Recovery from drug addiction can be difficult, especially during the college years. This has been made even more difficult due to the COVID pandemic, which has seen addiction rates skyrocket. Likewise, the American Medical Association reports that more than 35 states have seen increases in opioid-related deaths during this time period.

The necessary quarantine measures have promoted increased drug and alcohol use and isolationist behavior, and social distancing has made in-person gatherings problematic. This situation has resulted in an increasing need for addiction recovery resources because the normal avenues of the recovery process have become temporarily unavailable. Luckily, there are a variety of resources and tools available to aid recovery during the pandemic, and we have compiled a guide to provide these resources to any and all who could benefit from them.

Some addiction recovery resources in Virginia that may be especially helpful to students and faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic include the following:

  • Virginia Tech Recovery Community
    A component of Hokie Wellness, the VT Recovery Community is an addiction recovery fellowship specifically intended for Virginia Tech students. Headquartered in McComas Gym, Room 196, this community works to provide resources, connection, and fellowship to other VT students currently in recovery or looking for help.
  • Live Another Day
    Extensive information on mental health and substance use resources for people of color. Their mission is equal access to life-saving resources. They have guides for black, Latinx, Asian, and native people.

  • DetoxLocal
    Withdrawal from drugs and alcohol without proper supervision can be fatal. If you or someone you know is ready to stop using, browse available medical detox centers in Virginia and check in ASAP. If outside the state, try the IP-based detox locator. Not sure what to expect during withdrawal? Find detailed drug-specific withdrawal symptoms and timelines here.

  • New River Community Action
    A community resources page that provides information on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, along with resources to a variety of social, physical, and mental health and wellness services.

  • Drug Overdose Prevention & Support Guide
    Courtesy of The Summit Wellness Group, this is a detailed guide on overdose prevention in the era of COVID-19, including emergency medical service phone numbers around the world, opioid overdose prevention, Narcan accessibility, Narcan training resources, and what to do if you or someone you know is overdosing from opioids or other drugs.

  • 211 Virginia
    Provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services, this site is a hub for critical services in Virginia, and includes links to CommonHelp, a service to help with healthcare coverage; food services; child care assistance; and financial aid. Also included is a link to the Virginia Fresh Match program, a SNAP-EBT discount program that can double the value when used at certain locations. Finally, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks has seven food pantries across the state that provide food-assistance programs to those who may be struggling. All of these services have maintained operation during COVID, and the resources they provide may be especially helpful now.

  • New River Valley Community Services Crisis Intervention: 540-961-8400
    This crisis intervention and response service is available 24/7 to help anyone struggling with addiction or mental health issues. The website also provides links to a variety of addiction treatment services, including outpatient, inpatient, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs.

  • Virginia DMAS — Office-Based Opioid Treatment
    This government directory, which includes dozens of providers across Virginia, provides detailed contact information on a variety of MAT outpatient programs for those struggling with opioid use disorder.  

  • Yale Program in Addiction Medicine — Guidance for People Who Use Substances on COVID-19
    This harm-reduction guide for promoting safety during the COVID-19 pandemic includes safer using habits and best practices for maintaining healthy using habits.

This list barely scratches the surface. For additional addiction and mental health resources, check out NAMI’s COVID-19 Resource & Information Guide and Detox Local’s COVID-19 Addiction Resource Guide. Stay connected!

Written by Phillippe Greenough for Detox Local
Reviewed by Mike Smeth for Detox Local