April is Alcohol Awareness Month. It’s a time to talk openly about alcohol use and where to find help.

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) offers many services for people who want to make changes in their relationship with alcohol. Whether you are just starting to wonder about your drinking or if you need more support, we are here to help at every step.

Entry, Assessment and Referral

The first step is reaching out to our Entry, Assessment and Referral (EAR) team. EAR helps people figure out what kind of support they may need. Staff listen without judgment, ask questions, and guide you to the right services, whether that’s with the CSB or with another provider.

The goal is to make it easy to begin the journey toward better health. You don’t need a diagnosis or a referral—just reach out.

Behavioral Health Outpatient Program

The CSB’s Behavioral Health Outpatient Program (BHOP) supports people who want to reduce or stop their alcohol use while still living at home.

Through BHOP services, people meet with counselors to learn healthier coping skills, understand triggers and build a support system. Services can include individual therapy, group therapy and case management. 

This program is a good fit for people who want structured help without entering a hospital or residential setting.

Detox services

For some people, stopping alcohol use can cause withdrawal symptoms. Detox services provide short-term, medically supervised support to help people safely stop drinking. Staff monitor health, offer medications if needed and give emotional support. 

Detox is not a long-term treatment plan. But it is an important step for many people. Once detox is complete, staff will connect you the next level of care.

Residential treatment

Some people need a place where they can step away from their daily environment and focus fully on recovery.

Residential treatment provides 24/7 support from trained staff. People in this program receive counseling, learn new skills and create a plan for long-term recovery. This setting is structured, supportive and designed to help you build a strong foundation for the future.

Peer Outreach Response Team

The Peer Outreach Response Team (PORT) supports people experiencing recent overdose or other serious challenges with substance use by offering outreach, guidance and peer-based support.

The PORT team is made up of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists. These specialists have lived experience of overcoming substance use disorder and understand what recovery can look like. They provide recovery planning, navigation to treatment and other services, and encouragement toward making changes toward recovery.

PORT meets with people by phone, in community settings such as coffee shops, and in service settings such as courts, residential treatment, jail, and hospitals. It offers long-term, flexible support to help you stay engaged in your recovery journey.

You are not alone

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol use, help is available. You may also take a brief confidential survey at Aiberry - Digital MindCare.

Recovery is possible, and many people in our community have taken these steps and built healthier, more hopeful lives. The CSB is here to guide you, support you and walk beside you—one step at a time.

Contact the CSB

To access these services, call the CSB’s Entry, Assessment and Referral Unit at 703-383-8500 TTY 771. They are open Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

For emergency mental health or substance use issues, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.

Contact for media inquiries: CSBCommunications@fairfaxcounty.gov