The State Opioid Response Grant is used to fund medications to treat opioid use disorder and Peer Recovery Specialist support. Peers share lived experiences, give hope, provide education and resources and provide advocacy. 

This program is designed to assist Virginia Beach residents trying to conquer an opiate addiction. The funds will help break down barriers to successful treatment by aiding participants with transportation and resource information. 

The program will also provide increased treatment support, such as residential or outpatient services.

Virginia Beach residents are eligible for the program based on the following criteria:  ​

• Virginia Beach residency
• Diagnosed opioid use disorder
• Does not have insurance to cover medication for opioid treatment
• Not currently enrolled in a medications for opioid treatment program with other funding

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to heroin, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, or other opioid drugs, contact the Virginia Department of Human Services, at:

• (757) 264-2314 for MAT funding
• (757) 402-6190 for peer support
• (757) 385-6956 for detox services​
• VBOpioidtx@vbgov.com​

Individuals accepted into the program will need to sign a Release of Information (ROI) form for the Opioid Prevention Treatment (OPT) clinic of choice. They will also need to sign ROIs for any child care service, hotel, residential service, etc. that will utilize payments through this program.

Signs of Opioid Abuse

Physical signs that someone may be over-using an opiate:

• Noticeable elation/euphoria
• Marked sedation/drowsiness
• Confusion
• Constricted pupils
• Slowed breathing
• Intermittent nodding off, or loss of consciousness
• Constipation

Behavioral signs that someone may be over-using an opiate:

• Doctor shopping (getting multiple prescriptions from different doctors)
• Mood swings
• Extra pill bottles turning up in the trash
• Social withdrawal/isolation
• Sudden financial difficulties

Opiate withdrawal symptoms (can mimic flu symptoms):​

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Inability to sleep