Prescription Medication Addiction Treatment

Prescription drug abuse often begins with a legitimate medical purpose, such as the treatment of pain, ADHD, anxiety or sleep disorders. Over time, a physical or psychological dependence can develop, leading to increased tolerance and requiring a higher dosage to achieve the same effect.

The number of Australians misusing medications is rising, with overdoses caused by these drugs outnumbering those from illegal drugs, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Common types of medications linked to abuse include stimulants such as Vyvanse, Adderall, and Ritalin prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine prescribed for pain relief, and benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam prescribed for anxiety or insomnia.

The time required to safely detox from prescription medication varies depending on the type of drug, dosage, and duration of use. Often, a slow, medically supervised tapering of the medication is necessary to prevent dangerous withdrawal symptoms and ensure your safety throughout the process.

Following your pre-admission assessment, our clinical team will determine what is safely achievable during your stay and create a personalised tapering schedule. You’ll be under 24/7 medical supervision with our nursing team and on-call physicians monitoring your progress and comfort throughout the detox phase.

Medication-assisted treatment may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. For example, buprenorphine may be used for opioid dependence, while carefully managed benzodiazepine tapers help those dependent on anxiety medications. Our psychiatrists work closely with you to ensure the safest, most comfortable detox possible.

Symptom management includes supportive medications, vitamin infusions, hydration therapy, and holistic treatments such as acupuncture and massage to ease physical discomfort during withdrawal. We make every effort to keep you as comfortable as possible during this challenging phase.

Prescription medication addiction often requires ongoing vigilance and support after residential treatment. Your aftercare plan includes ongoing therapy connections, strategies for managing the conditions originally treated by the medications, and plans for handling medical situations that might arise.

Family education helps your loved ones understand prescription drug addiction and how they can support your recovery without enabling. We provide guidance on safely disposing of unused medications at home and creating an environment that supports your sobriety.

Medical coordination with your healthcare providers ensures everyone involved in your care understands your history and will avoid prescribing potentially addictive medications in the future. We help you develop a medical alert plan that informs healthcare providers of your addiction history in emergency situations.

With comprehensive treatment and ongoing support, recovery from prescription medication addiction is entirely achievable. At Aston Private, we provide the medical expertise, therapeutic support, and compassionate care needed to safely break free from prescription drug dependency and reclaim your health.