Prescription drug addiction affects every part of life: health, relationships, work, and emotional well-being. When this addiction and mental health conditions overlap, recovery becomes more complex — but not impossible. Lasting healing is possible with the right support.
Located in Van Nuys, CA, Lennox CMHC Inc offers compassionate, professional care tailored to your unique journey. We provide evidence-based treatment programs for prescription drug addiction in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re beginning your recovery or returning to it, our team is here to help you recover with confidence.
Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction happens when someone continues using medication (often in a way that isn’t as prescribed or advised) despite any harmful effects on their life. This can occur even when the medication was prescribed by a doctor for a legitimate medical condition. Over time, their body adapts to the presence of the medication and becomes dependent on its presence.
Common prescription drugs that can lead to addiction include:
- Opioids: Pain medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine
- Benzodiazepines: Anti-anxiety medications like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan
- Stimulants: ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin
Of course, these aren’t the only kinds of prescription medications that carry a risk of addiction. According to research, more than 16 million Americans aged 12 or older misused prescription medications in 2020.
Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
Recognizing when prescription drug use has become a problem can be challenging. The signs often develop gradually and may seem minor at first.
Physical warning signs include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Unexplained weight changes
- Drowsiness or excessive alertness
- Slurred speech
- Pupils that appear unusually large or small
- Frequent flu-like symptoms (without being sick)
Behavioral changes often involve using medication differently than prescribed, including taking higher doses, using it more frequently, or taking pills meant for someone else. Other signs include:
- Visiting multiple doctors for prescriptions
- Missing work or family obligations
- Hiding medication use from others.
- Increased anxiety and depression
- Sudden mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Feeling unable to function without the medication
- Isolating from friends and loved ones
Each person’s experience varies, but recognizing these changes early can make recovery easier.
The Relationship Between Prescription Drug Addiction and Mental Health
Research shows that many people with prescription drug addiction also experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other challenges. This is called dual diagnosis.
When both conditions exist together, symptoms can be more severe and recovery more complex. That’s why prescription drug abuse rehab centers increasingly use integrated treatment approaches that address both issues at the same time.
At Lennox CMHC, our dual diagnosis treatment coordinates mental health and substance use services. Care teams work together to create treatment plans that target both conditions simultaneously.
Integrated treatment offers several advantages, including coordinated care between providers, therapies that address both conditions, careful medication management, and relapse prevention strategies adapted for dual diagnosis. This approach usually leads to more sustainable recovery and healthier coping mechanisms.
Common Medications Used in Prescription Drug Treatment
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a strong high. It attaches to the same brain receptors as other opioids, but activates them less intensely. Benefits include the ability to take it at home with a prescription and lower misuse potential compared to full opioids.
Methadone is a full opioid agonist that prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings by fully activating opioid receptors in a controlled way. It's often dispensed daily at specialized clinics under medical supervision. Methadone can be effective for long-term management, especially for people who haven't responded to other treatments.
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, preventing other opioids from producing their usual effects. It doesn't cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone can help prevent relapse in people who have already completed detox. But since it doesn't ease cravings or withdrawal, this medication is usually prescribed after all opioids are cleared from the body.
Long-Term Recovery From Prescription Drug Addiction
Aftercare planning sets up ongoing support following the formal completion of a treatment program. This might include continued counseling, support group participation, regular check-ins with providers, and structured daily routines. Aftercare helps maintain connections to resources during the vulnerable early recovery period.
It’s important to do the work in recovery to figure out one’s personal triggers, which are patterns, occurrences, or feelings that make a person want to use addictive substances to cope. Common relapse triggers for prescription drug addiction may include:
- Stress
- Exposure to places where drugs were used in the past
- Strong negative emotions
- Social isolation
- Contact with people who misuse substances.
- Mental health symptoms (especially if the mental illness is unmanaged)
- Major life changes
- Overconfidence in recovery
Maintaining sobriety outside of treatment can involve a lot of self-work. But a lot of it comes down to recognizing personal risk situations and developing specific plans for healthy coping. This may mean creating structured daily activities that limit idle time, or creating a routine of check-ins with a person’s support system. For many people, this means
Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse in Van Nuys
Prescription drug abuse treatment begins with an assessment to understand your specific situation. At Lennox CMHC, we gather information about your health history, substance use patterns, and daily responsibilities. This helps determine which level of care fits your needs best.
Treatment plans are personalized because no two people experience addiction the same way. We consider the type of medication involved, any mental health conditions, your work or family commitments, and your support system at home when developing a plan of action to help you recover from addiction.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) provide intensive treatment for 20-30 hours per week, typically five days a week. People attend treatment during the day and return home each evening.
PHP works well for people who need structured support but don't require 24-hour supervision. Services include many that are also available for inpatient treatment plans, including individual therapy, group counseling, medication management, and family therapy sessions.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) involve 9-15 hours of treatment, equal to about three to five days per week. This rehabilitation option allows people to maintain work, school, or caregiving responsibilities while receiving consistent support.
IOP suits people transitioning from higher levels of care or those who have moderate support needs. The flexible schedule accommodates various life situations while providing regular therapeutic contact.
Standard outpatient treatment provides therapy sessions once or twice per week. This level focuses on maintaining recovery through continued counseling and skill-building.
Many people use outpatient care as a step-down from more intensive programs. It's also appropriate for those with stable recovery who benefit from ongoing drug prescription rehab support. This type of program is typically most effective for people who have a stable living situation and a solid support system in their life.
FAQs about prescription drug addiction treatment
Treatment duration varies by program level. Partial hospitalization usually lasts several weeks, while intensive outpatient and standard outpatient care may continue for several months. Individual progress, medication type, and co-occurring conditions affect treatment length.
Most insurance plans include some coverage for prescription drug rehabilitation, but specific benefits depend on your individual plan and provider. Insurance verification can confirm your coverage details and any associated costs.
Outpatient programs are designed to accommodate work schedules, with many therapy and group sessions available outside regular business hours.
Prescription medication detox occurs under medical supervision to ensure safety and manage withdrawal symptoms. Healthcare professionals monitor vital signs, provide comfort measures, and adjust medications as needed throughout the process.
Receive Help for Prescription Drug Addiction at Lennox CHMC
Prescription drug addiction can sometimes feel like an insurmountable challenge. But in reality, it’s possible to overcome through support and steady treatment. It’s frequently dangerous to detox from prescription drugs without medical support. We at Lennox CMHC are ready and prepared to help you or a loved one overcome addiction to prescription medications.
Contact us to verify your insurance or learn more about our treatment programs.