Prescription drug addiction is a devastating medical condition where the body becomes dependent on medications originally intended to heal, creating a cycle that can be incredibly difficult to break without professional support. The most frequent prescription drugs that people become addicted to include opioid pain relievers like OxyContin and Vicodin, benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium, stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, and sleep medications including Ambien. However, it’s important to recognize that even medications not typically associated with addiction—such as certain muscle relaxants, blood pressure medications, or anti-nausea drugs—may develop dependency patterns in some individuals, particularly when used outside their prescribed parameters or for extended periods.
The benefits of getting help for prescription drug addiction include breaking free from the physical and psychological grip of dependency; restoring damaged relationships with family members and loved ones who have been affected by your struggle; reclaiming your financial stability and professional life; and rediscovering a sense of purpose and well-being that addiction has overshadowed.
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, our prescription drug addiction treatment program includes medically supervised detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, evidence-based therapies that address the underlying causes of addiction, personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances and medication history, and comprehensive aftercare support to help you maintain lasting recovery and prevent relapse.
SIGNS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION
Prescription drug addiction can happen quickly and without warning and may involve a wide variety of medications. Even someone who begins using their prescriptions as directed may find themselves hooked if they take an incorrect dose or use a medication for too long. Prescription drugs often exhibit signs of abuse that mimic illicit substances, but some indications may suggest a problem with medications, such as:
- DOCTOR SHOPPING
- REQUESTING EARLY REFILLS
- FREQUENTLY REPLACING “LOST” OR “STOLEN” PRESCRIPTIONS
- EMPTY PILL BOTTLES
- DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SUCH AS STRAWS, NEEDLES AND RAZOR BLADES
- TAKING HIGHER AMOUNTS THAN PRESCRIBED
- GOING THROUGH PRESCRIPTIONS TOO QUICKLY
- DRUG-SEEKING BEHAVIOR
- WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
- CRUSHING OR BREAKING SAFETY SEALS ON PILLS
- STEALING MEDICATIONS FROM OTHERS
- FREQUENTLY APPEARING INTOXICATED
Numerous medications are misused to produce a high or other desired effect, but the most dangerous and commonly abused prescription drugs are benzodiazepines, stimulants, and opioids.
PRESCRIPTION BENZODIAZEPINES
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, are a group of drugs used to produce a calming effect. Also known as tranquilizers, well-known medications such as Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin fall into this category. They are used to treat a variety of condition,s from anxiety and insomnia to seizures and alcohol withdrawal, and as a result, are one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States. Due to their effects and widespread availability, they are also one of the most commonly abused. Although the risk of overdose is low if used as directed, benzodiazepines are often taken with alcohol, opioids, and other drugs to enhance their effects, sometimes with lethal consequences.
Benzodiazepines affect certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), to produce muscle relaxant, sedative, and hypnotic effects. Frequent use of benzodiazepines can lead to dependence and addiction, which results in uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal effects that can lead to seizures, tremors, hallucinations, psychosis, and delusions. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can become life-threatening and require careful monitoring to ensure the drug is safely eliminated from the body. At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we provide around-the-clock medical supervision and comprehensive treatment for clients who are detoxing from benzodiazepines and other drugs. With an experienced support staff, dedicated medical team, and access to care on a 24/7 basis, we are highly qualified to provide patients with a safe and comfortable detox experience that effectively addresses their unique needs.
PRESCRIPTION STIMULANTS
Stimulants are known for their energizing effects and are often used to treat conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The most popular prescription stimulant is the amphetamine Adderall, followed closely by Ritalin and Dexedrine. These drugs are chemically similar to methamphetamine and produce comparable effects, which include increased energy, an enhanced ability to focus and concentrate, decreased need for food or sleep, increased heart rate, and a sense of euphoria. When used as directed, prescription stimulants can help those with ADHD and other conditions control their symptoms, but college students and young adults often abuse these drugs to stay awake longer, increase productivity, or earn better grades.
When taken for a long period of time, prescription stimulants impair one’s ability to feel pleasure by impacting certain receptors in the brain. When entering treatment for prescription stimulant addiction, individuals may have difficulty enjoying the hobbies and activities that once brought them happiness and often experience withdrawal symptoms similar to methamphetamine. This may include depression, anxiety, irritability, a lack of energy, trouble concentrating, and more. At Journey Hillside Tarzana, our comprehensive recovery plans are deeply personalized to address these symptoms and include a variety of therapeutic and behavioral treatments that encompass each individual’s mental, emotional, and physical needs as they progress through recovery. Our goal is to teach clients how to live and enjoy life without relying on stimulants while giving them the tools they need to achieve sustainable, long-term recovery.
PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS
Opioids are the most abused prescription medications in the United States and include both synthetic and semi-synthetic painkillers such as fentanyl, OxyContin, and Vicodin. Prescription opioids work in the same way as illicit drugs such as heroin, binding to opioid receptors in the brain to induce feelings of warmth, well-being, and euphoria. They also share many of the same side effects, such as slowed breathing, drowsiness, constipation, and itchiness. If used for a long period of time, prescription opioids lead to physical dependency as the brain begins to rely on them to function properly. Even when taken as directed, tolerance and addiction can develop quickly as these drugs activate the same reward pathways as heroin or morphine and trigger cravings and withdrawal symptoms if use is stopped.
In the United States, the dangers of opioid drugs and the alarming rate at which they are being prescribed have created an epidemic that puts millions at risk of addiction, overdose, and death. At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we understand that treating an opioid or prescription painkiller addiction has become more urgent than ever. Our dedicated team handles opioid-related withdrawal symptoms with expertise and utilizes an effective blend of evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention techniques, and medication-assisted treatment to help clients achieve long-term recovery. Managing triggers, dealing with stressors, and eliminating cravings to reduce the risk of relapse or overdose is also an important part of our approach, helping patients maintain their sobriety long after treatment.
FENTANYL AND THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC
One of the most notorious and dangerous prescription drugs is fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that deserves special mention since it has contributed significantly to overdose-related deaths in the past few years. Synthesized in 1960 by Paul Janssen, fentanyl was created to be a safe, fast-acting, and potent opioid that could be used as an anesthetic or to manage acute and chronic pain. Unlike other opioids, fentanyl is so strong that it could be absorbed through the skin, leading to the development of transdermal patches, films, “kid-friendly” lollipops, sprays, and other novel ways of administering the drug.
Although the original production process was slow and difficult, copycat chemists soon began to streamline fentanyl synthesis so it could be illicitly produced. It didn’t take long for drug traffickers, dealers, and others to discover the potential money that could be made from fentanyl. Since it is 100 times more potent than morphine and doesn’t require farmland or field workers, a single bag of fentanyl can net millions of dollars compared to other drugs.
Over the past few years, fentanyl has made its way into the drug supply to increase the value of illicit substances. Commonly pressed to look like legitimate prescription opioids or mixed with heroin to increase their potency, many users are unaware that they’re taking fentanyl. This has led to a surge in overdose-related deaths attributed to synthetic opioids across the U.S., increasing 264 percent from 2012 to 2015. Although the risks associated with opioid use were always high, the rise of fentanyl and the presence of counterfeit OxyContin and other pills have worsened the situation dramatically.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we understand that making the decision to seek treatment for prescription drug addiction can be difficult. Our facility is located in the beautiful Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles to make the process easier and offer clients a high degree of privacy, seclusion and comfort. Equipped with luxury amenities and an experienced team of professionals that go above and beyond to provide deeply personalized care, we are uniquely equipped to help clients navigate the challenges of prescription drug recovery and achieve lasting sobriety. If you or someone you care about is struggling with prescription drug addiction, contact or call us today at 877-414-1024 to learn more about our programs and how they can help.
- MEDICALLY-SUPERVISED DETOX
- DUAL DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT
- INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP THERAPY
- MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT)
- 12-STEP INTEGRATION
- BEHAVIORAL THERAPIES
- HOLISTIC MODALITIES
- NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
- CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY EDUCATION
- FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
- RELAPSE PREVENTION
Although many individuals seek treatment for prescription benzodiazepines, stimulants and opioids, countless legitimately prescribed drugs are also addictive. Medications such as sleep aids, cough syrups and muscle relaxants are also commonly abused and new drugs are being developed every day. If you find a suspicious pill and are worried that someone you care about is abusing prescription drugs, various resources available online can help you identify it to determine if your loved one is using a dangerous or addictive medication.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment | Detox, Rehab and Aftercare
Prescription drug misuse has become one of the most challenging substance use disorders facing individuals and families today, affecting people from all walks of life who may have started with legitimate medical needs. At Journey Hillside Tarzana, our comprehensive prescription drug rehab program addresses both the physical dependencies and emotional distress that accompany addiction, guiding you toward lasting recovery through evidence-based care delivered by experienced medical professionals.
Do I need treatment for prescription drug addiction?
If you find yourself taking medications differently than prescribed, experiencing cravings when you try to stop, or noticing that your drug or alcohol addiction is impacting your relationships, work, or health, professional treatment can help. Many people don’t realize they need support until withdrawal symptoms emerge or their medication management has spiraled beyond their control. Our substance abuse treatment center provides a safe, judgment-free environment where you can honestly assess your relationship with prescription medications. Whether you’re struggling with opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medicines, or other prescription drugs, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
What types of prescription drug addictions do we treat?
Our rehabilitation facilities specialize in treating a wide range of prescription medication dependencies, including:
- Opioid painkillers: Medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine that affect the nervous system and are commonly prescribed for pain management but carry high addiction potential.
- Benzodiazepines: Anti-anxiety medicines such as alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, requiring specialized benzodiazepine rehab due to dangerous withdrawal risks.
- Stimulants: Prescription medications used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy that can lead to dependency when misused.
- Sleeping pills: Sedative-hypnotic medications prescribed for insomnia that can result in sleeping pills addiction with prolonged use.
- Antidepressants: Mental health medications that, while less commonly associated with addiction, may require professional antidepressant addiction treatment when discontinuation becomes difficult.
- Over-the-counter medications: Certain non-prescription drugs that can be misused and lead to dependency patterns requiring professional intervention.
What happens during prescription drug rehab?
Our prescription drug rehab program follows a structured, compassionate approach designed to address every aspect of your recovery journey. From your first day at our rehab center through your transition back to daily life, our team supports you with medically reviewed protocols and personalized care.
Step 1: Assessment
When you arrive at our rehab programme, medical professionals conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand your unique situation, including which medications you’ve been using, your medical history, and any co-occurring mental health concerns. This thorough assessment allows us to identify how prescription drug abuse has affected your nervous system, overall health, and daily functioning. We also explore the underlying factors that may have contributed to prescription drug misuse, such as chronic pain, trauma, or untreated mental health conditions. Based on this information, our team creates a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and sets clear goals for your recovery journey.
Step 2: Prescription drug detox
Medical detox is a critical first step where your body safely eliminates the substances it has become dependent upon under 24/7 supervision from our clinical team. During this phase, we provide supervised medication use to manage withdrawal symptoms, which can range from uncomfortable to potentially dangerous depending on the substance. Our medical professionals monitor your vital signs continuously and adjust your medication management protocol as needed to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible. This medically supervised approach ensures that you move through detoxification with dignity and the highest standard of care, preparing your body and mind for the therapeutic work ahead.
Step 3: Therapy
Once you’ve completed detox, the therapeutic phase of treatment begins with evidence-based approaches designed to address the psychological aspects of substance use disorders. You’ll participate in cognitive-behavioral therapy to identify and change thought patterns that contribute to addiction, develop essential coping skills for managing triggers and cravings, and explore underlying issues through individual counseling sessions. Family therapy and support sessions help repair relationships and build a strong support network, while group therapy connects you with others who understand your journey. Throughout this process, we also address any mental health care provider needs, ensuring that conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma receive appropriate attention from qualified professionals.
Step 4: Aftercare and continued support
Recovery doesn’t end when you complete our residential program—it’s a lifelong journey that requires ongoing commitment and support. Our comprehensive aftercare plan includes relapse prevention education to help you recognize warning signs and respond effectively, connections to alumni meetings where you can maintain relationships with others in recovery, and continued access to support sessions as you navigate challenges in your daily life. We work with you to establish a strong foundation that includes healthy routines, stress management techniques, and a network of support that extends well beyond our rehabilitation facilities. This ongoing connection ensures you’re never alone as you build the fulfilling, substance-free life you deserve.
CONTACT JOURNEY HILLSIDE TARZANA
Although cocaine has been glamorized in the past, it’s a highly addictive drug with the potential to wreak havoc on one’s health and well-being. If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine or crack addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Journey Hillside Tarzana in Los Angeles, California, we provide high-quality care in a luxury setting to help patients achieve deep and lasting healing. Contact or call us today 877-414-1024 to learn more about our Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Los Angeles and how they can help.
