Virginia Drug and Alcohol Addiction Helplines

Life can be tough. Sometimes it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or addiction that makes everything feel heavier than it should. And when it gets to that point, it’s easy to feel like you're dealing with it all alone.

But you’re not. Virginia offers a wide range of free drug abuse addiction recovery hotlines, hotlines for alcohol abuse, and crisis resources to support you or someone you care about.

These aren’t just drug and crisis helplines; they’re lifelines, staffed by real people who listen without judgment. Some are trained professionals, while others are peers who have walked a very similar path. And if you find yourself needing more than a phone call—something more hands-on and structured—reach out to Avenues Recovery in Virginia for expert, compassionate addiction treatment that can help you turn things around.

If You’re in Crisis: Call or Text 988

When you’re in emotional crisis, whether it’s suicidal thoughts, extreme anxiety, or just feeling like you can’t cope, dialing or texting 988 is a powerful first step. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects you to a trained counselor who will listen, talk you through what you're feeling, and help you find stability. It’s available 24/7, totally free, and completely confidential. They’re equipped to help with everything from panic attacks to serious mental health emergencies, and even provide resources tailored to your location in Virginia.

For people in Northern Virginia, CrisisLink is another excellent 24/7 option that's part of the 988 network but still has that local touch. If you're a military veteran or active service member, 988 offers an option just for you—just press 1 after calling. This connects you to the Veterans Crisis Line, where the responders understand the specific mental health challenges faced by veterans, like PTSD or transitioning back to civilian life. It's support that’s tailored, compassionate, and rooted in experience.

Addiction Struggles? These Lines Can Help

Addiction can feel incredibly isolating, but the truth is, support is out there and you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, the Virginia Substance Abuse Hotline (866-210-1303) is a warmline 24/7 for Virginia. You’ll be connected to someone who can guide you through treatment options, like those offer at Avenues Recovery Center’s Virginia location, or just help you process what you're going through at the moment. They won’t pressure or shame you; they’re just there to help you move forward at your own pace.

Another great addiction helpline number is Alive RVA, a peer-run warm line at 833-473-3782. What makes Alive RVA different is that it’s staffed by people in recovery themselves. These are folks who truly “get it,” because they’ve actually lived it. They’re available every day from 8 a.m. to midnight, and their goal is to offer real talk, practical tips, and heartfelt support from someone who's walked that same path. Whether you’re thinking about starting recovery or just need someone who understands, this line can be a lifeline.

Not in Crisis, But Need Someone to Talk To?

Sometimes you’re not in immediate danger, but your mental health still isn’t in a great place. Maybe you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or burnout and just want to talk to someone who understands. That’s where warm lines come in—these are designed for non-emergency support and offer a space to vent, reflect, or sort through your thoughts. One of the best warm lines in Virginia is run by Mental Health Virginia at 866-400-6428, staffed by peers who have firsthand experience with mental health challenges. They’re there to listen, not to judge or diagnose, and they genuinely care.
This warm line is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on weekends from 5 to 9 p.m. It’s perfect for times when you don’t need a therapist but could really use a heart-to-heart with someone who gets it. (They also offer support in Spanish during weekday afternoons.) These kinds of conversations can be surprisingly healing, especially when they come from someone who’s walked a similar road and knows what it's like to feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Difference between a Warm Line and a Hotline

You might be wondering – what’s the difference between a warmline and a hotline? This chart breaks down their differences in purpose, staff, use cases, and more.

Support for Families, Caregivers, and Loved Ones

Taking care of someone with mental health or addiction struggles can be just as overwhelming as going through it yourself. That’s where NAMI Virginia steps in. They offer a wealth of resources for families and caregivers, including support groups, free education programs, and a helpline staffed by people who know what it’s like to worry about someone you love. You can call the national NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-6264 to get connected with someone who can guide you through the chaos with calm, empathy, and understanding.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and feel you need more than just a phone call, reach out to Avenues Recovery in Virginia for expert, compassionate addiction treatment that can help turn your life around.

All it takes is one phone call.