Richmond Drug and Alcohol Use Statistics
Richmond is the capital city of the State of Virginia and has one of the highest fatal opioid overdose rates of all cities in the state. According to Richmond City Health District assessments, heroin-use mortality rates are consistently higher within the city than in the surrounding counties.1 Other noteworthy alcohol and drug use statistics in the Richmond area include:2,3,4,5
In the first half of 2021, 128 people died from overdose in Richmond – 89% involved fentanyl.
In 2020, Richmond saw 155 fatal overdoses, more than double the number in 2019.
In 2020, 76 out of every 10,000 ER visits in Richmond County involved a drug overdose.
From 2016 to 2020, Richmond County saw 40 alcohol-related deaths per 100,000 residents.
How Much Does Drug Rehab in Richmond Cost?
What you’ll pay for alcohol or drug rehab in Richmond will vary based on several factors, including:
The treatment setting that’s best for your needs (inpatient vs. outpatient)
The amenities and features the treatment center offers
The length of your treatment program
The insurance providers and plans a particular rehab facility accepts
Whether a facility offers any type of payment assistance
Depending on the facility you choose as well as other variables, your rehab program could cost very little or may cost tens of thousands of dollars per month. At some facilities, treatment may even be free, depending on your financial status. If you need help paying for rehab, some treatment centers offer scholarships to reduce program costs. Financing programs may also be available that split your treatment costs up into manageable monthly payments.
How to Find Low-Cost and Free Rehabs in Richmond
State-funded Richmond drug rehabs and alcohol rehabs receive funding from the State of Virginia and may also receive funding through federal grants. These subsidies allow such facilities to provide evidence-based addiction treatment at little to no cost for low-income persons, homeless individuals, and other eligible persons in need.
Your eligibility for reduced-cost services at state-funded rehab centers typically depends on your addiction status, income, insurance status, and residency status. If you qualify to enroll, you may be placed on a waiting list for entry as state-funded facilities receive limited annual funding and receive thousands of applicants yearly. Be aware that, at many facilities, priority may be given to certain populations, including but not limited to persons with HIV or AIDS and pregnant women.
Do Medicare and Medicaid Cover Drug Rehab?
Both Medicare and Medicaid do indeed cover drug and alcohol rehab in Richmond. If you have either of these public insurance plans, your policy should cover medically necessary assessments, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and individual and group therapy. Other services may also be covered, depending on the plan.6,7
However, Medicaid operates at the state level. Although it’s subject to federal guidelines, each state determines the type and extent of coverage that Medicaid plans provide. Medicare, on the other hand, operates at the federal level and has four parts (A, B, C, and D). Each part provides coverage for different treatment services, and the extent of coverage can vary depending on the plan.
Within 10 miles of Richmond, 13 addiction treatment facilities accept Medicaid, and seven accept Medicare, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.8
Does Private Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment?
If you have private health insurance, it should cover addiction treatment. Under the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, private insurers must provide at least basic coverage for behavioral health services. These services include both addiction and mental health treatment.9
However, the amount of coverage you have depends on your plan’s specific behavioral health benefits, whether a rehab facility is in-network with your plan and other factors. Be aware that even if your policy provides full coverage for addiction treatment, it may require you to pay a deductible before your coverage starts. Depending on your plan’s extent of coverage, you may have an out-of-pocket copay or may need to pay for certain treatment services in full.
Popular Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers in Richmond
Summit Hill Wellness
Summit Hill Wellness is a CARF-accredited addiction treatment facility where adults can access short-term residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and online treatment programs. All programs incorporate a wide variety of therapeutic modalities, including evidence-based behavioral therapies, family therapy, 12-step facilitation, and peer counseling. Holistic therapies, life skills training, and mindfulness coaching are also included.
Pathways to Life Richmond
Pathways to Life Richmond is an outpatient alcohol and drug rehab in Richmond that specializes in adult, adolescent, and family treatment services. At this facility, persons with addiction and/or mental health disorders can access intensive outpatient programs, standard outpatient rehab, and assertive community treatment programs. Family therapy, intensive in-home services for teens, medication management, trauma therapy, and telehealth treatment services are also available.
FCCR Radford
FCCR Radford specializes in adult and adolescent rehab programs and is part of Pinnacle Treatment Centers, an addiction treatment group with locations throughout Virginia and the United States. This facility offers intensive outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, individual and group therapy, 12-step meetings, and SMART Recovery. Relapse prevention education, life skills training, continuing care programs, and specialized treatment programs for professionals are also available.
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority
Richmond Behavioral Health Authority serves adults and adolescents with substance use disorders and provides a full continuum of care for addiction treatment. This facility offers treatment for co-occurring disorders, medical detox programs, gender-specific residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and intensive outpatient programs. Standard outpatient rehab, peer support services, perinatal treatment groups, and relapse prevention services are also available.
What to Expect at Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Addiction treatment involves a continuum of care designed to meet the unique needs of persons at all stages of recovery. This continuum of care helps ensure that each patient receives the appropriate intensity of treatment for their addiction and mental health status. Levels of care on the addiction treatment continuum include assessments, medically supervised detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, and aftercare support. Depending on your needs, you’ll begin rehab at a specific level of care and move through the continuum of treatment over time.
Receiving a Substance Abuse Assessment
When you’re ready to seek treatment for alcohol or drug addiction, the first step is to take a substance use assessment. You can take this assessment with your physician or at the rehab facility of your choice, whichever you prefer. This in-depth evaluation allows your provider to assess the severity of your alcohol and/or drug use and determine the type of treatment best suited to your needs and situation. It will also identify whether you have any co-occurring mental health conditions that may require treatment.
During your assessment, you’ll answer questions about your substance use, mental state, addiction history, treatment history, and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Your provider will likely also gather other personal information that relates to your treatment needs, such as your medical records and socioeconomic status. All of the information collected during your assessment will allow your treatment provider to customize a plan of care that addresses your unique needs.
Drug Detox
Medical detox, also known as medically managed withdrawal, is a program that can help you withdraw from alcohol and/or drugs as safely as possible. When you stop using toxic substances, your body begins the natural process of detoxification. This process gradually eliminates drugs and/or alcohol from your system and can produce highly uncomfortable and potentially hazardous withdrawal side effects.
In a medical detox program, you’ll stay in an inpatient facility where you’ll receive 24/7 supervision and support from medical, addiction, and psychiatric professionals. Depending on your needs, you may receive medications and IV fluids to minimize your withdrawal symptoms and keep you comfortable and stable.
After completing detox, which lasts a few days to a few weeks depending on your addiction status, you can transition to a structured rehab program. Although medical detox will allow you to rid your body of substances and achieve a medically stable state, it is not a substitute for proper addiction treatment.
Inpatient Drug Rehab in Richmond
Inpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Richmond involves living at a residential treatment facility for 30 to 90 days while you participate in evidence-based addiction therapies. However, your stay may last longer than three months if your treatment team believes you can benefit from continued supervision and intensive, highly structured care.
As part of an inpatient rehab program, you’ll have access to many treatment modalities, therapies, and supportive services, which may include:10
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and motivational enhancement therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for addiction and mental health disorders
- Individual and group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Peer support meetings
- Alcohol and/or drug education
- Life skills and vocational training
- Aftercare planning and support
- Holistic or experiential therapies, such as meditation, nature therapy, art therapy, and yoga
If you have a serious substance use disorder, inpatient treatment offers many benefits that can help you heal from the effects of addiction. This highly supervised and structured level of care provides a secure, supportive environment where you can focus on recovery without distractions. The immersive setting can also allow you to dedicate yourself to understanding your substance use patterns and developing healthy coping skills. Surrounding yourself with peers who are working through recovery can also provide you with invaluable support, encouragement, and understanding.
Step-Down Care
Depending on your needs, you may transition to an outpatient program for step-down care after you complete inpatient treatment. Outpatient rehab programs provide structured, individualized therapy that helps you build upon the skills you learned in inpatient rehab in a more independent setting. These programs are offered at the following intensity levels:
11
Standard outpatient treatment: These programs provide low-intensity addiction treatment that typically consists of group counseling, relapse prevention education, and substance use education. Most programs provide no more than 10 hours of treatment per week and one to two weekly sessions. Low-intensity programs may serve as a form of aftercare, providing resources and support that can help you avoid relapse and stay strong in long-term recovery.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): IOPs involve many of the same therapies as inpatient programs and PHPs but require a smaller time commitment. These programs typically provide three to five days of treatment per week and can last a few weeks to several months. Individual counseling is typically provided, but IOPs tend to focus more on group therapy. Evening sessions may be available to accommodate work or school commitments.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): PHPs take place in a hospital setting and provide up to 20 hours of treatment per week, usually during the day. These programs provide highly individualized treatment that includes medical services, evidence-based individual and group therapies, and dual diagnosis treatment for those who need it. You’ll participate in five to seven weekly treatment sessions, and each session will last several hours per day.
Engaging in step-down care can help ease your transition back to day-to-day life as you strengthen your coping and relapse prevention skills. Outpatient programs allow you to live at home or in transitional housing, so you may be able to work or attend school while undergoing treatment.
Although outpatient rehab frequently functions as step-down care, you may be able to start your treatment in an outpatient setting, depending on your needs. If your assessment determines you do not have a serious substance use disorder, beginning rehab in a PHP or IOP may suit you. However, you should have a strong support system and a stable home environment if you wish to begin treatment in outpatient care.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
Addiction recovery is a lifelong process that continues long after your treatment program ends. When you transition out of rehab, you’ll likely encounter triggers and stressors that challenge your recovery. An aftercare plan provides ongoing support and care to help you cope with challenging situations and avoid relapse.
Many Richmond alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs recognize the need for post-rehab support and provide individualized aftercare planning as part of treatment. Depending on your needs, your aftercare plan may include a variety of supportive services, such as:12
- Sober-living housing
- Recovery support groups, such as AA, NA, or SMART Recovery
- Individual and/or group therapy or counseling
- Alumni programs provided by your rehab facility
- Ongoing medication-assisted treatment or medication management
Although an aftercare plan aims to help you stay strong in your recovery, you may experience a relapse. Understand that if you do slip up, that does not mean you have failed. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects your stress response and your brain’s ability to regulate behavior. These effects can last a long time, so additional treatment and support may be necessary for you to get back on track.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Richmond Rehab for You
As you research Richmond alcohol rehabs and drug rehabs, think about your treatment needs, preferences, and priorities. Some factors to consider when choosing a rehab facility include:
The type of treatment you need: Whether you need inpatient or outpatient treatment will allow you to narrow down your options. Your pre-treatment assessment will help you determine which treatment setting is best for your needs.
Location: Determine if you prefer a more urban, downtown setting or a facility that’s more remote and secluded.
Cost of treatment: Consider whether rehab centers accept your insurance or offer financial assistance that can help you pay for your rehab program.
Visitation rules: If you want to spend time with family, choose a facility that has a visitor policy that works for you and your loved ones.
Amenities: If amenities are important to you, think about which ones you’d like access to. Private rooms, spa treatments, gyms, recreational outings, and organic meals can enhance your treatment experience and help you feel more comfortable.
Specialized treatment services: If you need treatment for a co-occurring mental health condition, look for facilities that offer dual diagnosis care. Some facilities also offer specialized programs for certain demographics, such as veterans, LGBTQ+ persons, and teens. Gender-specific treatment is also common.
What to Look for in a Quality Treatment Program
As you consider Richmond drug rehabs and alcohol rehabs, look for programs with specific qualities that indicate adherence to a high standard of care. The following factors are good indicators of a high-quality addiction treatment program.
Accreditation: Look for rehab facilities that are accredited by a national compliance organization, such as the Joint Commission or the Council or Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). These facilities have undergone extensive audits and have demonstrated adherence to the highest standards of addiction care.
Evidence-based care: Evidence-based therapies and practices provide the most effective form of addiction treatment. Some therapies and treatment services to look for include medication-assisted treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management, family therapy, and 12-step facilitation therapy.
Individualized treatment planning: Your needs are unique, and your treatment plan should be personalized to meet them. Look for programs that consider your physical, psychological, social, cultural, vocational, and medical needs when creating your addiction treatment plan.
Low staff-to-patient ratio: Programs that have low provider-to-patient ratios can offer more personalized attention throughout treatment because staff are not overwhelmed. Having highly attentive care can enhance your rehab experience and may improve your treatment outcome.
Family involvement: If involving your loved ones in your recovery is important to you, look for programs that provide family therapy. This type of therapy can be highly beneficial as it can help your family understand their important role in your recovery and allow them to support you.
Staff credentials: Quality programs provide treatment from highly educated and trained addiction experts. Look for facilities where staff members hold the proper licensing and certifications to provide addiction treatment services.
Aftercare planning and support: Aftercare is an important step on the continuum of addiction care as it can help you avoid relapse and stay strong in your recovery. Look for facilities that provide aftercare planning and services, such as alumni programs, that can help set you up for long-term recovery success.
Should I Travel to Richmond for Alcohol and Drug Treatment?
Traveling to a drug rehab in Richmond or alcohol rehab in Richmond can be highly beneficial for you if your local area does not offer the addiction treatment resources you need. If you want to eliminate day-to-day distractions, stressors, and triggers that exist in your normal, daily environment, traveling may also be good for you. Although the decision to travel for addiction treatment ultimately lies with you, you must consider whether your insurance covers treatment at Richmond rehab facilities. If it doesn’t, finances may interfere with your ability to travel.
Neighborhoods in Richmond to Consider for Treatment
Several neighborhoods comprise Richmond, Virginia, some of which may suit your treatment needs and preferences better than others. It may be in your best interest to choose a neighborhood that’s not known for its nightlife or crime, as proximity to these things may be triggering.
Some of the more serene areas of Richmond to consider for treatment include Church Hill, the Museum District, Byrd Park, Westover Hills, Woodland Heights, and Forest Hills Park. All of these areas are known for their serene natural environments, public parks, walking paths, and availability of outdoor activities. Throughout Richmond, you’ll have quick access to public transportation, which can allow you to get around the city with ease.
Drug and Alcohol Laws in Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Good Samaritan Law: Under this statute, any person who in good faith seeks emergency medical attention for a suspected overdose has limited protection from legal repercussions for drug-related crimes. To receive this protection, the persons reporting the overdose must remain at the scene, identify themselves, and cooperate with responding law enforcement officers.13
Richmond Adult Drug Court: This court-supervised, voluntary intervention and treatment program is an alternative to incarceration and/or probation. First-time offenders with substance use disorders and non-violent felony offenders are eligible for drug treatment court. The program is a highly structured, five-phase, outpatient addiction treatment program that requires a minimum 16-month commitment.14
Virginia Naloxone Standing Order: Under the Virginia State Health Commissioner’s standing order, persons at risk of an overdose can get naloxone from a pharmacist or other properly trained and authorized individual. Persons who may be in a position to assist someone experiencing an overdose can also obtain and administer this life-saving medication to someone who needs it.15
Searching online for “drug rehabs near me” or “alcohol rehabs near me” can make finding addiction treatment difficult. If you need assistance locating local rehab facilities that meet your needs and budget, we’re here to help. Call our confidential, 24/7 helpline at
800-926-9037
(
Who Answers?)
to explore your Richmond rehab options with a treatment support specialist.
Resources
- Virginia Department of Health. (2017). Community Health Assessment, Richmond City.
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Richmond, Operation Engage.
- Virginia Department of Health. (2020). Emergency Department Visits.
- Virginia Department of Health. (2022). Alcohol-Related Death in Virginia, 2016-2020.
- Virginia Department of Health. (2020). Drug Overdose Deaths.
- Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2016). Medicare Coverage of Substance Abuse Services.
- Medicaid.gov. (n.d.). Pathways for Covering Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.) Search for treatment.
- Frank, R. G., Beronio, K., & Glied, S. A. (2014). Behavioral Health Parity and the Affordable Care Act. Journal of Social Work in Disability & Rehabilitation, 13(1-2), 31-43.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (January 17, 2019). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction DrugFacts.
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 47. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US).
- McKay J. R. (2009). Continuing Care Research: What We Have Learned and Where We Are Going. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(2), 131-145.
- Virginia Legislative Information System. (2022). Senate Bill No. 639.
- City of Richmond, Virginia. (n.d.). Adult Drug Court.
- Virginia Department of Health. (January 14, 2022). Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone.
