who have been successful in the recovery process and trained to share their experience to help others recover from SUD. Building mutual understanding, respect and trust, peer support specialists engage individuals in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapsing. To speak with a peer specialist for adults, call 757-402-6190; to request a peer specialist for teens, call 757-385-0789
3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)IOP enables individuals to receive treatment for SUD, build a support network and learn skills to address underlying issues while maintaining work and family responsibilities. Participants commit to at least nine hours a week with a choice of morning, afternoon and evening options. Medicaid is accepted. For those without insurance, costs are based on ability to pay. Call 757-385-6950
4. RestoreFor adults with opioid or alcohol use, Restore combines medication-assisted treatment with counseling and extensive support in a flexible outpatient setting. Medicaid is accepted. For those without insurance, costs are based on ability to pay. Call 757-385-5588
5. Peer Drop-In CenterLocated on Birdneck Road in the Pathways Center, the Peer Drop-In Center is a comfortable, sober environment where adults recovering from SUD can drop in 5-10 p.m., Monday through Friday, to find support and re who are in recovery. Free. Call 757-385-6950
6. Adult Outpatient ServicesIncludes trauma-informed individual, family and group therapy, psychosocial education and peer support. Individuals can be referred for psychiatric evaluations and medication management as appropriate. Available one to eight hours each week at the Pathways Center. Call 757-385-6950
7. Project LinkProject Link provides intensive case management services to pregnant, post-partum and parenting women affected by SUD, helping connect them with access to appropriate treatment, education and support groups. Services may also be available for children up to age 7 who are affected by parental SUD. Free. Call 757-385-0810
These are just a few of the services and programs DHS provides to support residents affected by substance use disorder and their families, and strengthen our community. For more information, visit DHS’ Recovery & Treatment Services site at VirginiaBeach.gov/Recovery.
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- Path to Healing: Seven Services Supporting Treatment and Recovery from Substance Use Disorder
