FAQ

Answers to your questions

Mending Bridges is here to help answer any questions you may have regarding addiction treatment at our programs.

What is Detox?

Detoxification, or detox, generally refers to the process of removing toxins from the body. In the case of substance use, detox specifically refers to the period of time that the body is allowed to process or metabolize any drugs and alcohol in the system and, in doing so, clears their toxic influence.

There are two main types of detoxification offers at a treatment center:

  • Medically assisted (or medically supervised) detox
  • Clinically managed (“social”) detox

This type of treatment is done under the care of medical and mental health professionals. The observation is helpful to increase safety and comfort levels for people undergoing the painful symptoms and potential medical complications that may result from ending substance use. At times, medications can be administered to ease the process and reduce the strong cravings for the substance that typically are experienced at this point.

This style is a short-term, non-medical strategy for someone wanting to end substance use. Some social detox settings will only provide a room for detox to take place while others will provide more hands-on treatment approaches including peer encouragement and professional support throughout the detox duration.

Relapse should not be viewed as a failure but should instead be seen as an obstacle to overcome on one’s lifelong journey to sobriety. It provides an opportunity to reassess one’s path and get back into a program that offers the support and help needed to maintain sobriety.

Many people who are struggling with addiction undergo more than one course of professional treatment before they are able to find their footing in their recovery journey. Ultimately, the only person who can manage your addiction in the long term is you, and rehab will help you build the skills necessary to maintain sobriety.

Medically-assisted detox is most appropriate for people with substance dependencies involving:

  • Acohol
  • Hypnotic/sedative drugs like barbiturates and benzodiazepines
  • Opioids like heroin, morphine, and prescription pain medication

Drug and alcohol withdrawals occur when someone who has been abusing a particular substance suddenly stops or slows down the use of the drug. When someone is crossing the line into addiction, they build what is called a tolerance, which means that over time they will need more and more of the same drug in order to achieve the same results or feelings.

Tolerance slowly evolves into dependence and addiction if the drug or alcohol abuse does not subside. Once a person has become physically dependent on a drug just to feel “normal”, they experience withdrawals when they haven’t had their typical dose or amount of that drug.

As with many chronic conditions, though there might not be an outright cure for addiction, it can be managed effectively. Regardless of any treatment duration, drug and alcohol addiction recovery doesn’t conclude after the patient completes a rehabilitation program. For many, recovery from substance use is an ongoing, lifelong process. Managing an addiction requires hard work and dedication as a person learns how to navigate through daily life without drugs and alcohol.

Insurance is often accepted at drug rehabilitation programs. However, the extent of coverage may vary according to the particular facility. Your insurance plan may cover only a portion of your rehabilitation stay, so it’s important to check your insurance plan prior to enrolling in a drug rehab program. Visit our Insurance Verification page to learn more and to fill out our confidential insurance benefit verification form.

Insurance Can Help

We work with most major insurance providers to make treatment affordable. Our team is here to assist with insurance verification, so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.

Why Us?

At Mending Bridges, we take an innovative approach to addiction treatment, setting ourselves apart through our commitment to individualized care, professional excellence, and compassionate support. Here’s what makes us unique:

Take the First Step Today

Your path to healing begins here. Contact us now to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one take the first step toward lasting recovery.