Top 30 Alcohol & Drug Rehab Centers in Norfolk, VA & Free Treatment Resources

Norfolk, Virginia, is a coastal metropolitan area that’s home to more than 235,000 residents.¹ If you are struggling with addiction, there are over 50 accredited alcohol and drug rehab centers in Norfolk.² There are facilities near the river, trails, or scenic coastline, as well as in trendy urban neighborhoods with diverse restaurants and shops. Whatever your specific needs or preferences are, you’re sure to find a program that’s right for you.

The 2020 drug statistics for adults 18 years and older in Norfolk, Virginia, who used alcohol were as follows:¹

About 54% reported having at least one drink of alcohol in the last 30 days.

Close to 16% reported binge drinking.

About 5% met the criteria for heavy drinking.

From 2018 to 2020, statistics from region 5, an area that includes Norfolk, Virginia, showed the following for adults:²

The cost of drug and alcohol rehab in Norfolk depends on the type of services you receive, your source of funding, and the organization providing the services. The cost may be higher if you receive care for more than one substance, and the service setting also affects the cost.

Additionally, you can expect outpatient treatment to be less expensive than inpatient.³

Are There Low-Cost and Free Drug Rehab Centers in Norfolk?

The city of Norfolk provides state-funded programs through the Norfolk Community Service Board (NCSB).⁴ State-funded drug rehabs in Norfolk, Virginia, are supported with public funds, primarily Medicaid.⁴ Virginia Medicaid provides free and low-cost health coverage for pregnant women, children, and adults, including people with disabilities.⁵

Do Medicare and Medicaid Cover Rehab Center Costs?

Yes, Medicare and Medicaid cover services for certain groups of people in Norfolk, Virginia. Medicare covers rehab for people who are 65 years and older, as well as those younger than 65 with a disability.⁶ You may receive Medicare coverage for necessary and reasonable services, such as:⁷

• Screening
• Referrals
• Brief interventions
• Outpatient
• Inpatient
• Partial hospitalization

Virginia Medicaid covers rehab for people with low income who meet the income qualification for their household size.⁵ Virginia Medicaid has no monthly premiums or enrollment fees for people who meet their income requirements.⁵ You may receive coverage for the following services under Virginia Medicaid through NBCS:⁴

• Case management
• Housing support
• Therapy
• Support services
• Outreach
• Psychiatric care
• Medical care

Yes, private insurance companies cover at least some of the cost of addiction treatment. Private insurance companies are required to cover addiction treatment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The MHPAEA requires group health plans and health insurance companies that offer addiction benefits to provide the same level of benefits for addiction treatment as medical/surgical care.⁸ The ACA extends the MHPAEA protections to individual health insurance.⁸

You can expect to move through care from one level of the continuum to another during the process. Prior to rehab, you can expect an assessment from your provider. Information from the assessment will be used to guide the treatment plan. The process may include a medical detox in the first stage to help manage withdrawal symptoms.¹⁰

Medical Detox

Medical detox consists of interventions for managing the emotional and physical symptoms that occur when you stop taking drugs or alcohol.¹⁰ Medical detox is only the initial phase of rehabilitation. It is not a replacement for comprehensive addiction treatment because it doesn’t address the conditions associated with substance use. Medical detox will have very little effect on long-term drug use.¹⁰ However, detox helps you stay safe and comfortable during addiction treatment. Medical detox helps to become medically stable when you stop substance use.

Inpatient Drug Rehab in Norfolk

Inpatient rehab is an intensive service provided in an inpatient hospital setting.¹⁰ Inpatient drug and alcohol rehabs in Norfolk, Virginia, offer services 24 hours a day from an interdisciplinary team. A benefit of medical detox is that the team is available at all times to address serious medical and mental health conditions.¹⁰

Outpatient

After inpatient, you may step down to an outpatient program such as a partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, or standard outpatient program.¹⁰ You may start in an outpatient setting if you have mild addiction and strong support.¹⁰ Step-down care is a great option if your environment supports recovery, but you need some structure to prevent relapse.

Standard outpatient treatment: The standard outpatient program is appropriate as the first level of care if you have a mild to moderate substance use disorder or have completed a more intensive treatment. You can expect to meet 1 to 2 times a month for a standard outpatient program. You may need additional support for the standard outpatient program, such as recovery-supportive housing if your current environment is not conducive to recovery.¹⁰

Intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment (IOPs): Most intensive outpatient programs offer group counseling and education. Intensive outpatient programs may help you build on the skills you learned in rehab, such as useful communication and healthy ways of interacting.¹⁰ You may stay in an intensive outpatient program 2 to 5 days a week for several months.10 This schedule will provide structure as you build on your skills.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): Partial hospitalization programs are used as a step-down option after completing residential treatment and are usually available 6 to 8 hours a day during the work week. These services are considered intensive but less restrictive than residential programs.10 Partial hospitalization is appropriate if you live in an environment that supports recovery but needs structure to avoid relapse.

Recovery is a lifelong process. You may need support after you complete addiction care to ensure post-rehab success. Substance use can affect many areas of your life, and successful treatment should address all the affected areas. You can work together with your team to develop a plan that supports recovery success by considering your preferences and needs.

Alcoholics Anonymous

AA is a 12-step aftercare support service for recovery from alcohol use that is self-led by the members. The members discuss their status, problems, and experiences and learn from each other.10 A.A. members concentrate on their personal goals for change. Participation in A.A. is voluntary, and there are no membership fees.¹⁰

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) is an aftercare support group based on the 12-step model.10 N.A. is similar to A.A. but focuses on narcotic use. Members have a history of chronic narcotic use and discuss their experiences and problems to support recovery.¹⁰

Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes have a substance-free environment.10 Residents in sober living are required to attend a 12-step program. You are likely to live with a leader or house manager in a sober living home.¹⁰

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is an aftercare support group that uses behavioral change as an approach to recovery. The meetings are led by facilitators who follow their principles to help you change your behavior.¹¹ The SMART Recovery approach to behavioral change includes building and maintaining the motivation to change, coping with the drive to use, managing behaviors, feelings, and thoughts in a healthy way with no addictive behaviors, and living a healthy, balanced, and positive life. There are no membership fees for SMART Recovery groups, but donations are welcome.

Ongoing Therapy

Ongoing therapy can help you change your behavior and attitudes associated with drug use.12 Therapy can help you manage triggers and stressful circumstances that lead to relapse.12 You may change your behavior and prevent relapse with ongoing therapy options, including cognitive behavior therapy, contingency management, motivational enhancement therapy, family therapy, and 12-step facilitation.¹²

You may consider the cost, location, features, treatment approach, and program rules when choosing the right Norfolk alcohol rehabs.

Treatment Approach

Rehabs and detox centers in Norfolk, Virginia, use different approaches, and some offer multiple approaches. Common approaches include holistic, faith-based, telemedicine, and motivational interviewing. You should consider the treatment approach when choosing a facility so your care is tailored to your needs and personal preferences. For example, you may consider choosing a rehab with a faith-based approach if your faith is a source of support and coping strategy.

Location

You should consider the location when choosing a drug rehab in Norfolk, Virginia. You may need support from your family and friends and need to choose a facility close to them. Some people prefer a different environment during treatment to get away from the places and people associated with substance use.

Treatment Cost

The cost of care in Norfolk should be an important consideration when choosing your facility. You should consider choosing a rehab with a cost that meets your budget to minimize the financial impact of treatment.

Features

Features, such as funding options and payment assistance, are important to consider. With some services requiring thousands of dollars, you should consider payment options. Consider a facility with payment assistance options if you have no health insurance.

Program Rules

Program rules like visitation are important considerations. You may rely on family support during rehab. You should consider family visitation when choosing the right facility to make sure that your family can visit and provide the support you need.

Norfolk alcohol rehabs provide descriptions of their main features. These features can inform you about the quality of care you can expect to receive during care. You should look for features such as program accreditation, credentialing of staff, utilization of treatment plans, and the use of evidence-based practices and therapies in quality programs.

Use of Evidence-Based Practices

Evidence-based practices have been shown to be effective in reducing the use of drugs and alcohol and improving functioning and health.¹⁰ You should look for the use of evidence-based practices in a quality program because it is an indication that you are likely to have the best outcomes after rehab. Evidence-based practices include medications, behavioral therapies, and recovery support services.¹⁰

Individualized Treatment Plans

Effective treatment caters to the needs of the individual and not their drug or alcohol use.10 You should look for the use of individualized plans in a quality program to ensure that the plan will be tailored to your needs and preferences. An individualized plan will also utilize your strengths, resources, potential, and ability to maintain recovery.¹³

Program Accreditation

Program accreditation is a process that ensures a rehab meets the nationally accepted standards for addiction treatment.¹⁴ An accredited program in Norfolk is expected to comply with all the laws and regulations of Virginia.¹⁴

Credentialed Staff

Credentialing of staff ensures that you receive the highest level of care from providers at the drug rehab in Norfolk, Virginia.¹⁵ The ability of credentialed staff to provide care has been thoroughly examined.

Aftercare Planning

Aftercare refers to the outpatient treatment you receive after completing an intensive outpatient or residential treatment.¹⁰ Aftercare services provide support to prevent relapse and help you stay on track.¹⁰

Your decision to travel to Norfolk, Virginia, for alcohol and drug treatment will depend on your personal preferences, needs, and your funding sources. Norfolk, Virginia, is located on the East Coast with scenic beaches, trails, and numerous cultural attractions. You may consider receiving treatment in Norfolk for the following reasons:

• You cannot find your preferred services in your current community.
• You prefer to receive care in a coastal community.
• You have a strong support system from friends and family in Norfolk.
• You want to move away from an environment associated with drug use.
• You prefer the weather in Norfolk, Virginia.

Norfolk, VA, has many neighborhoods with distinct characteristics that can cater to your unique needs during rehab. Popular neighborhoods in Norfolk, Virginia, include Downtown Norfolk, Chelsea, Ghent, Neon District, Ocean View, and North Colley.

Downtown Norfolk: Downtown Norfolk is known for its buzzing restaurant scene, music, art, and waterfront.

Chelsea: Chelsea is an appealing neighborhood in Norfolk, Virginia, for foodies.¹⁶ The famous Elizabeth River Trail is located in Chelsea.¹⁶

Ghent: Ghent is a walkable eclectic neighborhood with a culturally diverse restaurant and shopping scene.¹⁶ Ghent is centrally located and close to the Naval base as well as Downtown Norfolk.¹⁶

NEON District: The NEON District is the artsy part of town with musicians and artists.¹⁶ The spectacular Chrysler Museum, performing arts, and a working glass studio are located in the NEON District.¹⁶

Ocean View: Ocean View is a seven-mile waterfront community in Norfolk, Virginia, with a diverse population that includes retirees, young professionals, and families.¹⁶ Ocean View is located between Little Creek Amphibious Base and the Norfolk Naval Base.¹⁶

North Colley: You will find some of the trendiest restaurants in the city in North Colley.¹⁶ The Lafayette River flows close to the North Colley neighborhood.¹⁶

Several laws in Virginia support drug and alcohol misuse treatment. These laws are important if you plan to choose rehab for you or your family in Norfolk, Virginia.

Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention: HB 1821 is a Good Samaritan overdose prevention law in Virginia that protects you when helping a person during a drug overdose. The Good Samaritan law prohibits the arrest or prosecution of a person for unlawful possession of drugs and alcohol in public if they are assisting someone experiencing an overdose.¹⁷ You can give them naloxone or call emergency services without fear of being arrested or prosecuted.

Court Orders: Virginia law includes a court order for rehab and or education services for a non-Class 1 felon whose screening reveals a substance use problem. A certified substance abuse counselor conducts the substance abuse assessment.¹⁸ The court will determine the most appropriate service if they recognize the need for rehab.¹⁸

Insurance Coverage: Virginia law delineates the required insurance coverage for drug and alcohol rehab. You can expect your insurance company to cover the following for inpatient and partial hospitalization drug and alcohol services:¹⁹

• A minimum of 20 days per policy or contract year for an adult
• A minimum of 25 days per policy or contract year for a child

For outpatient visits, the insurance provider is required to pay for a minimum of 20 outpatient visits for a child or adult per policy or contract year.¹⁹

1. Norfolk, Virginia Population 2020 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs). (n.d.). Worldpopulationreview.com. 
2. FindTreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov. 
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). 2018-2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Substate Age Group Tables, Percentages (samhsa.gov).
5. Peterson, C., Li, M., Xu, L., Mikosz, C. A., & Luo, F. (2021). Assessment of Annual Cost of Substance Use Disorder in U.S. Hospitals. JAMA Network Open, 4(3), e210242.
6. City of Norfolk. (n.d.). Norfolk Community Services Board.
7. Cover Virginia. (2022). Our programs.
8. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2015). What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
9. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2016). Medicare Coverage of Substance Abuse Services.
10. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance Help.
11. Findtreatment.gov.(n.d.). Searching for treatment options.
12. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Facing addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health [Internet]. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (U.S.).
13. SMART Recovery. (2022). Our Approach: Key Areas of Awareness and Change.
14. National Institute on Drug Addiction. (2022, March 22). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction.
15. Andakra-Christou, B., Randall-Kosich, O., & Totaram, R. (2021). Designing an “Ideal” Substance Use Disorder Treatment Center: Perspectives of People Who Have Utilized Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. Qualitative Health Research, 31(3), 512-522.
16. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Certification of opioid treatment programs (OTP).
17. Patel, P. & Sharma, S. (2021, October 30). Credentialing.
18. Norfolk Department of Economic Development. (2022). Neighborhood Commercial Areas.
19. Virginia’s Legislative Information System. (n.d.). HB 1821: Experiencing or reporting overdoses; prohibits arrest and prosecution.
20. Commonwealth of Virginia. (2022). 18.2-251.01. Substance abuse screening and assessment for felony convictions.
21. Commonwealth of Virginia. (2022). § 38.2-3412.1. Coverage for mental health and substance use disorders.