Most people do not know what to expect before calling an inpatient detox center, and that alone can make the first step harder. At Niagara Recovery, the admissions process is designed to move quickly, treat people with respect, and make it easier to get into care without added stress. An established rehab facility in Newfane should make that process feel clear from the start, especially when someone is already dealing with enough.

This guide walks through what happens from the first phone call to the first day on-site. It gives a plain picture of how intake works, so there is less guesswork around what comes next. Knowing the process ahead of time can make it easier to reach out and follow through.

Step 1: The First Call

You do not need a physician referral to contact us. Self-referrals are accepted, and family members can call on behalf of someone else to ask questions and gather information without the person's permission.

When you call (716) 265-3700, our intake team conducts a brief clinical screening over the phone. This is not an interrogation. It is a short conversation to understand your situation, assess the level of care you need, and confirm that medically supervised inpatient detox is the right fit. The call typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Insurance Verification

Once the clinical screening is complete, our intake team verifies your insurance coverage before you arrive. We accept all insurance, including Medicaid, most commercial plans, and cash or self-pay.

You will know what your plan covers before you commit to an admission date. There are no surprises at the door. If there are any out-of-pocket costs or authorization requirements, the intake team will explain them clearly during this step.

Step 3: Scheduling Admission

After insurance is confirmed, an admission date is set. Same-day or next-day admission is often available, depending on bed availability across our 15 detox beds and 35 rehabilitation beds. The intake team will tell you exactly what to bring, what time to arrive, and what to expect on your first day.

If you are helping a family member get admitted, this is the step where you confirm transportation and any logistical details. Our team can assist with coordination where possible.

Step 4: Arrival and Physical Examination

On arrival at our Newfane facility, you are greeted by our clinical staff and begin the intake process. A full physical examination is completed by our medical team, overseen by Dr. Harnath Clerk, our Medical Director, who is responsible for all aspects of clinical care across our programs.

Your substance use history, current medications, and medical background are reviewed in detail. This information directly shapes your individualized treatment plan and determines the withdrawal management protocol the clinical team will use during detox.

Step 5: Beginning Detox

Once intake is complete, you are assigned to a room, and the detox phase begins. Our nursing staff, led by Director of Nursing Kathleen, monitors vital signs around the clock. For alcohol, opioid, and benzodiazepine withdrawal, clinical oversight during this period is not optional. It is what makes the process safe.

Where clinically appropriate, medication-assisted treatment is used to reduce withdrawal severity. This includes buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid use disorder and supervised protocols for alcohol withdrawal. Medications are adjusted as your condition changes throughout detox.

Step 6: Transition Into Rehabilitation

When you are medically stable, the clinical team begins preparing your transition into our 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program. Because detox and rehabilitation take place in the same facility, there is no transfer, no new intake process, and no gap in your care.

For those with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health conditions alongside substance use, co-occurring disorder treatment is integrated into the rehabilitation phase from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to be admitted? No. You can call our intake team directly at (716) 265-3700 without a referral from a physician or hospital. Referrals from emergency departments, social service agencies, and courts are also accepted and can help move the process faster.

How long does the admission process take? The initial phone screening typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Insurance verification usually happens within a few hours. From the first call to the confirmed admission date, most people have a plan in place within the same day.

What if I am not sure whether I need detox or rehab? The intake screening is designed to help answer that question. Our clinical team assesses your situation and recommends the appropriate level of care. You do not need to know the answer before you call.

Can a family member call for me? Yes. A family member or anyone close to you can call to ask questions and gather information. They can also assist with the coordination of admission logistics. The person seeking treatment will need to consent to admission, but the initial call does not require that.

What if I have insurance but am not sure what it covers? Call us, and we will handle the verification. Our intake team confirms your specific coverage, explains what is authorized, and walks you through any costs before your admission date. You do not need to navigate the insurance system on your own.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one is seeking compassionate and professional addiction treatment, Niagara Recovery is here to help. Reach out to us to begin the journey toward recovery.

Facility Address: 2600 William St, Newfane, NY 14108

  • Intake Phone: (716) 203-8000
  • Facility Phone: (716) 265-3700

Email: admissions@niagararecovery.com 

Office Hours: Monday–Sunday: 24 hours

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