SAARA of Virginia

About SAARA of Virginia

SAARA of Virginia is a statewide recovery advocacy organization based in Richmond supporting clients and communities affected by substance use disorder. The organization offers peer led recovery groups and a recovery warmline as well as harm reduction education and court connected support for adults navigating substance use challenges.

Peer-Led Recovery Groups and Warmline

SAARA’s core strength is its peer led recovery support delivered by trained Peer Recovery Specialists who bring lived experience to every connection. The organization offers free recovery groups both online and in office welcoming clients, family members, and loved ones alike.

These groups address mental, physical, spiritual, and financial recovery needs in a supportive and nonjudgmental setting. Participants also have access to a recovery warmline for encouragement and connection extending support well beyond a single meeting or session.

Advocacy, Training, and Harm Reduction

Beyond peer support SAARA focuses on advocacy and education with harm reduction throughout the community. The organization provides REVIVE! naloxone and opioid overdose training, peer recovery specialist training, and court connected support through Richmond’s Behavioral Health Docket. This combination helps extend recovery resources beyond traditional clinical treatment.

Edited by: Kimberly Hawkins, MSc

Last Updated: July 29, 2026

Addiction Treatment Programs

Alcohol Rehab
The best way to achieve recovery from alcohol use disorder is by completing a high-quality alcohol rehab in Virginia and applying the tools you learn to stay in sobriety. During this program, you’ll work with professional counselors to deal with the psychological, emotional, and physical issues that alcohol misuse can cause. Over time, you’ll learn how to live without drinking long term.
Dual Diagnosis
For many people in Virginia, dual diagnosis treatment that addresses mental health and substance use is essential to their recovery. A successful recovery may require counseling, peer support, and even mental health medication to help you manage your mental health symptoms and find better coping strategies.
Opioid Addiction
Facilities that offer substance use treatment in Virginia can give you the skills and tools you need to break free from opioid addiction. High-quality treatment lays a foundation for sobriety and helps prevent relapses by giving you new ways of thinking, better coping skills, and a better understanding of key life skills such as emotional regulation and communication.
Drug Rehab
If you’re ready to overcome substance use disorder, a drug rehab in Virginia can give you the tools you need. During this program, you’ll work with professional counselors to deal with the psychological, emotional, and physical issues that substance misuse can cause. Over time, you’ll learn how to live without drug use long term.
Adult Program
Adult program programs in Virginia address the specific needs of this stage of life. Adult programs may include detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient care, aftercare services, and more. In addition, they will help you navigate the challenges you face in daily life.
Men's Rehab
A men’s rehab in Virginia can provide every level of care while addressing the unique needs of men. Men’s programs may include detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient care, and aftercare services. They will also provide education around gender-specific concerns such as fatherhood, healthy relationships, and more.
Women's Rehab
Choosing a women’s rehab in Virginia can be a great way to manage gender-specific issues while also addressing substance use. Women’s programs may include detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient care, aftercare services, and more. They will also address issues specific to women such as motherhood, being a working mother, having healthy communication, and more.

Insurance Coverage

Self-pay options
One way to pay for rehab in Virginia is using self-pay, where you write a check, use a medical loan, or send money to the center electronically. This gives you maximum flexibility in choosing the center you prefer. The fee structure may vary depending on the type of treatment.
Financing available
If a treatment program has financing options available, you can use them to help pay for substance use treatment in Virginia. Financing options include payment plans, grants, scholarships, or even medical loans. These payment methods can make getting the help you need much more affordable.
Free
When looking for ways to get addiction treatment in Virginia, consider looking for free rehabs. Many free rehabs are run by the local state or county, so that’s a good place to start looking. You’ll want to ensure the treatment is evidence-based and the program is operated by qualified professionals.

Levels of Care

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Outpatient Rehab
If you struggle with addiction in Virginia, outpatient care is one option for rehab. You’ll live at home or in sober living outside of sessions. There are several goals in outpatient treatment. Some sessions may be focused on education about a certain topic, while others allow clients to discuss a specific issue they face.

Therapies

Group Therapy
If you struggle with addiction in Virginia, it’s common to feel like no one understands you. Group therapy can help you find common perspectives and support. There are several goals in group therapy. Some sessions may be focused on education about a certain topic, while others allow clients to discuss a specific issue they face. Overall, the group members hold each other accountable and provide encouragement.
Individual Therapy
In Virginia, individual therapy allows you to work one-on-one with a professional to address your past experiences and substance use triggers. This support and accountability help you establish recovery. Individual therapy is only one element of rehab treatment, along with activities, peer support, group counseling, relapse prevention, and more. Together, all these methods support you in establishing long-term recovery.