Addiction Resources

Fentanyl was originally developed for managing severe pain in medical settings. Unfortunately, its extreme potency (about 50-100 times more potent than morphine!) has made it a dangerous substance in the illicit drug market, where even tiny amounts can lead to fatal consequences.

If you or a loved one are thinking about recovery, knowing what options are available when it comes to drug rehab can help you take that next courageous step forward.‍

The 12 Steps represent one of the most recognized and widely practiced approaches to addiction recovery in the world. Initially developed in the 1930s by the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), this framework has since been adapted to address almost every type of substance use disorder and behavioral addiction. 

Few medications carry as much public concern as fentanyl-based products. And this is for a good reason. Fentanyl is leading the way in terms of fatal overdoses in the opioid epidemic. Even small amounts can be life-threatening. 

Deciding to attend drug rehab is a brave and positive step in the right direction. While this decision is often difficult, you can feel empowered knowing you’re working toward reclaiming your life and overall well-being. However, if this is your first time entering rehab, you might have a few questions. What is it like? What do your days consist of? What activities are available?

A sober living house—also known as a halfway house or transitional housing—provides an important stepping stone post-rehab. For many, re-entering society without additional support can be detrimental to their recovery, resulting in setbacks and relapse. However, these houses can offer a bridge between rehab and real life.

Financial concerns keep many people from getting the help they need. But at the end of the day, addiction can be a powerful disease that can strain relationships, tear families apart, and disrupt every part of life. In many cases, it has tragic and fatal ends, making early intervention and treatment not just important but essential.

Congratulations on making the courageous decision to enter rehab. When preparing to enter an in-patient center, you might wonder: What can I bring? Is there anything that’s not allowed? Any recommended items?

Fentanyl test strips are making a big impact in the fight against opioids. These low-cost tools can detect whether fentanyl—a powerful and often deadly opioid—is present in drugs before someone uses them. And this small (but significant) step can be the difference between life and death. 

When addiction treatment becomes necessary, it’s only natural to have questions. Will you be gone for weeks or months? How long do you need to take off work? What timeline should you expect?

Making the decision to get the treatment you need is a courageous first step in the right direction. But it’s only natural to wonder how attending rehab will impact the rest of your life—such as a career that maybe you’ve worked hard to obtain or a job that’s supporting you and your entire family.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), often called alcoholism, is a long-term condition where a person struggles to stop or control their drinking—even when it causes problems in their health, work, or relationships. Around 14.5 million Americans aged 12 and older are affected by it, making it one of the most common substance use disorders in the U.S. Interestingly, researchers have noticed that alcoholism tends to run in families. 

Many know that it takes time for the body to detoxify alcohol. At the end of the day, alcohol is a substance that must go through the liver to be broken down. However, how quickly your body is able to do this depends on various factors—like body weight, genetics, age, how much alcohol was consumed, and the amount of food you ate.

Depending on the severity of your dependency or addiction, withdrawal from alcohol can be mildly uncomfortable for some while life-threatening for others. If you’ve been drinking excessively for some time, it can be difficult to stop—especially without professional help. But withdrawal symptoms can make quitting alcohol even more challenging.

The facts about fentanyl are undeniably scary, with even small doses being associated with fatalities. But can you overdose simply by touching this potent drug? The simple answer is no.

‍Over the last decade, it has become increasingly common for heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine to be cut with fentanyl—often without the user knowing. This deadly mix is becoming a leading cause of overdose deaths. And surprisingly, even just two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, depending on various factors such as body size.

With access to the right resources and care, recovery is possible. Whether you’re just starting recovery, helping someone you love, or staying strong in your sobriety, Richmond offers various support and resources to help you every step of the way.

Whether you’re concerned about a loved one or seeking help for yourself, knowledge is a powerful tool. Cocaine is a stimulant, often used as a party drug. But, depending on how it’s taken, its effects usually don’t last long, and this can lead users to take more—quickly increasing the risk of dependence and addiction. 

Fentanyl use is on the rise, including here in Richmond, Virginia. However, knowledge is power. Understanding fentanyl, its uses, what it looks like, how it affects the body, and more can potentially lead to real change, as well as help you and your loved ones avoid addiction or fatal overdoses. Even a small amount of fentanyl can be life-threatening. 

‍One of the main reasons individuals refuse or don’t consider getting help for their addiction is the financial obligations involved in rehab. Even without substance use, finances can bring about varying levels of stress. ‍Luckily, insurance can provide financial assistance—especially when you need it the most. But does Virginia Medicaid cover drug rehab? How does this work? 

You’ve likely seen interventions on TV shows and movies. But real-life interventions aren’t the same thing. In reality, there is much more preparation that goes into planning an intervention to ensure it’s supportive, constructive, and effective. It’s not simply gathering loved ones to confront the person struggling—it requires careful thought, the right approach, and often professional guidance.‍

When addiction touches a family, it doesn’t just impact one person—it ripples through everyone close to them. Loved ones often get caught in difficult and intricate behavioral patterns, sometimes without even realizing it. And this can make it even harder for their loved one to break free from the cycle of addiction and get proper help. 

The journey toward recovery can feel both uncertain and hopeful. Trying to understand your insurance coverage for addiction treatment can further add to any overwhelm—creating another barrier to getting the help you need. At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), our team is here to help. We accept Medicaid and most insurances, and can help verify your insurance, making it easier for you to take that first step toward recovery. Call us at 804-635-3746, or continue reading below for more information about insurance coverage for addiction rehab.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often arises from witnessing a traumatic or life-threatening event—such as military combat, serious accidents, assault, death of a loved one, terrorism, or natural disasters. With PTSD, many individuals develop a co-occurring condition, such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder (SUD).

Behind every addiction, there is a story—one of pain, struggle, and survival. Invisible wounds can fuel the vicious cycle of substance abuse. Addiction may emerge from trauma as an attempt to cope and regain some sense of control. 

Recovery from addiction goes beyond just healing the body. It’s also about working through the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that fuel substance use or develop as a result of it. ‍While a medical detox may take care of the physical side, one of the biggest hurdles toward lasting recovery often involves the emotional and mental side of things. Therapy creates a safe space to dig deep and uncover the root cause of your addiction. It helps you identify your triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and rebuild a life with purpose and joy.

Getting help for an addiction can feel scary and overwhelming. But understanding addiction and why it happens can help unravel what’s going on beneath the surface, providing clarity on the next step. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—support is available, and recovery is possible. Keep reading to learn more about addiction, your options, and other resources that can help.

Knowing what to do if an overdose occurs can save a life—whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a stranger. Behind every addict is a person. Someone with big dreams. Someone with people who love them. They could be a son, daughter, husband, wife, sister, or brother. ‍Yet, an overdose is an immediate medical emergency. It requires quick action, where minutes could be the difference between life or death. Recognizing the signs can give you the confidence to make life-saving decisions. In this article, we explore what to look for with an overdose and what to do.

Recovery is a very personal journey. It’s often filled with overcoming past habits and thought patterns, making difficult decisions, and, ultimately, healing and growth. But along the way, there’s plenty of hope to be found. However, not one single path is right for everyone—especially when it comes to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). What works for one person might not be the best for the next. This is why a personalized treatment plan is essential for your recovery. At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), we understand each journey is unique, and we offer personalized treatment plans for your specific situation and needs.

If you’re asking yourself this question, chances are the right time is right now. ‍Addiction can take on many forms. And surprisingly, many addicts effectively hide their addiction from their loved ones—until they can’t. Without proper help, it’s more than likely that your addiction will only get worse. This means that intervention as early as possible is essential to ensure no more harm comes to your health or life.‍ As time goes on, addiction can begin to impact not just yourself but those around you. It can negatively affect your relationships and impact your performance and attendance at work. In severe cases, it can consume your entire life. So, how exactly do you know that now is the right time? Below, we take a closer look.

Addiction can manifest in several forms. Sometimes, it can be unclear why someone is experiencing subtle changes in their mood and behavior. This is especially true since during the early stages of addiction, an individual may still be adept at attending to their regular responsibilities—such as work and family obligations.

While rehab offers a safe and supportive environment to get sober, integrating back into your daily life may involve new challenges and temptations. Fortunately, there are many ways to prepare for this and avoid or manage your triggers. 

‍In the midst of addiction, recovery can feel next-to-impossible. For many, they’ve tried to stop on their own but cravings and withdrawal symptoms have continued to fuel the cycle of addiction. And maybe this sounds all-too-familiar. However, recovery is possible; you don’t have to do it alone.

Drug use and associated overdose deaths have steadily increased across the United States in recent years. In Richmond, Virginia, this crisis has reached alarming levels, with the city ranking among those with the highest rates of fatal opioid overdoses in the state. ‍ Richmond—along with cities like Roanoke and Petersburg—had one of the greatest rates of fatal opioid overdoses in 2022. It’s undeniable that our city is an epicenter of Virginia’s ongoing drug crisis. However, the community is responding accordingly. ‍ With centers—like Freedom Recovery Centers—and the forming of Richmond Opioid Task Force (ROTF), there’s hope. The future may look very different from the past five or 10 years. Below, we take a closer look at current and past statistics and the future of the opioid crisis in Richmond.

Feeling anxious from time to time is completely normal. However, when these symptoms begin to interfere with everyday life, anxiety can become a problem—and disrupt your ability to function. This can signify that an anxiety disorder is at play. ‍With chronic anxiety, the unfortunate truth is that many people turn to unhealthy means to cope—including substance use. This can lead down a slippery slope toward addiction, causing even more issues. Below, we explore the intricate link between anxiety disorders and addiction and the treatment options available.

Bipolar disorder can dramatically impact a person’s day-to-day life. It can also lead an individual to misuse and abuse substances—commonly alcohol or cannabis—as a way to cope. In fact, about 40% of individuals with bipolar develop substance use disorders (SUD).While it’s not understood why some individuals develop both bipolar disorder and substance use disorder, there is help available. With Freedom Recovery Centers, our team is here to guide you toward lasting recovery and relief. Below, we explore the intricate connection between bipolar disorder and substance use and treatment options.

Depression can be a catalyst for addiction and substance abuse—and vice versa. This combination can make getting the help you or a loved one needs even more difficult. However, hope is not lost. 

Even a snowstorm couldn’t stop the journey to recovery. Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating this new beginning.

Recovery from addiction starts with the right support. Our drug rehab program in Richmond, VA, provides a safe and structured environment where individuals can heal and rebuild. With personalized treatment plans, expert care, and a supportive community, we’re here to help you break free from addiction and achieve lasting recovery. 

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Hope in Fighting Drug Crisis