Programmes
Types of addiction and rehabilitation stages
MIDAS works with adults experiencing substance-related dependence or loss of control over behaviour. The specific path of help is decided after an initial assessment.
How should this directory be read?
The directory covers the main clinical groups of substances and problematic behaviour; no page can list every street name or new mixture. You can ask for a consultation even when the exact substance is unknown.
A name in the list is not a diagnosis and does not mean automatic admission to the MIDAS residence. Acute medical risks and the need for detoxification are assessed at MMS clinic first, followed by a discussion of rehabilitation suitability.
Substance-related dependence
Substance-related forms of dependence
The groups below cover concerns involving alcohol, psychoactive substances, medicines and mixtures of unknown composition.
A substance can have many names and mixtures. This page does not provide withdrawal or medication instructions; medical decisions are made by an MMS specialist.
Alcohol
Examples: Beer, wine, spirits and other alcoholic drinks.
MIDAS focus: Withdrawal and other medical risks are assessed at MMS clinic first. MIDAS work addresses situations linked to drinking, denial, emotions, relationships and a personal plan to reduce the risk of returning to alcohol use.
Read the related articleOpioids
Examples: Heroin, morphine, codeine, tramadol, fentanyl and other natural or synthetic opioids.
MIDAS focus: Overdose, withdrawal and the need for medication are assessed at MMS. After stabilisation, MIDAS work addresses triggers, craving, daily structure, relationships and the risk of returning to use.
Read the related articleCannabis products
Examples: Marijuana, hashish and other forms of cannabis.
MIDAS focus: Assessment considers effects on everyday life, motivation, sleep, study or work and relationships. The plan covers habits, emotional regulation and alternative responses in high-risk situations.
Read the related articleSynthetic cannabinoids
Examples: “Spice”, K2 and synthetic cannabinoid mixtures of unknown composition.
MIDAS focus: Because composition and effects can be unpredictable, an acute condition is medically assessed first. Rehabilitation then focuses on risk factors, behaviour, emotions and a stable daily routine.
Read the related articleAmphetamine-type stimulants
Examples: Amphetamine, methamphetamine and other stimulants in this group.
MIDAS focus: Sleep, mood, agitation and medical risks are assessed. MIDAS work focuses on the cycle of use, impulse control, high-risk environments, stress and rebuilding routine.
Read the related articleCocaine
Examples: Cocaine in its different forms.
MIDAS focus: After assessing the pattern of use and health risks, the plan addresses craving, triggers, impulsive decisions, financial and relationship consequences and prevention of return to use.
Read the related articleSynthetic cathinones
Examples: Mephedrone, “bath salts” and other synthetic stimulants with changing composition.
MIDAS focus: With an unknown mixture, severe agitation or altered consciousness, medical care comes first. MIDAS then addresses the use cycle, environment, emotions and a personal risk plan.
Read the related articleMDMA and related substances
Examples: MDMA, MDA, tablets and mixtures sold as “ecstasy”.
MIDAS focus: Composition and consequences are clarified. Rehabilitation covers situations linked to repeated use, changes in mood and sleep, peer influence and safer everyday habits.
Read the related articleSleep and calming medicines
Examples: Benzodiazepines, sleeping medicines, anxiolytics and other sedatives.
MIDAS focus: Abruptly stopping some medicines can be dangerous; MMS determines the medical plan. MIDAS addresses medicine-related habits, anxiety management, sleep routines and risk of returning to misuse.
Read the related articleHallucinogens and psychedelics
Examples: LSD, psilocybin and other substances that strongly alter perception.
MIDAS focus: Substances in this group do not all produce classic dependence in the same way. Assessment examines harmful use, fear, changes in perception and everyday consequences; psychiatric or medical care may need to come first.
Read the related articleDissociative substances
Examples: Ketamine, PCP and other substances in this group.
MIDAS focus: Medical and mental state are assessed. When MIDAS is appropriate, work addresses reasons for use, changes in behaviour, impulse control, relationships and a stable routine.
Read the related articleInhalants and volatile substances
Examples: Glue, solvents, aerosols, gases and other volatile substances inhaled for intoxication.
MIDAS focus: Acute poisoning may be the first risk, so necessary medical care is not delayed. After stabilisation, MIDAS addresses situations of use, behaviour and safer alternatives.
Read the related articleNicotine
Examples: Cigarettes, naswar, e-cigarettes, vapes and other nicotine products.
MIDAS focus: Frequency, triggers and health are assessed. An appropriate plan focuses on managing urges, changing routines and strengthening supports against return to use.
Read the related articleCaffeine and strong stimulant products
Examples: Coffee, energy drinks, caffeine tablets and high-dose mixtures.
MIDAS focus: Heavy use alone does not establish dependence. Assessment looks at sleep, anxiety, palpitations, control and everyday impact; suitability for the MIDAS programme is determined individually.
Read the related articleOther medicines and psychoactive substances
Examples: Prescription or over-the-counter medicines, GHB/GBL and other substances outside the groups above.
MIDAS focus: Having a prescription does not rule out a problem, while correct prescribed use does not itself establish dependence. A physician assesses medicines; rehabilitation is tailored to behaviour and life consequences.
Read the related articleMixed or unknown substances
Examples: Several substances, a street-named mixture or a product with unknown contents.
MIDAS focus: You do not need an exact substance name to ask for help. Acute risk and medical needs are assessed first, followed by an individual plan based on observed behaviour, harm and needs.
Read the related article
Behavioural addictions
Addictive and other problematic behaviours
Professional assessment may be appropriate when control weakens, the behaviour takes priority over other areas of life and continues despite harm.
International classification recognises gambling disorder and gaming disorder as disorders due to addictive behaviours. Other patterns are not automatically labelled addictions; their causes and the appropriate path of help are assessed individually.
Gambling and betting
Examples: Casinos, slots, lotteries, sports betting, bookmakers and online gambling.
MIDAS focus: Assessment covers control, time and money, debt, concealment and family impact. MIDAS work addresses triggers, thinking patterns, impulse control, financial boundaries, alternative routines and family support.
Read the related articleVideo gaming
Examples: Online or offline computer, console and mobile games.
MIDAS focus: Time spent gaming alone does not establish a disorder. Assessment looks for impaired control, priority over other parts of life and continuation despite harm; the plan is tailored to routine, impulses, sleep and social skills.
Problematic internet, social media and phone use
Examples: Endless scrolling, social networks, messaging or uncontrolled content use.
MIDAS focus: This is not automatically a separate addiction diagnosis. Assessment considers what the behaviour does and its effect on sleep, study, work and relationships; when suitable, digital boundaries and everyday alternatives are developed.
Loss of control over shopping and spending
Examples: Compulsive shopping, impulsive orders, concealed spending and mounting debt.
MIDAS focus: Triggers, emotions and impulses behind financial harm are examined. When MIDAS is suitable, work covers pausing and decision skills, money boundaries, accountability and clear family agreements.
Difficulty controlling sexual behaviour or pornography use
Examples: Repeated pornography use or sexual behaviour that continues despite conflict with work, family, safety or values.
MIDAS focus: Classification is assessed individually. With confidentiality, work considers triggers, impulse control, consent and safety, relationships and links with other mental health concerns.
Repeated uncontrolled eating behaviour
Examples: Eating in response to emotion, repeated loss of control or harmful eating cycles.
MIDAS focus: It should not automatically be labelled “food addiction”. Where an eating disorder or medical risk may be present, specialist medical and psychiatric assessment comes first; suitable behavioural work at MIDAS is decided afterwards.
Compulsive behaviour around work or exercise
Examples: Being unable to stop working or exercising despite harm to rest, health and relationships.
MIDAS focus: This behaviour may be connected with anxiety, mood, perfectionism or another concern. After assessment, when the programme fits, work focuses on boundaries, emotional regulation and a balanced routine.
Other repeated destructive behaviour
Examples: Other hard-to-control repeated actions that harm the person or those close to them.
MIDAS focus: Not every repeated behaviour is an addiction. The initial assessment examines cause, risk and fit with MIDAS; another specialist or service is recommended when needed.
Seven stages of the rehabilitation process
1. Initial assessment and individual plan
The enquiry, informed voluntary consent, needs and risks are reviewed. Any necessary medical stage is decided at MMS, followed by an individual rehabilitation plan.
2. Adaptation and motivation
A stable working relationship with the specialist is established, with adaptation to the programme and recognition of the problem. Psychoeducation and introductory group work are added when the person is ready.
3. Core individual and group work
Work addresses triggers, emotions, denial, impulse control, decisions, relationships and everyday behaviour. Practical tasks and family involvement, with the participant’s consent, are planned.
4. Correction and stabilisation
Skills are practised in more complex life situations. Personal risk factors are identified and a plan is developed to reduce the risk of returning to problematic behaviour.
5. Consolidating change
Skills are increasingly applied independently. Remaining difficulties are identified and high-risk situations are practised again.
6. Completing the core programme
Changes, readiness for independent life and any continuing support plan are reviewed together with the specialist.
7. Continuing support
Stability is monitored through agreed individual or group meetings, remote contact or support groups. If difficulties return, the support plan is reviewed.
See the programme in photographs
Photographs of group sessions, physical activity and the residence environment are collected in a separate gallery.
How long does the programme take?
An estimated duration is discussed during the initial assessment. A specialist may shorten or extend stages according to your needs, current situation and progress. Moving to the next stage depends on readiness to use skills independently as well as time.
The consultation also covers your proposed stay at the residence and support afterwards.
Support after rehabilitation
The programme provides for support after rehabilitation. Depending on your needs, options to discuss include individual or group meetings, remote contact and support groups.
This period provides space to discuss everyday difficulties, the skills you have learned and whether further help is needed.
When MIDAS is not the right setting
A rehabilitation residence is not a place for emergency medical care. If there is an immediate risk to life or health, seek emergency help first.
Any necessary medical stage takes place at MMS clinic before rehabilitation. A specialist assesses your situation to determine where to start.
Short answers about dependence and rehabilitation
Which dependencies and problematic behaviours does MIDAS work with?
Following an initial assessment, MIDAS considers problems involving alcohol, opioids, cannabis, stimulants, sedative medicines, other psychoactive substances, and mixed or unknown substances. Gambling disorder, gaming disorder and difficulties controlling internet use, shopping, sexual behaviour, eating, work or exercise are assessed individually.
Does detoxification take place at the MIDAS residence?
No. Acute intoxication, withdrawal and the need for detoxification are assessed at MMS clinic first. Once the person is stable, suitability for rehabilitation at the MIDAS residence is discussed separately.
What are the stages of rehabilitation at MIDAS?
The process has seven broad stages: initial assessment and an individual plan, adaptation and motivation, core individual and group work, correction and stabilisation, consolidating change, completing the core programme, and continuing support. The specific plan and duration are individual.
Does a dependence name on the site mean a diagnosis or guaranteed admission to MIDAS?
No. A name in the directory is not a diagnosis and does not mean automatic admission to the residence. A specialist first assesses the person’s condition, risks, medical needs and suitability for rehabilitation.
Could the programme suit you?
The first conversation explores your needs, goals and options for support.