What We Treat
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
Prescription drug addiction can begin with a legitimate medical need but quickly escalate into dependence, cravings, and dangerous misuse.
What Is Prescription Drug Addiction?
Prescription drug addiction happens when the brain comes to depend on medication that was prescribed for a real medical reason. The drugs most often misused are opioid painkillers (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin), and stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin).
Over 14 million Americans misused prescription drugs in 2022. Even taken exactly as directed, some medications carry a high risk of dependence. Long-term use changes brain chemistry, so the body struggles to manage pain, anxiety, or sleep without the drug.
Signs & Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction
Physical
- Drowsiness, slowed breathing, or "nodding off" (opioids, sedatives)
- Tremors, rapid heartbeat, or sweating (stimulants)
- Dizziness or poor coordination
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Behavioral
- Using higher doses than prescribed
- Running out of medication early
- Doctor shopping to obtain more pills
- Decline in work, school, or family responsibilities
Psychological
- Cravings or preoccupation with the medication
- Anxiety, panic, or emotional instability
- Memory problems or difficulty concentrating
- Depression or loss of interest
Prescription Drug Withdrawal & Why Professional Detox Matters
Prescription drug withdrawal is unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous — especially with opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and high-dose stimulants. What happens depends on the drug class. That is why the taper has to be medically supervised and built for you.
- 1
Early Withdrawal
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Headaches and muscle aches
- Cognitive fog, confusion, or irritability
- 2
Post-Acute
- Low motivation or fatigue
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Depressed mood or emotional blunting
- Difficulty focusing or remembering
Why Medical Detox Is Essential
Medical & Emotional Stabilization
Clinical staff stabilize the body and manage symptoms as the medication leaves your system.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
When appropriate, medications ease withdrawal and reduce cravings under medical supervision.
24/7 Clinical Supervision
Round-the-clock monitoring is critical because benzodiazepine and sedative withdrawal can cause seizures without oversight.
Smooth Transition Into Residential Treatment
Once stabilized, clients move into residential care for therapy, dual diagnosis support, and relapse prevention.
Dual Diagnosis & Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction is deeply intertwined with mental-health conditions. Over 40% of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental-health condition. Treating both the addiction and the underlying condition together leads to stronger, longer-lasting recovery.
Our Levels of Care
Treatment moves through stages. These are the four we provide, in the order most clients experience them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early signs include taking medication more often than prescribed, running out of pills early, doctor shopping, increased secrecy, mood swings, drowsiness, or changes in energy and behavior.
Addiction often begins with a legitimate prescription for pain, anxiety, sleep, or focus. Over time, tolerance increases, causing people to take higher doses or use medication in ways not intended by their doctor.
These medications alter brain chemistry by impacting pain regulation, stress response, focus, and mood.
Withdrawal varies by drug class — Opioids: sweating, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, cravings; Benzodiazepines: panic, tremors, insomnia, seizures (dangerous); Stimulants: exhaustion, depression, agitation, irritability; Sedatives/Sleep meds: rebound insomnia, anxiety, restlessness. Symptoms may begin within hours and peak between 2–5 days.
Benzodiazepine and sedative withdrawal can cause seizures without medical oversight, while opioid withdrawal carries dehydration and relapse risks.
Detox typically lasts 5–10 days, depending on the medication, dosage, duration of use, and underlying health.
Treatment includes medical detox, medication-assisted support when appropriate, residential therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and relapse-prevention planning.
Most people cannot. Stopping suddenly ("cold turkey") from opioids, benzos, or sedatives can be dangerous and increases relapse risk.
Mixing drugs — especially benzos, opioids, alcohol, or sleep meds — severely increases overdose risk.
Most insurance plans cover detox, residential treatment, medication-assisted care, and dual diagnosis services. Call 866-591-0888 for a fast, confidential verification.
As soon as misuse begins — such as taking higher doses, craving medication, or feeling unable to cut back.
Get Started Today
Discreet, medically managed prescription drug treatment
Reaching out is the first step toward change. Speak with a caring admissions specialist today — confidentially and without pressure.