Addiction Recovery Program
Prescription Drug Addiction
Safe, medically-supervised recovery from prescription drug dependency, addressing both physical dependence and the underlying reasons for medication misuse.
Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction often begins innocently—medication prescribed by a doctor for legitimate medical needs. But opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, and stimulants all carry significant addiction potential. Over time, tolerance develops, doses increase, and dependency takes hold.
This form of addiction carries unique challenges. The drugs were obtained legally, sometimes still are. The line between 'as prescribed' and 'problematic use' can blur. There may be shame about becoming addicted to 'medicine.' And withdrawal from some prescription drugs requires careful medical management.
At Eden Vale, we provide compassionate, expert care for prescription drug addiction. Our medical team specializes in safe tapering and detoxification, while our clinical program addresses the complex psychological dimensions of medication dependency.
Our Treatment Approach
Evidence-based therapies combined with luxury amenities for comprehensive healing
Medical Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of all medications, doses, duration of use, and physical health to create a safe treatment plan.
Safe Tapering
Gradual, medically-supervised dose reduction to minimize withdrawal while transitioning off problematic medications.
Withdrawal Management
24/7 medical monitoring and comfort measures throughout detoxification, especially critical for benzodiazepines and opioids.
Underlying Conditions
Addressing the original conditions the medications treated—pain, anxiety, insomnia—with safer alternatives.
Psychological Treatment
Therapy addressing the behavioral and emotional aspects of prescription drug use and building new coping strategies.
Long-Term Planning
Creating sustainable plans for managing original conditions without addictive medications.
Types of Prescription Drug Addiction
We treat addiction to all classes of prescription medications: Opioid Painkillers: OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, codeine, tramadol, fentanyl patches. Originally prescribed for pain, these medications are highly addictive and dangerous in overdose. Benzodiazepines: Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam). Prescribed for anxiety and panic, benzodiazepine withdrawal can be medically serious and requires careful tapering. Sleep Medications: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta, and older barbiturates. Dependency develops with regular use, and rebound insomnia makes stopping difficult. Stimulants: Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta. Prescribed for ADHD, these amphetamine-based medications can lead to dependency and misuse. Muscle Relaxants and Other CNS Depressants: Soma (carisoprodol), Flexeril, gabapentin. Often overlooked, these medications can also cause dependency. Each medication class requires specific medical protocols for safe withdrawal and recovery.
The Unique Challenges of Prescription Addiction
Prescription drug addiction differs from illegal drug addiction in important ways: Legitimacy confusion: The medication was prescribed. Maybe still is. Distinguishing between 'taking as prescribed' and 'addiction' can be genuinely difficult. Some people don't recognize their dependency until attempting to stop. Medical necessity: The underlying condition that prompted prescription may still need treatment. We can't simply eliminate the medication without addressing pain, anxiety, or other legitimate medical needs. Doctor involvement: Navigating relationships with prescribing physicians can be complex. Some may have inadvertently contributed to the problem. Others may be allies in recovery. Stigma and shame: Many people feel particular shame about prescription addiction. 'Junkies use heroin—I just took what my doctor gave me.' But addiction doesn't discriminate based on how the drug was obtained. Physical dependence vs. addiction: Some people are physically dependent but not addicted (they don't misuse medication, just can't stop without withdrawal). Others are addicted (compulsive use despite consequences). Treatment differs accordingly.
The Critical Importance of Medical Detox
Some prescription drug withdrawals can be medically dangerous: Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause seizures, even life-threatening ones. Rapid cessation after long-term use is dangerous. Medical supervision and gradual tapering are essential. Opioid withdrawal, while rarely dangerous, causes severe discomfort—flu-like symptoms, intense pain, insomnia, anxiety. Without medical support, the misery often drives relapse. Medication-assisted treatment can ease this process. Other medications require careful attention. Suddenly stopping gabapentin, for instance, can cause seizures. Sleep medications can cause severe rebound insomnia. Our medical team has extensive experience with all prescription drug withdrawals. We use evidence-based protocols, provide round-the-clock monitoring, and employ comfort measures and appropriate medications to make the process as safe and tolerable as possible. This is not something to attempt at home. Medical detox supervision saves lives.
Treating Underlying Conditions Without Addictive Medications
If you were prescribed addictive medications, there was likely a reason. Our approach doesn't just eliminate problematic drugs—we address the underlying conditions with safer alternatives: For pain: Physical therapy, non-opioid medications, interventional procedures, mindfulness-based approaches, and lifestyle modifications can manage chronic pain without opioids. For anxiety: CBT and other therapies are as effective as benzodiazepines long-term, without addiction risk. Non-addictive medications like SSRIs may help. Lifestyle changes reduce anxiety. For insomnia: CBT for Insomnia is more effective than sleeping pills long-term. Sleep hygiene, stimulus control, and addressing underlying causes can restore natural sleep. For ADHD: Non-stimulant medications exist. Behavioral strategies can help. If stimulants are truly needed, careful monitoring protocols can reduce misuse risk. You won't leave Eden Vale with an untreated condition and no plan—we ensure you have effective alternatives to problematic medications.
Why Choose Eden Vale
Experience the difference of truly personalized, luxury treatment
Expert medical detox supervision
Safe tapering protocols
24/7 medical monitoring
Comfortable private detox suites
Treatment of underlying conditions
Non-addictive alternative approaches
Maximum 6 clients for personalized care
Psychological addiction treatment
Long-term medication planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop my prescription medication on my own?
This depends on the medication. Some, like benzodiazepines, should never be stopped abruptly. Others can cause severe withdrawal. Please consult with medical professionals before stopping any medication. If you've been taking prescription drugs regularly, medical supervision is strongly recommended.
My doctor prescribed these medications—how can I be addicted?
Addiction can develop even with legitimate prescriptions. Tolerance, increasing doses, difficulty stopping, using more than prescribed—these are signs of addiction regardless of how the medication was initially obtained. Doctors sometimes underestimate addiction potential.
What if I still need pain/anxiety medication after treatment?
We'll work with you to find effective alternatives. Non-addictive medications, therapies, and lifestyle approaches can often manage the condition. If controlled substances are truly necessary, we'll help establish careful protocols with your outpatient providers.
How long does prescription drug detox take?
It varies by medication. Opioid acute withdrawal peaks in 3-5 days. Benzodiazepines may require weeks of gradual tapering. Some medications need months of slow reduction. We'll develop an individualized timeline based on your specific situation.
Will I be in terrible pain during opioid withdrawal?
We use medications and comfort measures to significantly reduce withdrawal discomfort. While not entirely painless, modern medical detox is much more tolerable than stopping cold turkey. You'll be continuously monitored and your comfort is prioritized.
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