How Prescription Drug Addiction Is Treated

In 2020, 1.2 million people in the U.S. misused prescription pain relievers. Prescription drug addiction often starts with medically-prescribed needed use, such as following surgery or injury. Gradually, use becomes misuse, resulting in substance use disorder or addiction. When that occurs, prescription drug addiction treatment is necessary.

Read on to learn about prescription drug addiction treatment options, including inpatient, outpatient, medication, and community support.

Prescription Drugs and Addiction

The most common prescription drugs that lead to addiction include:

• Opioids
• Depressants
• Stimulants

Opioids

Opioids are pain-relieving drugs derived from opiates, such as opium, morphine, and heroin, that come from the opium poppy plant.

Opioids activate the receptors for the brain's neurotransmitter dopamine, causing euphoric feelings.

Opioids treat severe pain from surgery, illness, medical procedures, and childbirth.

Some examples of opioids include:

• Codeine
• Methadone
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone
  
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Meperidine

Central Nervous System Depressants

Depressants calm the nervous system and have sedative effects. They are used for treating anxiety and sleeping disorders.

They include:

• Benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam)
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Lunesta (eszopiclone)
• Ambien (zolpidem)

Stimulants

Primarily prescribed for ADHD, stimulants stimulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex and increase dopamine.

They include:

• Amphetamines, such as Adderall
• Methylphenidates, such as Ritalin

Medication-Based Treatment Options

Medication-assisted treatment helps manage the severe symptoms of withdrawal, which can make a significant difference toward long-term recovery.

A 2020 study investigated the use of medication-assisted treatment with methadone or buprenorphine in people with opioid addiction and found a 76% reduction in overdose at three months, and 59% at one year.

Medication-Assisted Treatments

Some medications used for medication-assisted treatment include:

• Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist (chemical that activates a receptor) that reduces opioid craving and withdrawal. It blunts or blocks the effects of opioids. By law, only a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA-certified treatment program can dispense methadone, usually at a methadone clinic. Methadone is prescription-only, taken daily, and available in liquid, powder, or tablets.
• Buprenorphine: An opioid partial agonist that causes euphoria and respiratory depression at low-to-moderate doses. These effects are weaker than full opioid agonists such as methadone. Buprenorphine is the first medication that can be prescribed or dispensed in a healthcare provider's office, which increases access to treatment. It is taken daily, and available in tablets, implants, and extended-release injections.
• Naltrexone: Binds and blocks opioid receptors and suppresses opioid cravings. Naltrexone is an extended-release intramuscular injection, typically administered by a healthcare provider in a medical office.
• Naloxone: Naloxone is a temporary treatment created to quickly reverse opioid overdose. It also binds to opioid receptors. It can be given as a nasal spray, intramuscular injection, or under the skin injection.

Facility Treatment Options

Treatment options for prescription drug addiction also include inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Inpatient, where a person stays overnight, is also known as rehabilitative residential treatment or rehab. Outpatient treatment is usually a clinic that a person visits by day for treatment, but returns home at night.

Long-Term Residential Treatment

Long-term residential treatment facilities provide 24-hour care for an inpatient stay from six to 12 months. They can include hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and non-hospital settings.

Treatment is typically highly structured and may include employment training and other support services.

Short-Term Residential Treatment

Short-term residential treatment options are designed to provide intensive treatment with a shorter stay, usually a week, or 30, 60, or 90 days.

Once the inpatient portion of the program is completed, you will engage with outpatient programs, including individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and support groups.

Outpatient Treatment Facilities

Outpatient treatment facilities are lower-intensity but offer individual, family, and group therapy, allowing the person to be engaged with regular work and home routines.

These programs are often designed to treat those with dual diagnoses, including substance use disorders and mental health disorders and conditions.

Therapy for Prescription Drug Addiction

Living with drug addiction can be very isolating. Therapy can be a useful tool to help over come drug addiction.

Some effective therapy methods for drug addiction include:

• Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions, typically weekly, with a therapist trained in addictions. May include talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to examine automatic or negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier thoughts.
• Group therapy: Hearing the experiences of others with similar experiences can be significant to recovery and sobriety. Research has shown that group therapy leads to positive outcomes.
• Family therapy: Family therapy encourages all family members to make specific positive changes while the person in recovery works through their issues.
• Support groups: Support groups can include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training). Support groups are often available at community centers and online.

Studies show that social connections with family, groups, community, and friends have positive impacts on recovery.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine, while not a replacement for addiction treatment, can offer additional support.

• Quality sleep: Over 75% of people with opioid addiction struggle with sleep. Sleep impacts many aspects of opioid misuse, including the reward centers in the brain, mood regulation, stress management, and perception of pain.
• Yoga: In a study of hatha yoga practiced by people receiving opioid agonist therapy, mood improved along with decreases in anxiety and pain.
• Mindfulness: One study indicated that mindfulness increased response to natural rewards, decreased response to opioids, and decreased cravings.

Summary

Prescription drug addiction often starts with medically-prescribed use following surgery or injury. Over time, use can lead to misuse and become addiction. When addiction occurs, treatment is necessary.

Treatment to address prescription drug addiction includes medication, inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, therapy, and support groups. People can also benefit from alternative therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, and getting high quality sleep.

A Word From Verywell

It's nearly impossible to overcome prescription drug addiction alone. The first step of admitting you need help may be the most difficult one of all. In seeking treatment, you'll find the support, resources, and social connection that is necessary in overcoming addiction.

If you are struggling with prescription drug addiction and want to seek help, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.