BRIDGING THE GAPS (BTG) in Winchester, Virginia, about an hour's drive west of Washington, was founded by Stan Stokes for the purpose of providing a physiological/biochemical rebalancing approach to addiction recovery. Stan was motivated to find integrative methods for more effective treatment by the high rate of relapse he saw with traditional treatment and, more recently, with the use of prescription medications.

BTG was established to do just that: bridge the gaps between what was being done in treatment and what he believed was possible with biochemical rebalancing. This process of rebalancing the brain chemistry is a model in progress at BTG.

BTG combines knowledge from credentialed colleagues and consultants to develop a well founded and rounded program. Dr. David Miller, Merlene Miller M.A., and Julia Ross are consultants to the program and provide training and guidance in nutritional/biochemical therapy (both intravenous and oral), nutritional counseling, client education, and relapse prevention.  The unique programs at BTG focus on an integrated approach to the physiological rebalancing as well as the psychological, emotional, spiritual and social facets of recovery. The programs incorporate many treatment modalities including intravenous nutritional therapy, oral nutrient therapy, Acu-detox, nutritional counseling, physical exercise and yoga, to aide an individual's health recovery. In addition, all programs are enhanced with a relapse prevention skills training program developed by Merlene and David Miller.

By adhering to a program of healthy eating habits, structured daily exercise, meditation, relaxation, and restful sleep, the recovering individual will be much better equipped to stay sober. Having re-balanced brain chemistry and identified warning signs, triggers, and high risk situations in a real life setting and actively participated in a 12-Step program, the recovering resident will enjoy the encouragement and support needed to make the transition to sober living.

The spirit of Bridging the Gaps is captured in this writing by Dr. Ben:

The BTG Spirit

"We are here because in the end there is no refuge from ourselves. Until we confront ourselves in the eyes and hearts of others, we are merely running. Until we share our secrets, we have no safety from them. Afraid to be known, we can know neither ourselves nor any other-we are alone. Where else but in our common ground can we find such a mirror? Here, together, we can at last appear clearly to ourselves-not as the giants of our dreams or the dwarfs of our fears-but as individual parts of a whole, with a share in its future. In this place, we can each take root and grow, not alone anymore as in death, but alive to ourselves and others ... to finally serve a higher purpose."