Individuals Living with Addiction are Encouraged to Seek Help as Spike in Overdoses is Reported

Published Date: Apr 22, 2021

WINCHESTER – As an overdose spike is being reported in the region, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition is encouraging individuals who are living with addiction to reach out for help, before it’s too late. Since March 16th there have been three fatal overdoses reported and an additional 13 non-fatal overdoses reported in the region, bringing the total number this year to 12 fatal and 41 non-fatal overdoses.

There are a number of local resources available for community members who have a substance use disorder. Those in need, or friends and loved ones, are encouraged to make a call today.

Talk to Someone Right Now

  • Reach out to a sponsor, trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support.
  • Call the Peer2Peer Regional Warm Line where local Certified Peer Recovery Specialists are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-833-626-1490
  • Attend a virtual support group meeting. You can join online 12 step meetings through Narcotics Anonymous (narcotics.com), Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org), or SMART Recovery (smartrecovery.org). Many of the 12 step programs also offer phone or chat support.
  • The Within Reach Peer Resource Center is offering peer-led virtual support group meetings six days a week. Please see the attached flier with meeting times.
  • Download the “Connections” App on your smartphone which was launched by the Addiction Policy Forum.

Equip Yourself to Save a Life

  • Attend a REVIVE! Training and receive free NARCAN. The Northwestern Prevention Collaborative is hosting a virtual training on Friday, March 26th from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. To register visit: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpcO2hpz0jGNIbWGBbnHtYHu1eoa07w9tz?fbclid= IwAR0i5j4jgTUi1FhXNUkLBuiEybjZCx8Vre-Ca1XArNZDd-NwdU3OKWSHdgY
  • Receive free NARCAN from any of the Lord Fairfax Health District offices. Please call the office beforehand to schedule a pickup time. A list of the district offices and their contact information can be found here: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/lord-fairfax/districtoffices/.

Seek Treatment

  • Northwestern Community Services Board offers an array of services for substance use and mental health disorders. Please call 540-667-8888, option 1 to schedule an appointment.
  • If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call the Northwestern Crisis Line at 540-635-4804.
  • For additional treatment resources in the Northern Shenandoah Valley and beyond, visit www.roadtorecovery.info/treatment.

Support for Families

  • The Families on the Road to Recovery support group meets virtually twice a month. The next meeting is Thursday, March 25th at 6:30 p.m. Meeting ID – 851 5710 3269 Password – 430670 Link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85157103269?pwd=U0pBYUEvZ2dhM3FmVVFHNmlKUX Vydz09

If you suspect that a friend or family member has a substance use disorder you should talk to the person about your concerns and offer help and support without being judgmental. Your compassion and care could save their life.