Top 25 Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers in Chesapeake, VA & Free Treatment Resources

Chesapeake is an independent city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It’s home to over 250,000 residents, making it the second-largest city in The Old Dominion State.¹ However, drug addiction and substance abuse issues remain a major problem here. In 2020, there were 2,240 drug overdose deaths in Virginia.² If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, there are more than 50 accredited alcohol and drug rehab centers in Chesapeake that can help get you on the path to recovery.³

From January to March 2022, the rate per 10,000 emergency department (ED) visits for all drug overdoses among Virginia residents was 65%. This data set was taken from 84 acute care hospital EDs and 22 free-standing EDs in Virginia.¹

An average of four Virginians died of opioid overdose daily in 2020. Related statistics for that year show:²

There were around 9,901 ED visits, a 33% increase compared to 2019.

Opioid overdoses accounted for 1,478 deaths, a 17% increase compared to 2019.

From 2015 to 2017, the annual average among young adults of past-month binge alcohol use was 38.7%.³

From 2014 to 2017, the annual average prevalence of past-year alcohol use disorder was 11.6% (or 103,000).³

In 2017, among people enrolled in substance use programs in a single-day count, 54.8% received treatment for a drug problem only, 13.1% received treatment for an alcohol problem only, and 32.0% received treatment for both drug and alcohol problems.³

The cost of Chesapeake alcohol rehab typically varies by program. How much you will pay depends on several influences, such as:⁴

Treatment setting (inpatient versus outpatient)

Features and amenities (such as upscale offerings)

Duration of program (30 days versus 90 days)

Which insurance providers and plans the program accepts

Government funding

Location (urban versus rural)

Chesapeake has government-supported facilities that work on a sliding scale, which means you will only be required to pay what you can reasonably afford.

Sliding fee scales are based on the most recent federal poverty guidelines for income and family size. They are used to pay for drug and alcohol rehab if seeking treatment is a financial hardship for you.

Funding provided by the state of Virginia can also help cover the costs of drug and alcohol rehab in Chesapeake, allowing you to make an individualized payment agreement with the treatment center. This can be done upon intake when you meet with a financial counselor who can help you develop a fee agreement based on your situation. Fee agreements are usually updated annually. However, any time you have a change in your financial circumstance, you can request to have it updated to reflect what you can pay.⁵

Whether you have insurance or not, you can find affordable Chesapeake drug rehabs that fits your needs.

Yes, most plans provide partial, if not full, coverage. When you contact your insurance company, make sure to ask for Chesapeake detox centers and addiction treatment centers that are in-network.^4,8

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid are two methods that can be used to pay for care and may provide free or low-cost options. Each program has different qualification requirements, though. They can cover all or part of your treatment fees if the facility you are going to accepts Medicare and Medicaid.^6,7

Eligibility rules change annually and vary based on locale. For more information on Medicare and Medicaid, you can ask the financial counselor at the drug and alcohol rehab you will attend.^6,7

Private Insurance

Private insurance is another way to pay for care. If you have private insurance, you can use the phone number provided on the back of the card to speak with someone regarding which your insurance covers drug and alcohol rehabs in Chesapeake.^4,8

These providers are vetted and meet the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services criteria. This includes completing a two-day interactive American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) training and having licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners on staff.⁸

An additional 63 free clinics are listed through the Virginia Department of Social Services.⁸

It’s understandable if you aren’t sure what to expect during rehabilitation. Accredited drug rehab centers in Chesapeake follow general protocols and procedures and still uniquely conduct themselves, focused on your care. No matter what Chesapeake drug rehab you choose, you can expect your care to include many evidence-based practices, such as a combination of therapies, co-occurring mental health treatment, and modalities supporting long-term sustained recovery.¹⁰

Research shows that if you receive treatment along a continuum of care, recovery success rates improve. A continuum of care would start with an intake assessment and then usually progresses from:¹⁰

Inpatient or residential rehab

Outpatient

Aftercare

Medical Detox

Credentialed professionals supervise medical detox for your safety. Depending on the main substance that you have used, there may be health risks while you detox. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and using and mixing multiple substances would be examples of risky substances to detox on your own.¹⁰

Also, if you have an underlying medical condition or co-occurring conditions, a medically monitored detox may be deemed necessary and appropriate in your case.¹⁰ Being monitored by a medical professional during detox can also help you be comfortable during the process so that withdrawal symptoms are minimized.¹⁰

Inpatient

Inpatient involves living at the treatment center for the length of your program, which may last anywhere from 30 days to 90 days. It may last longer than three months if your team deems it necessary. Longer stays are associated with better outcomes.¹⁰

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

PHP programs typically last 30 days, meeting eight hours daily during a five-day week. Since the duration of PHP is longer during the day, the length is shorter than IOP and OP.¹³

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

IOP is typically three days per week, three hours per day, and six to eight weeks. Depending on the facility, they offer either a day or evening program. This is very helpful if you work during the day (to enter night OP) or vice versa.¹³

Standard Outpatient

Standard outpatient care can be in the form of attending a continuing care group once per week for one hour for up to 12 months. It can also be in the form of seeing a professional on a one-on-one basis to address life circumstances and stressors that may negatively impact your recovery program.¹³

Aftercare

You may want to supplement your treatment with other forms of support, such as 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or non-12-step programs like SMART Recovery.^10,13

Since you have specific needs, you may benefit from a different drug or alcohol program. You may want an upscale residential setting that resembles a resort, or you may be looking for a flexible intensive outpatient program to attend that can accommodate your work schedule and other life responsibilities. When choosing a Chesapeake drug rehab, consider the following factors:^10,13

• Treatment philosophy: Facilities have different approaches and/or philosophies. For example, holistic ones integrate alternative and complementary treatments like yoga into care, and faith-based ones have a spiritual approach to recovery.
• Inpatient or outpatient: If you aren’t sure which type is right for you, you can receive an evaluation through your healthcare provider. Deciding whether you need to attend inpatient or outpatient care will help you narrow your choices.
• Cost: When choosing a Chesapeake drug rehab, consider the cost and any financing options available to you.
• Insurance: If you have insurance, you can locate a program that accepts your provider and plan.
• Features and amenities: Features and amenities are a priority to some people, while others are less concerned about them. You can investigate what features are offered at the facility, such as spa treatments, pools, private rooms, and more.
• Peer support: If you find value in attending mutual support groups, you may want to choose a Chesapeake drug rehab that integrates peer support meetings into treatment plans.
• Visitor policy: If visiting with your family during your recovery is important to you, then you can compare visitor policies to help decide which one works best for you and your loved ones.

Quality treatment programs would include items such as:^10,11,12,13

Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) typically accredits Drug and alcohol rehabs. These programs go through a rigorous process to achieve accreditation by showing that they are providing the services they tout and placing patient care and your success as a top priority.

Appropriate Staff Credentials

Chesapeake staff at drug and alcohol rehabs should be appropriately credentialed. Credentialing requirements vary based on the modality the practitioner offers. Staff credentialing ensures that they have completed the required amount of training and passed appropriate exams required by their overseeing boards.

Individualized Treatment Plans

While drug and alcohol rehabs have more than one person they are treating, they should provide individualized care. They will offer services to all they are treating, but an individualized plan would tailor treatment to your specific needs.

Staff-to-Patient Ratio

This may be more important to others. Some may thrive in large groups, while others prefer a more intimate, smaller number of people at their drug and alcohol rehab.

Aftercare Planning

Evidence-based practices and therapies are tested in large clinical trials, usually with thousands of people. This means they are expected to work for the vast majority of a given population.

Access to Medical Care Onsite

If you have a co-occurring condition, whether mental health or medical, you may need access to a medical doctor/physician or psychiatrist. If you prefer treatments such as acupuncture, you would want to research a drug and alcohol program that offers it.

Alumni Programs

Some facilities, especially those that are outpatient, will offer alumni programs. For example, an IOP program may allow alumni to meet monthly for a ‘reunion’ and stay-in-touch meeting. They may also allow alumni to host a 12-step or other peer-run support group on their property at times when they do not have scheduled treatments.

Family Involvement in Treatment

Drug and alcohol rehabs can offer opportunities for families to visit and offer education sessions to family members. It would be encouraged for your family to attend these. Sometimes, certain group sessions may be tailored to family, and family members are invited to attend.

Use of Evidence-Based Practices and Therapies

Evidence-based practices and therapies have been well-researched by subject matter experts in the field and have usually withstood the test of time. One example of this would be cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is effective in the treatment of substance use.

Whether you wind up traveling to Chesapeake for drug and alcohol rehab is ultimately up to you and your treatment priorities and needs. One of the major advantages of attending care in Chesapeake is that the city boasts over 22 miles of waterways, including rivers and canals. It is referred to as an outdoor lover’s paradise with a host of beautiful natural spots. There are many trails and parks to explore for all levels. If you like to bird watch and fish, there are many options for that as well.¹⁴

Chesapeake, VA, is a charming area. It touts several square miles of protected farmland, wetlands, and forest. The Deep Creek community is considered suburban and is best described as maintaining its rural nature, bringing some old Chesapeake history to the modern day. It also allows you to access much of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Western Branch is the northernmost portion of Chesapeake, and the western branch (its namesake) of the Elizabeth River is quite scenic.

Finally, Riverwalk is a planned community focusing on condo living and a very desirable area to live in for up-and-coming professionals. There are many housing opportunities with waterfront views, and there is plenty to do in this area of Chesapeake. It also boasts supporting military personnel with housing and other supports.

Virginia law governs Chesapeake, and the state’s drug and alcohol laws apply there. Here is a closer look at two of them:

Virginia Good Samaritan Law: Under the 2018 Virginia Good Samaritan law, anyone who renders emergency aid to someone at risk of serious harm or death is immune from civil liability for injuries or death of that person.

Virginia’s Drug Overdose Law: This law was passed in 2015 by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s General Assembly. It is a safe reporting law that aims to save the lives of people suffering from overdoses. The law is similar to the “Good Samaritan” law in that it provides a defense against prosecution if you “seek or obtain” emergency medical attention for yourself or someone else who is overdosing. This law intends to prevent overdose deaths by encouraging you to seek treatment without fear of possible penalties standing in the way.

1. Chesapeake, Virginia Population 2022 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs). (n.d.). Worldpopulationreview.com.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 1). Drug Overdose Mortality by State. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 
3. FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov. 
4. Virginia Department of Health. (2022). Emergency Department Visits for Unintentional Drug Overdose Among Virginia Residents
5. Virginia Department of Health. (2020). Opioid Data.
6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2017). Behavioral Health Barometer, Volume 5
7. Virginia Department of Social Services. (n.d.). Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Recovery.
8. City of Chesapeake. (2021). Paying for Services.
9. Medicare.gov. (n.d.) Get started with Medicare.
10. Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Medicaid & CHIP in Virginia.
11. The Commission on Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program: Your Doorway to Safe and Sober Driving. (n.d.). Improving Highway Safety Through The Reduction in Incidence of Driving Impaired.
12. City of Chesapeake (2021). Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (CIBH).
13. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. Office of the Surgeon General (US).Washington (DC): US Department of Health and Human Services; 2016 Nov.
14. gov. (2017). Overview of Substance Use Disorder Care Clinical Guidelines
15. Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 47. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2006.
16. Virginia Law. (2022). Code of Virginia.
17. Virginia’s Legislative Information System. (2020). 2020 Session.