Shared by Evelyn Zak, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
Here are some national, regional and local Richmond, VA resources for those in the addiction and recovery community. There are many here that have that, “Wow, that’s cool vibe.” So if it’s not in your area, it may be an idea that inspires you. At the bottom are recommended books and movies.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)– National
12-step support– National
- AlAnon/ NarAnon/ Families Anonymous /- For families with loved ones who suffer addiction
- AA-Alcoholics Anonymous
- NA-Narcotics Anonymous
- HA-Heroin Anonymous
- Gambler’s Anonymous
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) -National
Our mutual support meetings are free and open to anyone seeking science-based, self-empowered addiction recovery.
Refuge Recovery-National but located in Oregon
Refuge Recovery is a non-profit organization grounded in the belief that Buddhist principles and practices create a strong foundation for a path to freedom from addiction.
Celebrate Recovery -National
Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.
Y12SR (Yoga of 12-step Recovery) -National
Addiction is often spoken of as a physical, mental and spiritual disease – making yoga a powerful adjunct to 12-step programs.
CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)-National
Teaches family and friends effective strategies for helping their loved one to change and for feeling better themselves. CRAFT works to affect the loved one’s behavior by changing the way the family interacts with him or her.
The Fix Website-National
Center for Motivation & Change– National
A unique, private group practice of dedicated clinicians and researchers in New York City specializing in the treatment of substance use and compulsive behaviors. As a group of dedicated clinicians and researchers, we are driven by an optimism about people’s capacity to change and a commitment to the science of change.
Family Education Programs at Caron -Pennsylvania
At Caron, we believe that the patient is the family and the family is the patient, meaning that families are just as deserving and in need of care as their addicted loved ones. Our interactive, educational Family Education Programs at Caron Pennsylvania allow families dealing with an addict to participate in the healing process. Through our programs, patients and families receive a solid understanding of addiction, coping skills, healthy boundaries, the process of enabling addiction and 12-Step programs.
RAMS in Recovery at VCU, Richmond, VA
Rams in Recovery is VCU’s Collegiate Recovery Program which works to ensure that students do not have to choose between their recovery and their education. We support students inside and outside the classroom, organize events and trips, offer recovery housing and scholarships, and provide space and support for recovery meetings. Listing of campus and near campus recovery meetings and events listed on website.
REAL LIFE Community Center , Richmond, VA
406 E. Main Street, Richmond
The REAL Life Community Center (RLCC) opened in December 2017 as a catalyst for overcoming adversities, (primarily due to substance use disorders, homelessness, or incarceration), sustaining sobriety, and providing a pathway to a thriving future through cultivating stronger families, gaining meaningful employment, and improving personal interaction skills, while building a foundation of faith. Due to an additional need we quickly began to see with women who are pregnant and battling addiction, or pregnant and recently released from incarceration, we also have an Expectant Mother Program that utilizes a specialized Case Manager who works directly with women in these situations.
RVA Light , Richmond, VA
504 W. Broad Street, Richmond
RVA
Light is a leveling ground where we meet people “where they’re at” by offering
a welcoming environment with a neutral coffee shop setting. Coffee shops
provide physical warmth and comfort, and coffee is a social beverage that sets
the mood for conversation. We also host a variety of classes on life skills
designed to empower our neighbors to meet their own personal goals and to find
stability and hope in their lives. Coffee, Community, Christ
The Healing Place, Richmond, VA
The Healing Place is a long-term peer-driven residential recovery program serving the Greater Richmond community. The Healing Place program includes a workforce development program, a transitional sober living community, and an active Alumni Association to support lifelong sobriety. They offer services at no cost. Services are currently available for men and will be available for women by 2020.
- In Raleigh, NC: Healing Transitions, Men’s and Women’s Campus
- In Louisville, Kentucky: The Healing Place, Men’s and Women’s Campus
Daily Planet Health Services, Richmond, VA
Their mission is to provide accessible, comprehensive, and integrated quality health services to anyone regardless of their housing, financial or insurance status.
The Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Virginia is a grassroots recovery community organization. We transform communities through hope, education and advocacy for addiction prevention, treatment and recovery. All friends of recovery are invited and welcome to join us. Our members include individuals in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction, their families, friends and dedicated community supporters.
Community Service Boards, Central VA area
Community service boards are the county mental health resources.
- Henrico Area Mental Health
- Richmond Behavioral Health Authority
- Chesterfield Mental Health Support
- Goochland-Powhatan Community Services
- Community Service Board Hanover
Relevant Reading:
- Refuge Recovery by Noah Levine
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Mate’
- The Great Work of Your Life by Stephen Cope
- The American Fix by Ryan Hampton
- Clean by David Sheff
- Unbroken Brain by Maia Szalavitz
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
- The Recovering by Leslie Jamison
- Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
- Inside Rehab by Anne Fletcher The Bench by Joel Elston
- Integral Recovery by John Dupuy Chasing the Screen by Johan Hari
A Few Films/Videos:
- 28 Days
- When a Man Loves a Woman
- Beautiful Boy
- Everything Must Go
- The Anonymous People
- My Name is Bill W
- When Love is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story Clean and Sober
- Owning Mahoney
- Flight
- Unguarded (by ESPN)
- Andy Irons: Kissed by God Pleasure Unwoven Memo to Self
You can find Evelyn Zak at here at her website
Thank you for this extensive list of resources.