What is addiction?

Addiction is a strong mental and physical dependence on, most commonly, a drug or other substance. Some substances that can lead to addiction are alcohol, illegal drugs, some prescription medicines, inhalants (such as spray paint), and nicotine.

Symptoms of addiction

A person with an addiction usually has three or more of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Needing more and more of the drug or substance to have the same effect, or getting less effect from the same amount of the drug or substance over time (tolerance)
  • Being unable to stop using the drug or substance without having uncomfortable symptoms (withdrawal symptoms)
  • Taking the drug or substance in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended
  • Being unable to cut down or control use of the drug or substance or having the persistent desire to do so
  • Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug or substance
  • Not being able to meet obligations to family, job, or other activities because of drug or substance use
  • Continuing to use the drug or substance even though it is physically or psychologically harming the person

Most people with addictions also have strong cravings for the drug or substance.

The tendency to have addiction problems can be passed from parents to their children (inherited). This tendency often is accompanied by mental health problems, such as depression.

Begin your journey toward healing at Mirmont Treatment Center

At Mirmont Treatment Center - with locations in MediaBroomall and Exton, Pennsylvania - we take a unique mind-body approach to drug and alcohol recovery. Building on a 12-step foundation we integrate mindfulness and body-centered therapies into our drug and alcohol treatment program. With this holistic approach to addiction, we’ve helped thousands of people 18 and over on the journey to recovery from alcohol and drug dependency.

Talk with your health care provider

If you have questions about addiction, talk with your health care provider. Knowing more about addiction can help you make informed decisions regarding drug use.

Treatments

Treatment for Heroin Addiction

In treatment for heroin addiction, it’s important to choose a drug and alcohol treatment center that has a medical doctor on staff and where you can receive medication-assisted treatment to minimize the harsh effects of withdrawal symptoms.

Treating Opioid Addiction

Going “cold turkey” is not an option for most people when it comes to treating opioid addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and many people who have reached this stage of addiction require medical oversight as well as drug addiction treatment and support.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction uses a combination of counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorders. MAT has been scientifically proven to lead to better treatment outcomes. MAT helps to stabilize brain chemistry, block the effects of illicit opioids, and alleviate physical opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab located just outside of Philadelphia addresses physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of addiction, and holistic approaches such as mindfulness and body-centered therapies are integral to evidence-based addiction treatment and recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

One of the top-rated dual diagnosis treatment centers in the Philadelphia region, Mirmont takes an individualized approach to treating patients through clinical assessment, psychiatric evaluation, medication management and therapy, as well as co-occurring support group sessions.

Individualized Treatment Plan for Addiction

At inpatient and outpatient locations in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, we help patients develop an individualized treatment plan for addiction based on individual needs and goals for drug and alcohol recovery, and to work safely through issues that may have fueled addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Medically Monitored, Inpatient Drug Detox and Alcohol Rehab

Located just outside of Philadelphia, we are a medically monitored, inpatient drug detox and alcohol rehab center that helps patients through detox—with minimal side effects and a program specifically tailored to individual patterns of substance use.

Substance Use Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Depending on the severity of addiction and other circumstances, our IOP drug and alcohol treatment—providing structured, concentrated care and support while a person continues to live in their own home—might be the right treatment option.

Young Adult Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Mirmont Outpatient Center in Broomall provides a mental health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for young adults ages 18-25.

Services

Addiction

Mirmont Treatment Center locations offer individualized treatment and rehabilitation care for those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.

Mental and Behavioral Health

Discover how Main Line Health helps those who struggle with mental illness and substance use live healthy and fulfilling lives.