Addiction Resources for Downtown Richmond, VA 

Downtown Richmond residents have access to a range of public services, community programs, and peer support networks designed to meet people wherever they are in their journey. This guide focuses on free, low-cost, and community-based resources available right here in Richmond. 

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Immediate Help and Crisis Support

For immediate help, follow the instructions below.

Emergency Services

If someone is unresponsive, has stopped breathing, or shows signs of overdose—blue lips, gurgling sounds, pinpoint pupils—call 911 immediately. 

Richmond’s emergency responders are trained in overdose response and carry naloxone. And ultimately, Virginia’s Good Samaritan law protects individuals who call for help during an overdose from arrest for drug possession, so don’t hesitate to make that call.

Crisis Hotlines and Helplines

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. 

SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) also provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority operates a 24/7 crisis line at 804-819-4100 for psychiatric emergencies. When you call, trained staff will listen without judgment, help assess the situation, and connect you with appropriate next steps—whether that means mobile crisis support, referrals to treatment, or simply a compassionate ear.

Naloxone Access and Overdose Prevention

The Richmond and Henrico Health District Resource Centers offer walk-in naloxone dispensing Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The City of Richmond has also installed harm reduction vending machines stocked with naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and personal hygiene items at no cost. The first machines are operational at Marshall Plaza (900 E. Marshall St.) and Southside Plaza (4100 Hull St.). Anyone can use the machines—all you need is to plug in a zip code.

Virginia’s REVIVE! program offers free in-person training on how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses using naloxone.

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Public and Community-Based Services in Downtown Richmond

If it’s not urgent, but you or a loved one still requires help in downtown Richmond, here is more information regarding services and programs.

Richmond City Health District Services

The Richmond City Health District provides substance use screening, naloxone distribution, and harm-reduction education. And it’s worth knowing that Virginia law protects participants in needle exchange programs from prosecution for possession of paraphernalia when it's incidental to services provided through a comprehensive harm reduction program.

The Health District also partners with community organizations to conduct outreach events and public education workshops throughout Richmond.

Community Outreach and Harm Reduction Programs

Health Brigade operates Richmond’s Comprehensive Harm Reduction/Needle Exchange Program, providing free needles, cookers, filters, wound care supplies, safer sex supplies, and naloxone to reverse overdoses. The program is need-based, not one-for-one, meaning participants do not have to return used syringes to receive new ones.

Typical weekly service locations include:

• Mondays, 5-8 p.m.: Clinic site at 1010 N. Thompson Street, Richmond, VA
• Tuesdays, 12-3 p.m.: Mobile site at Lucks Field (1813 “T” Street at Rogers)
• Wednesdays, 12-3 p.m.: Mobile site on the Northside (Newbury Ave & Meadowbridge Rd.)
• Thursdays, 12-3 p.m.: Mobile site at the corner of Dinwiddie & Jefferson Davis
  
  

It’s recommended to call (804-358-6140) or visit the Health Brigade website to confirm current hours and mobile-site locations before going. No ID is required to participate. 

Peer Support and Recovery Meetings

Richmond Intergroup manages the Richmond-region AA meeting directory and staffs phone volunteers 24 hours a day. Dozens of AA meetings take place throughout the Richmond area each week, including open meetings welcoming anyone interested in learning about recovery. 

The Richmond Metropolitan Area of Narcotics Anonymous (RVANA) also maintains a meeting directory and operates a hotline at 800-777-1515.

NA and AA meetings in Richmond are held at churches, community centers, and clubhouses throughout the city, with options for beginners, women-only groups, and various formats including speaker meetings, step studies, and discussion groups. These meetings are free, confidential, and led by peers in recovery. 

Family members can further find support through Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings, which help loved ones understand addiction and develop healthy coping strategies.

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Telehealth and Virtual Support Options

Virtual counseling and telehealth appointments have expanded access to addiction treatment for Downtown Richmond residents who face transportation barriers or prefer the privacy of remote services. 

RBHA and other providers offer telehealth options for counseling and follow-up care. Online AA and NA meetings also provide accessible support for those who cannot attend in person.

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Support for Families and Loved Ones

When supporting your loved one, it’s important you take care of you, too! Here are some resources to help you ensure you support your mental health every step of the way.

Family Counseling and Education Services

Addiction affects entire families. Thus, many community organizations offer family counseling and education to help loved ones understand addiction as a medical condition, set healthy boundaries, and support recovery without enabling harmful behaviors. 

GRAPLE is a grief recovery group in Richmond that meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. on the third floor of The McShin Foundation, providing support for those who have lost someone to addiction.

Whether you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, the  Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC) can help. Call us today at 804-635-3746. Recovery is possible.