Erie, Pennsylvania

Introduction to Erie, Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania lake port city of Erie is located in the northwest corner of the state along the shore of the lake for which it is named, Lake Erie, a name which is derived from the Eriez Indian tribe. Situated about halfway between the cities of Cleveland, Ohio (to the west) and Buffalo, N.Y. (to the east), both of which are about 95 miles away, Erie was once known as the Gem City but has more recently been come to be known as the Flagship City due to the presence of the U.S. Brig Niagara, flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. The city is well connected to the Interstate Highway system, receiving the benefit of service from Interstates I-90, I-86, and I-79. Other major roads servicing Erie include U.S. Routes 19 and 20; and Pennsylvania State Highway 5.

First settled in the latter half of the 18th century by both French and English settlers, Erie was founded in 1795 and immediately became a significant port which focused initially on the salt trade. One of the city's proudest historical moments occurred in 1813, when Commodore Oliver Perry, whose ships were mostly built in Erie, defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. After the American Revolution, the city emerged as a maritime center and later as a railroad hub during America's westward expansion. By the 20th century, Erie had transformed itself to a large industrial center, focusing largely on iron and steel manufacturing. No longer reliant on heavy manufacturing, Erie today has begun to attract a more diverse mix of mid-sized industries. Small steel and plastic plants have emerged as driving forces in the city's economy, along with a robust service sector largely focused on tourism.

Erie Attractions

Erie is brimming with places of interest for both culture and recreation. One of the region's major cultural arts centers is the Warner Theatre. Commissioned by the Warner Brothers in 1929, the venue is home to several professional and amateur performing-arts groups, the most significant of which is the Erie Philharmonic, one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the country. The Erie Art Museum, housed in a former U.S. Customs House, features a wealth of changing art exhibits focusing largely on modern art and folk art. The Erie Children's Museum, geared towards visitors aged 2 to 12, offers a wide variety of interactive displays in the areas of science and the humanities. Presque Isle State Park boasts 7 miles of beaches and 11 miles of hiking trails, and offers cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, and ice-skating in winter. Annual events in the city include the Erie Summer Festival of the Arts, the Wine Country Harvest Festival, and "Celebrate Erie", a large urban arts and entertainment festival which takes place in mid-August.

Erie boasts a long history of various semi-pro and professional sports teams. Current residents of the city include the Erie SeaWolves, a minor league baseball team which plays in the Eastern League. The SeaWolves are the Class double-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers. Also in town are the Erie Otters, a junior community-based hockey team playing in the Ontario Hockey League. The Otters play their games in the city's Tullio Arena. Erie is also home to the Erie Freeze, a professional indoor football team which plays in the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA).

Nearby Cities and Towns

LocationPop.Median Family
Income (2000)
Erie103,717$36,446
Edinboro6,950$48,516
Girard3,164$38,936
North East4,601$43,250
Union City3,463$34,352
Wesleyville3,617$42,694

High Points

Erie strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Pennsylvania):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 4%Erie Racial Diversity
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)
Top 5%Erie Affordability of Rents
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 10%Erie Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 11%Erie Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 17%Erie Public Transportation Use


The listings in Erie, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas provide the following services:

(4) Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
(16) Outpatient
(4) Teens and Adolescents
(1) Short term Residential Care 30 Days or Less
(5) Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders
(1) Persons with HIV/AIDS
(7) Females
(3) Males
(2) Methadone Maintenance
(1) Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment
(6) Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum
(6) American Sign Language
(2) Halfway House
(2) Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment
(2) Residential Beds for Children
(2) Seniors/Older Adults
(5) Driving Under The Influence/Driving While Intoxicated Offenders
(2) Clients With Legal Issues
(2) Drug/Alcohol Detoxification
(3) Hospital Inpatient
(1) Spanish Speaking



Your Name
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City
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Type of Treatment your looking for
Person's Age Group
Adult – 24 and over
Young Adult – 18 to 24
Adolescent – 17 and under
Any Additional Information
Please type the following number in the box below

Are you battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol and live in Erie, Pennsylvania? Do you have a friend or family member that is addicted to drugs or alcohol in Erie and you don't know where to turn to for help? Addiction to any substance can be a very dark and lonely place, not just for the abuser but for anyone that cares about them. All hope is not lost; there are effective solutions out there. We can help you find a Drug Treatment or Alcohol Rehab Facility in Erie that will be appropriate for your treatment needs.

An Alcohol Rehab or Drug Treatment Program in Erie is a perfect solution for the treatment of drug addiction and alcoholism. Treatment will be geared towards helping the individual overcome their need to fix problems in their life with drugs and alcohol. Once they can grasp this, they will be able to cope with life situations more appropriately and resolve their problems without substances.

There are a variety of approaches to addiction treatment. Examples offered in Erie are Outpatient Drug Rehabilitation Facilities, Long-term Treatment, Short-term Drug Rehabilitation Facilities, Inpatient Treatment, support group meetings, drug counseling, halfway houses and sober living.

Alcohol Rehab or Drug Rehabilitation Centers in Erie will target both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Individuals are treated for physical addiction by undergoing a detoxification program in Erie, Pennsylvania to assist with the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms which result when an addict discontinues use of a substance they are addicted to. Continued use of a psychoactive substance over time causes the brain to adapt to the presence of the drug, making the desired effect minimal. Physical tolerance to drugs such as heroin, amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine and alcohol develops in this way. Over time, more and more of the addictive drug is required to get the same effect. Quitting an addictive drug abruptly causes serious withdrawal symptoms, which may take the body weeks or months to return to normal function. Withdrawing from hardcore drugs such as heroin can cause extremely severe and painful withdrawal symptoms, which can last for quite some time.

A Drug Treatment or Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility in Erie will be able to administer a professional detox as well as assistance with psychological issues. These underlying psychological issues are at the root of all drug and alcohol addiction problems. Addressing this head on will decrease the chances of relapse and increase the chances of a fully rehabilitated and contributing member of society. A Drug Rehabilitation or Alcohol Rehab Center in Erie, PA. has proven to be the most successful method for treating an individual with a severe drug addiction problem. A Drug Rehab or Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility in Erie, follows a rigid, comprehensive program to ensure a successful recovery. This program addresses every aspect of addiction and every area where the person could be having trouble.

To ensure a lasting recovery, the individual must gain the knowledge, abilities and "life tools" to change their behavior and reaction to situations. The individual's program will be focused on strategies for returning home to Erie, from an Alcohol Rehabilitation or Drug Treatment Center and even running into prior drug using friends or acquaintances in Erie. Upon completion of their program, the individual will be able to deal with the reminders and triggers in Erie which may have prompted their drug use, as these same triggers can produce psychological stressors. These psychological stressors, if not addressed, can make it very hard for an individual to control their response to drug using impulses. Research has shown that an addict shows changes in the way their brain functions after having discontinued using drugs and/or alcohol. Because of this, even an individual with the best of intentions may find it extremely hard to overcome drug addiction or alcoholism without professional addiction treatment.

So you can see that a recovering addict has a lot to deal with when deciding to kick the habit. With triggers, drug cravings, and changes in the way their brain functions due to habitual drug use, seeking help at a Drug Rehabilitation or Alcohol Treatment Center to successfully recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a no-brainer.

A person that is serious about the decision to get sober should enroll in a Drug Rehab or Alcohol Treatment Program in Erie, PA. Why fail again on your own? Why lose another friend or push a family member even further away? Why beg, cheat, and steal just to get drugs or alcohol, risking legal problems and jail time? You don't have to be depressed and unhappy because of excessive drug or alcohol use. There is help available, even for the most severe addicts.

Getting Help

Call toll free 855 Stop-Drugs (855-786-7378) and speak to a professional Registered Addiction Specialist or simply fill out the Erie, Pennsylvania Alcohol Treatment or Drug Rehabilitation Program request form and counselor will contact you shortly.

There are 12 local Alcohol Treatment and Drug Rehab Centers in Erie, Pennsylvania. We have also provided 8 additional Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Programs that are closest geographically to Erie:

Catholic Charities And Counseling Adop Erie, PA
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Program
Services Offered: Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance
Cove Forge Behavioral Health System Erie, PA
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Deerfield Dual Diagnosis Erie, PA
Primary Service: Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Facility
Services Offered: Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Persons with HIV/AIDS, Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Males, Short term Residential Care 30 Days or Less, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance
Esper Treatment Center Erie, PA
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Center
Services Offered: American Sign Language, Methadone Maintenance, Outpatient, Partial Hospitalization/Day Treatment, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Medicare, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid)
Gaudenzia Erie Inc Erie, PA
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Facility
Services Offered: American Sign Language, Residential Beds for Children, Halfway House, Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance
Gaudenzia Inc Erie, PA
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility
Services Offered: American Sign Language, Residential Beds for Children, Halfway House, Outpatient, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum, Residential Care Long-term 30 to 90 Days Treatment, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance
GECAC Erie, PA
Primary Service: Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehab Center
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, Clients With Legal Issues, Driving Under The Influence/Driving While Intoxicated Offenders, Males, Outpatient, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum, Seniors/Older Adults, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance
George J Dowd Erie, PA
Primary Service: Alcohol Treatment and Drug Rehab Facility
Services Offered: Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Private health insurance
Glenbiegh Center of Erie Erie, PA
Primary Service: Drug Treatment and Alcohol Rehab Center
Services Offered: Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Medicare, Private health insurance
Mill Creek Community Hospital Erie, PA
Primary Service: Alcohol Rehabilitation and Drug Treatment Program
Services Offered: American Sign Language, Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Drug/Alcohol Detoxification, Hospital Inpatient, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum, Seniors/Older Adults, Spanish Speaking
Payment Forms Accepted: Medicaid, Medicare, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Saint Vincent Health Center Erie, PA
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program
Services Offered: Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Veterans Affairs Medical Center Erie, PA
Primary Service: Alcohol Rehab and Drug Treatment Center
Services Offered: Mix of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Medicare, Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Deerfield Centers for Addictions Trt Marienville, PA 1.4 miles from Erie
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facility
Services Offered: Driving Under The Influence/Driving While Intoxicated Offenders, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Deerfield Behavioral Health Inc Titusville, PA 1.4 miles from Erie
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center
Services Offered: Driving Under The Influence/Driving While Intoxicated Offenders, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
GECAC Corry, PA 23.0 miles from Erie
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Program
Services Offered: Driving Under The Influence/Driving While Intoxicated Offenders, Outpatient, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Private health insurance
Chautauqua County Department of MH Jamestown, NY 33.1 miles from Erie
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, Outpatient, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance
WCA Hospital Jamestown, NY 33.1 miles from Erie
Primary Service: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Facility
Services Offered: Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Hospital Inpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Medicare, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Greenfield Counseling Inc Meadville, PA 33.4 miles from Erie
Primary Service: Alcohol Treatment and Drug Rehabilitation Center
Services Offered: Methadone Maintenance, Outpatient
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid
Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Meadville, PA 34.4 miles from Erie
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center
Services Offered: Teens and Adolescents, American Sign Language, Clients With Legal Issues, Services for Co-occurring Mental and Substance Abuse Disorders, Driving Under The Influence/Driving While Intoxicated Offenders, Outpatient, Women That Are Pregnant or Postpartum, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, State financed insurance (other than Medicaid), Private health insurance, Military insurance (e.g., VA,TRICARE)
Stepping Stones Unit at Meadville, PA 34.4 miles from Erie
Primary Service: Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program
Services Offered: American Sign Language, Drug/Alcohol Detoxification, Hospital Inpatient, Males, Outpatient, Females
Payment Forms Accepted: Self payment, Medicaid, Medicare, Private health insurance

Did You Know? ...
Interesting Facts and Statistics:

Among the 59.8 million current cigarette smokers aged 12 or older in 2008, 36.9 million (61.7 percent) used cigarettes daily. The percentage of daily cigarette smokers increased with age, with 22.3 percent among past month cigarette users aged 12 to 17, 48.1 percent among those aged 18 to 25, and 67.1 percent among those aged 26 or older. Daily cigarette use among current smokers in the 12 to 17 year age group dropped from 26.3 percent in 2007 to 22.3 percent in 2008.

Matching drug rehab treatment settings and services to each individual's particular substance abuse problem and personal needs can often be critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and society.

Concentrated bath salt products can be purchased over the internet and can also routinely be found in stores, truck stops and gas stations under names like Zoom 2, Aura, Ivory Wave and White Rush.

Heroin currently falls into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act based on its potential for abuse and its lack of accepted medical use.

Alcohol consumption levels also were associated with tobacco use. Among heavy alcohol users aged 12 or older, 58.3 percent smoked cigarettes in the past month, while only 20.4 percent of non binge current drinkers and 17.2 percent of persons who did not drink alcohol in the past month were current smokers. Smokeless tobacco use and cigar use also were more prevalent among heavy drinkers (11.4 and 18.7 percent, respectively) than among non binge drinkers (2.1 and 4.6 percent) and nondrinkers (2.2 and 2.1 percent).

Approximately 15 percent of 10th and 12th graders have used amphetamines.


Strong support groups and sober friends are very helpful for recovering Alcoholics after rehab. Alcoholics Anonymous provides meetings that recovering alcoholics can attend to help stay focused on their sobriety. You can find AA meetings at the following locations in Erie:

Blind Faith Big Book Mtg.
Family Worship Center
12th & Parade Street
Erie, Pennsylvania 16503

AA Meeting Days and Times
Monday, 7:00 PM

Bowie Speakers Meeting
Sacred Heart Church
16501 Annapolis Rd. (rt. 450)
Erie, Pennsylvania 16501

AA Meeting Days and Times
Friday, 8:30 PM

Recvery Bible
Bethany Outreach Center
E 10th St & German St
Erie, Pennsylvania 16503

AA Meeting Days and Times
Thursday, 7:00 PM

Sobriety,sanity & Function
Faith Lutheran Church
16511 Hillard Rd
Erie, Pennsylvania 16511

AA Meeting Days and Times
Wednesday, 7:30 PM

Women Friday 12 Step Disc.
Faith Lutheran Church
16511 Hilliard @ Woodward
Erie, Pennsylvania 16511

AA Meeting Days and Times
Friday, 7:00 PM
Drug Addiction doesn't just destroy the addict, it destroys everything around them. Families and friends that have been affected by a loved one using drugs and need help can attend Nar-Anon meetings to get help for dealing with someone else's addiction that is close to them. Nar-Anon meetings in Erie:

First United Methodist Church
707 Sassafras Street
"Young at Heart"
Erie, Pennsylvania

Meeting Days and Times
Mondays, 7:30PM

Lamb of God Lutheran Church
606 East 38th Street (In back entrance)
"Renewed Hopes"
Erie, Pennsylvania

Meeting Days and Times
Tuesdays, 7:00PM

St. Julia's Church
638 Roslyn Avenue
"Dawn of Discovery"
Erie, Pennsylvania

Meeting Days and Times
Thursdays, 7:30PM

St. Vincent Health Center - Spencer Conference Room
232 West 25th Street
"Open Arms"
Erie, Pennsylvania

Meeting Days and Times
Fridays, 7:30PM

Stop And Think
1910 Sassafrass Street
Erie, Pennsylvania

Meeting Days and Times
Wednesdays, 6:30PM
The following survey was completed by residents of Erie, Pennsylvania as part of the USNODRUGS monitoring program. The survey below is a representation of perceptual drug and alcohol usage rates in Erie, Pennsylvania. We cannot guarantee complete accuracy, but our monitoring team uses the highest standards for survey compilation.
You do not have to answer all of the survey questions, you should only answer questions that are relevant to your thoughts and experiences.
Survey results as of February 1, 2012
Perception of marijuana in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Do you believe that using marijuana can be harmful?
Maybe
No
Yes
86%
8%
6%
Marijuana use in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Have you used marijuana in your lifetime?
No
Yes
75%
25%
Have you used marijuana in the past month?
No
Yes
81%
19%
Do you use marijuana regularly?
Maybe
No
Yes
5%
86%
9%
Perception of Alcohol in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Do you believe that drinking alcohol can be harmful?
Maybe
No
Yes
3%
4%
93%
Have you had a binge drinking experience in the past month?
No
Yes
91%
9%
Do you consume alcohol daily?
Maybe
No
Yes
0%
80%
20%
How old were you when you first experimented with alcohol?
0-10
11-21
22-31
32 or older
4%
21%
47%
28%
What motivated you to use drugs or alcohol for the first time in Erie, Pennsylvania?
Boredom
Curiousity
Drugs were all around
Family problem
Hopelessness
It was easy to get
None of the above
Peer Pressure
To fit in
Unhappiness
4%
23%
2%
7%
5%
0%
46%
9%
2%
2%
Most common first drug experience in Erie, Pennsylvania?
Alcohol
Club Drug
Crack Cocaine
Ecstasy
Heroin
Inhalants
Marijuana
Meth
Over The Counter Drug
Powder Cocaine
Prescription Drug
Psychedelic Drug
17%
4%
2%
4%
3%
5%
12%
4%
8%
9%
25%
7%
Use of drugs and alcohol in Erie, Pennsylvania schools.
Have you ever gone to school in Erie, Pennsylvania under the influence of marijuana?
Maybe
No
Yes
3%
82%
15%
Have you ever gone to school in Erie, Pennsylvania under the influence of alcohol?
Maybe
No
Yes
7%
79%
14%
What is the most common drug used in your school in Erie, Pennsylvania?
Alcohol
Club Drug
Crack Cocaine
Ecstasy
Heroin
Inhalants
Marijuana
Meth
Over The Counter Drug
Powder Cocaine
Prescription Drug
Psychedelic Drug
19%
4%
2%
3%
3%
4%
15%
2%
8%
8%
23%
9%
Your Age?
0-10
11-21
22-31
32 or older
4%
17%
56%
23%
Your Gender?
Female
Male
80%
20%
Surveys updated monthly.

Please, do not fill out our drug and alcohol monitoring survey on this page if you do not live in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Thanks for participating in our drug and alcohol abuse monitoring program.

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