For non-religious folks looking for recovery support services, it can be challenging to find programs that align with your values.
Popular 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are based on a belief in, and reliance on, God or some other higher power. While these organizations have a proven track record of success, for those who don’t have religious leanings, the culture can feel invalidating, hurtful, and unhelpful. Phrases like “God won’t give you more than you can handle” or “everything happens for a reason” can make an already suffering person feel like you have no control over your own life, adding to feelings of hopelessness.
Recovery from alcohol or drug abuse is a tough road, and surrounding yourself with the right people can be crucial to your success. If religion-based support isn’t right for you, read on to learn about non-religious recovery support options in the Greater Tidewater Hampton Roads Area of Virginia.
5 Non-Religious Alcohol Abuse Recovery Options in the Greater Tidewater Hampton Roads Area of Virginia
1. Your Nearest Community Services Board – Throughout Region Five
Virginia Community Services Boards (CSBs) provide their local communities with affordable and accessible substance abuse services and supports. CSBs offer peer and family support, as well as group and individual mental health counseling. Some locations also offer medical detox for substance abuse. The Region Five Area covers the Greater Tidewater Hampton Roads Area, also known as coastal, southeastern Virginia.
If you’re in Region Five, your CSBs include:
- Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Health (CIBH)
- Colonial Behavioral Health
- Eastern Shore Community Services Board
- Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board
- Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck Community Services Board
- Norfolk Community Services Board
- Portsmouth Behavioral Health
- Virginia Beach Community Services Board
- Western Tidewater Community Services Board
View Region Five CSB contact information here.
If you’re not in Region Five, you can find your nearest CSB here.
Related: Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Grief Support Groups in Coastal Virginia
2. SAARA of Virginia – Online or In-Person in Richmond
- SAARA (Substance Abuse & Addiction Recovery Alliance) of Virginia hosts peer support groups and events for sober individuals and those in recovery. They also provide the Alive RVA Recovery Warm Line and specialized services for young people in recovery.
- SAARA’s free recovery groups are available both in-person in Richmond, Virginia and online:
- Families in Recovery – Tuesdays at 6 pm, online
- All Recovery – Wednesdays at 10 am in Richmond
- All Recovery – Thursdays at 7 pm, online
Related: Can I Get Off of Drugs or Alcohol by Myself – Or Is It Really That Dangerous?
3. Weekly Recovery Groups from Meridian Psychotherapy Services – Virginia Beach
- Meridian Psychotherapy Services, LLC in Virginia Beach offers weekly recovery support groups.
- Healthy Recovery Groups meet on:
- Tuesdays from 12 pm to 1 pm and 5 pm to 6:15 pm
- Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
- Meridian also offers a specialized group for family members of those struggling with substance abuse:
- S.A.F.E – A monthly “psycho-educational group for friends and family of someone dealing with any type of dependency challenge”
4. Recovery Journal LLC – Chesapeake
- Recovery Journal LLC’s mission is to help “all those facing substance abuse problems, to overcome their dependence issues and live a normal and healthy life.”
- Recovery Journal offers group-based recovery programs, as well as aftercare group assistance for individuals that need extra support in learning how to live a healthy lifestyle from addiction.
5. SMART Recovery – Online
SMART Recovery is an evidenced-informed recovery method that includes weekly meetings with peers that are led by a facilitator. SMART Recovery meetings are not available in-person in the Region Five area, but are easily accessible online. All meetings are free and open to anyone.
Learn more about the program and see a list of online meetings.
Find Support for Your Recovery Journey in Region Five
Region Five is your central point of access to behavioral health support services in your community, including substance abuse support services. Our Peer and Family Support Program provides our community members with peer support groups for individuals in recovery. These groups are led by peers, individuals who identify as someone who has a lived experience with substance use or addiction recovery.
Peer Support allows individuals in recovery to get support and encouragement from someone who’s already been through what they’re experiencing. Peer Support Specialists have typically completed recovery successfully, meaning that they can also serve as a role model and symbol of hope for individuals struggling with substance abuse.