How does Gateway Connect approach alcoholism and drug addiction?
Gateway echoes the American Medical Association’s definition, which has recognized and defined alcohol addiction as a primary disease, not a secondary symptom of an underlying psychological or medical illness. Today that definition has been extended to define all chemical addictions as "chronic, progressive diseases characterized by significant impairment directly associated with persistent and excessive use of psychoactive substances. Impairment may involve physiological, psychological, or social dysfunction.”

What is addiction and how does it work?
Addictive substances act on a single area of the brain called the pleasure center. Addiction disorders are caused by repeated exposure to alcohol or addictive drugs. As the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of the addictive substance, the chemistry of the brain changes and becomes dependent on that substance.

Without the addictive substance, the brain becomes imbalanced and craves more of the substance to restore its balance. Addictive substances can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and the craving can be overwhelming. In fact, craving can occur long after withdrawal, triggered by seemingly unrelated feelings or events. That’s one of the reasons addiction disorders tend to be chronic life-long struggles.

What does the initial assessment entail?
The initial assessment is an over-the-phone or web interview to help us gain a general overview of your condition and to determine the level of care that would best meet your individual needs. If treatment is required, a more in-depth assessment is made at another time.

How much will it cost me?
The cost of treatment varies depending upon each individual’s needs. Gateway Connect has a sliding scale fee rate so that no one is ever turned away.

Do you take insurance?
Yes, Gateway Connect accepts insurance from many providers.

Why are addiction disorders so hard to overcome?
Addiction disorders are difficult to overcome for a number of reasons, not the least of which is their invisibility. Addiction disorders regularly go undetected until they are well developed and their victims deep within their throes. In a society that sanctions "Happy Hour", social stigmas attached to these disorders keep people from seeking help even though few, if any, ever recover from this insidious disease without help. Untreated, the result is pain, hospitalization, heartbreak and death.

What is the difference between residential and outpatient services?
Residential services require you to live on campus throughout your treatment, while outpatient services enable you to continue living at home and going to work throughout your treatment.

How long does treatment last?
The length of treatment varies depending on each individual’s circumstances. However a reasonable guideline is 6 to 8 months, excluding continuing care.

What are the benefits of e-therapy?
There are many benefits to e-therapy. In addition to eliminating travel and those long bouts in the waiting room, e-therapy can reduce typical inhibitions people sometimes have in face-to-face situations and, like all Gateway services, it is completely confidential.

E-therapy is especially beneficial for people who are unable to travel to appointments, including, those with special needs such as the handicapped, the deaf, non-ambulatory people and the elderly; people in rural or remote locations; people with very busy schedules; those uncomfortable with the stigma of traditional counseling and people who suffer from anxiety disorders.

How do I know I have a problem?
You know you have a problem if your drinking or drug use interferes with your ability to carry out normal functions, creates trouble in your work, family and other relationships, or makes you feel guilty. Click here to fill out our questionnaire.

Will Gateway Connect keep my information confidential?
Yes, Gateway Connect keeps all client information confidential. Nobody will know you even contacted us, unless you tell them.

Does Gateway Connect provide services over the phone?
Yes, we offer comprehensive treatment over the phone. Call us toll-free at 1-877-389-9966 to learn more.

How does e-therapy differ from traditional therapy?
The “e” in e-therapy stands for electronic. E-therapy is similar to traditional therapy except that it is administered online. You will still establish a relationship with a therapist and you will still participate in ongoing conversations over time. The main difference is you will be in one location, your therapist will be in another and you will be communicating via computer. All you need is a computer and access to the Internet.