Everyone’s Journey Starts Somewhere.

Whether you’re looking for support, learning new recovery tools, or wanting to help someone else, we’re here to connect you with free community resources.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a free, open support group that helps individuals seeking recovery from addiction. Through weekly meetings, you’ll learn practical tools to manage urges, handle emotions, and live a more balanced life.

What you’ll learn:

How to build and maintain motivation
Tools to cope with urges
Ways to manage emotions and actions
Steps to create a balanced, healthy lifestyle

Group Details:

Weekly group meetings
Mondays | 6:00–7:30 PM | 222 W. 19th Street, Norfolk, VA 23517
Tuesdays | 5:00-6:30 PM | 1100 First Colonial Rd, Va Beach, VA 23454
Free to attend | Anonymous | Open to the public
No pre-registration required

REVIVE Training

REVIVE! is Virginia’s free opioid overdose and Naloxone education program. This one-hour training teaches you how to recognize an overdose, respond safely, and administer Naloxone to reverse the effects.

What you’ll learn:

How to recognize the signs of an overdose
How to provide rescue breathing and basic life support
How to safely administer Naloxone
Virginia’s Good Samaritan Law and safe reporting practices
Steps for monitoring and follow-up care

Training Details:

Virtual classes, 8:00–9:00 PM
Free to attend
Classes every last Tuesday of each month
In-person group training available! Contact christopher.brydge@theupcenter.org to book.

Peer Recovery Support

Our certified Peer Recovery Specialists offer support, coaching, and connections to help you build a healthier life.

Recovery is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or both, our team walks alongside you with compassion, respect, and hope.

What You’ll Get:

One-on-one personalized support
Group support
Coping skills and practical strategies
Community resources and events
A personalized recovery plan

Join for Free

No-cost Programs

There is no cost to participate in your recovery.

Welcoming Community

Your peers have been there.
Everyone is welcome.

Support at Every Stage

Whether you're just beginning
or continuing your journey.

Peer Recovery

Carla

When Carla first began working with her Peer Recovery Specialist at The Up Center, she was struggling to find her footing. Mental health challenges had left her feeling

Carla

When Carla first began working with her Peer Recovery Specialist at The Up Center, she was struggling to find her footing. Mental health challenges had left her feeling disconnected from the world around her, unsure how to navigate daily life or rebuild the relationships she had lost along the way.

Peer Recovery

Derrick

For Derrick, freedom used to be something he could only imagine. After spending a third of his life incarcerated, he entered The Up Center’s Peer Recovery program with

Derrick

For Derrick, freedom used to be something he could only imagine. After spending a third of his life incarcerated, he entered The Up Center’s Peer Recovery program with a determination to make this new chapter different. He wanted stability, self-respect, and a life free from the cycles that had held him back for so long.

Peer Recovery

Maria

When Maria returned from rehabilitation, she knew that coming home would be one of the hardest parts of her recovery journey. Staying consistent, rebuilding structure,

Maria

When Maria returned from rehabilitation, she knew that coming home would be one of the hardest parts of her recovery journey. Staying consistent, rebuilding structure, and learning how to manage her daily life again felt overwhelming. But this time, she had support.

Peer Recovery

Dennis

When Dennis first came to The Up Center in December 2023, he was at one of the lowest points in his life. He was homeless, struggling with serious health issues, and ca

Dennis

When Dennis first came to The Up Center in December 2023, he was at one of the lowest points in his life. He was homeless, struggling with serious health issues, and caught in the grip of alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine use. Despite his challenges, there was one thing he still held onto—hope.

Peer Recovery

Jerome

When Jerome first connected with The Up Center’s Peer Services team in the fall, he was ready to make a change. After years of struggling with substance use, he had alr

Jerome

When Jerome first connected with The Up Center’s Peer Services team in the fall, he was ready to make a change. After years of struggling with substance use, he had already begun taking steps toward recovery—but he knew that sustaining it would take commitment, support, and connection.

Substance Use

Anthony

When Anthony first came to The Up Center, he needed a assessment to restore his driver's license after three DUIs. But what began as a court requirement quickly became

Anthony

When Anthony first came to The Up Center, he needed a assessment to restore his driver's license after three DUIs. But what began as a court requirement quickly became something far more meaningful—a turning point in his life. What started as a mandatory step toward regaining his license became the moment he decided to face the truth about his struggles, not only with alcohol but with the pain and

Substance Use

Joel

When Joel began his recovery journey with The Up Center, his thoughts often felt like his biggest enemy. Whenever life became stressful or uncertain, his mind would spi

Joel

When Joel began his recovery journey with The Up Center, his thoughts often felt like his biggest enemy. Whenever life became stressful or uncertain, his mind would spiral—pulling him back toward the same habits he was fighting to leave behind.

Substance Use

John

When John first came to The Up Center, he was seeking help for substance use. Years of internal struggle and depression had taken a toll on his relationships, his healt

John

When John first came to The Up Center, he was seeking help for substance use. Years of internal struggle and depression had taken a toll on his relationships, his health, and his sense of self-worth. Completing substance use treatment was a major step forward—but John knew his healing journey wasn’t over.

Substance Use

Katie

When Katie first came to The Up Center’s Suffolk office in April, she was ready to make a change. At 22 years old, she was facing the consequences of a DUI from the pre

Katie

When Katie first came to The Up Center’s Suffolk office in April, she was ready to make a change. At 22 years old, she was facing the consequences of a DUI from the previous year—a mistake that had led to a brief period of incarceration and a turning point in her life. Though she had stopped drinking, she was still using marijuana to cope with stress and uncertainty about her future.