First Step Program - Opioid Abuse
A partnership between the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, Police, Human Services, Emergency Medical Services, and Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center.
Macie Allen
The First Step Program provides individuals who are experiencing an opioid abuse disorder an opportunity to walk into any Virginia Beach Police precinct for assistance in obtaining treatment, rather than incurring a criminal charge or suffering an overdose.
Upon arriving, the individual would inform a VBPD officer that they would like to be screened by the Department of Human Services Pathways Center to determine if they are in need of medical detox or should be referred for another level of support or care.
Depending on their level of need, they may be taken to the Pathways Center, Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, or a Sentara emergency room prior to receiving detox services. No one will be denied service due to a lack of insurance.
Although The First Step Program cannot guarantee immediate bed availability at Pathways Center or Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, both facilities will work to provide resources and additional support services if an individual is placed on a wait-list until a placement becomes available.
While medical detox facilities are often able to accommodate those experiencing a mental health crisis, there are times when medical clearance at a Sentara Healthcare facility may be necessary before they can be admitted into either Pathways Center or Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center.
Emergency Medical Services may be called if the individual exhibits signs of a serious medical condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Location
Address
Zip Code
Phone
Individuals may come to the following locations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to seek help with their substance use disorder.
Physical signs:
- Noticeable elation/euphoria
- Marked sedation/drowsiness
- Confusion
- Constricted pupils
- Slowed breathing
- Intermittent nodding off or loss of consciousness
- Constipation
Behavioral signs:
- Doctor shopping (getting multiple prescriptions from different doctors)
- Mood swings
- Extra pill bottles turning up in the trash
- Social withdrawal/isolation
- Sudden financial difficulties
Opioid withdrawal symptoms (can be flu-like):
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Inability to sleep
Family or friends of those experiencing a substance use disorder may visit one of the police precinct "safe places" for assistance with initiating The First Step Program.
Narcan can be provided after a brief instructional session by contacting Pathways Center. Narcan is a nasal spray that may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose.
24/7 Crisis Hotlines
Pathways Center
Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center