Prescription drug addiction can develop even when medications are taken exactly as prescribed, creating a complex situation that requires specialized understanding and care. At Anuvia, we recognize that prescription drug dependence often begins with legitimate medical needs and frequently co-occurs with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or other health conditions.
Our integrated treatment approach addresses both your medication dependence and underlying health concerns, providing comprehensive, medically-informed support for safe recovery.
Prescription drug addiction involves the compulsive use of prescription medications despite negative consequences. This can include taking medications in ways other than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or continuing use after the medical need has ended. The most commonly misused prescription drugs include:
Opioid Pain Medications: Including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl patches Benzodiazepines: Including Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, and Valium
Stimulants: Including Adderall, Ritalin, and other ADHD medications
Sleep Medications: Including Ambien, Lunesta, and other sleep aids
What makes prescription drug addiction particularly complex:
Prescription drug addiction is characterized by:
Prescription drug addiction can be difficult to recognize, especially when use began legitimately. Consider seeking help if you’re experiencing:
If you recognize these patterns, seeking professional help is important for your safety and wellbeing.
Prescription drug addiction often involves complex medical and mental health factors that require specialized care. At Anuvia, our approach addresses both the addiction and any underlying medical or mental health conditions.
Comprehensive Medical Assessment: We begin with a thorough evaluation of your medication history, underlying medical conditions, mental health symptoms, and current needs to develop a safe treatment plan.
Medically-Supervised Tapering: For many prescription medications, especially benzodiazepines and opioids, stopping abruptly can be dangerous. Our medical team provides careful, gradual reduction protocols when needed.
Pain and Medical Management: For those with chronic pain or other ongoing medical conditions, we work to develop alternative treatment approaches that don’t involve addictive medications.
Mental Health Integration: Simultaneous treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health conditions that may have led to prescription drug use or complicate recovery.
Evidence-Based Therapy: We use proven therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), pain management techniques, and other treatments effective for prescription drug dependence.
Coordination with Medical Providers: When appropriate, we work with your other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
Our comprehensive approach includes specialized services for the unique challenges of prescription drug dependence:
Medical Tapering Support: Careful, medically-supervised reduction of prescription medications when appropriate, designed to minimize withdrawal symptoms while ensuring safety throughout the process.
Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with therapists experienced in prescription drug addiction, focusing on developing alternative coping strategies and addressing underlying health concerns.
Pain Management Support: For those with chronic pain, specialized approaches to managing pain without addictive medications, including non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
Mental Health Treatment: Treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other conditions that may have originally been treated with the addictive medications.
Medical Coordination: Working with your healthcare providers to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address both addiction and ongoing medical needs.
Group Therapy: Specialized groups for individuals recovering from prescription drug addiction, offering peer support and practical strategies for managing health conditions without addictive medications.
Telehealth Options: Virtual appointments available throughout North Carolina for those who prefer receiving support from home or have mobility challenges due to medical conditions.
Crisis Support: Access to immediate medical and emotional support during difficult moments in recovery, particularly during withdrawal periods.
Recovery from prescription drug addiction often involves careful medical management alongside therapeutic support:
Initial Assessment and Safety Planning: Your first appointments focus on understanding your medication history, underlying medical conditions, and developing a safe plan for addressing dependence while managing any ongoing health needs.
Medical Stabilization: If needed, we first stabilize your medication use to ensure you’re receiving consistent, measured amounts under medical supervision before beginning any reduction process.
Gradual Tapering Process: When appropriate, we implement careful, medically-supervised reduction of addictive medications. This process includes:
Active Treatment Phase: Throughout the tapering process and beyond, treatment focuses on:
Long-term Management: After completing any necessary tapering, ongoing support focuses on:
Prescription drug addiction presents specific challenges that our treatment team understands:
Medical Complexity: Unlike street drugs, prescription medications often treat legitimate medical conditions, requiring careful balance between addressing addiction and managing health needs.
Withdrawal Management: Many prescription medications require careful medical supervision during discontinuation to prevent dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Healthcare Navigation: Recovery often involves working with multiple healthcare providers and potentially changing long-standing treatment approaches.
Stigma and Shame: Many people feel ashamed about becoming dependent on “medicine,” requiring sensitive, understanding support.
Ongoing Medical Needs: Underlying conditions may require ongoing treatment with alternative, non-addictive approaches.
Recovery from prescription drug addiction involves developing comprehensive approaches to health and wellness. At Anuvia, we help you:
We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Prescription drug addiction treatment is typically covered under most insurance plans as substance use treatment.
If you don’t have insurance or are concerned about costs, remember that Anuvia is committed to ensuring that no one is turned away due to inability to pay. We offer sliding scale payment options and can discuss ways to make treatment affordable and accessible.
If you’re struggling with dependence on prescription medications, reaching out for help is an important step toward regaining control while ensuring your underlying health needs are properly addressed. Recovery from prescription drug addiction is possible with proper medical support and understanding.
At Anuvia, we provide specialized, judgment-free support that recognizes prescription drug addiction as a complex medical condition requiring careful, coordinated treatment. Our integrated approach addresses both your medication dependence and underlying health concerns, giving you the tools to manage your health effectively without addiction.
Remember that developing dependence on prescription medications is not your fault, many of these medications are known to cause dependence even when used exactly as prescribed. What matters now is taking steps toward safe recovery with proper medical support.
Ready to begin your safe recovery from prescription drug dependence? Call us today at (704) 376-7447 or visit our website to book an initial appointment. Same-day appointments are often available, and we welcome walk-ins at our Charlotte location. Your journey to freedom from prescription drug dependence begins with professional medical guidance and support.
Our Integrated Approach to Prescription Drug Treatment