Prescription medications are commonly used to manage pain and other health conditions, but some can be highly addictive. Trying to stop using them without support can be challenging – and, in some cases, unsafe.
That’s why seeking professional help is strongly recommended. With the right treatment and guidance, recovery can be safer, more manageable and more likely to lead to lasting change.
Medication is often prescribed to help manage specific conditions, such as pain following an injury or illness, or symptoms of anxiety. However, issues may arise when someone takes higher doses than they’ve been prescribed, they take medication without a prescription, or they take it for non-medical reasons, like achieving a ‘high’.
Misuse of prescription drugs becomes an addiction when the person taking them becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the medication. Dependence and addiction can significantly interfere with their ability to function in daily life, and can lead to dangerous health consequences.
Commonly used prescription drugs include opioids (painkillers), benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) and stimulants (like medication prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)).
Addiction typically develops through a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. Repeatedly taking prescription drugs can alter your brain chemistry, particularly in the ‘reward system’ of the brain, which can produce cravings for the medication, even when you no longer need it medically.
Taking medication for longer periods than necessary, having a genetic predisposition to addiction, or self-medicating with drugs to deal with extreme stress are all potential causes of addiction.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of prescription drug addiction is the first step towards seeking help and preventing further harm.
Treatment for prescription drug addiction generally includes several core approaches that can be adapted to individuals based on the type of medication they're addicted to. Here are the common elements that feature across different treatment plans:
Support for prescription drug addiction is available in a range of formats, depending on your individual needs and circumstances. You may benefit from more intensive support, such as a residential stay, or opt for flexible options that work around your daily responsibilities.
You may move through several stages of treatment as part of your recovery journey:
Priory offers addiction treatment at locations across the UK, including centres in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. These sites provide a range of options – from inpatient treatment to more flexible formats – allowing you to access support in a way that suits your lifestyle and needs.
Your journey begins with a free, confidential addiction assessment, where one of our experienced specialists will take the time to understand your challenges, answer any questions and explain the different services available. This assessment helps us determine which type of treatment is most appropriate for your recovery.
From your very first contact with us, you’ll receive compassionate, non-judgemental support. We want you to feel reassured and understood as you take the first step towards long-term recovery.
All of our treatment plans are tailored to the individual and delivered in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Our expert teams will work with you throughout your programme, adapting your care as your needs evolve.
It is possible to access free services for addiction treatment. You can call the Frank helpline on 0300 123 6600 for advice on support services near you.
Your GP can advise on NHS options, although waiting lists may be long, depending on where you live and how severe your addiction is. This can be difficult, especially if you're feeling distressed and not like yourself.
Addiction treatment at Priory offers fast access to support, with waiting times that are significantly shorter than the national average. Our services can be either self-funded (meaning that you pay for this yourself), or funded via private medical insurance (PMI). Many PMI providers do cover our addiction treatment services, but what's included can vary depending on your policy. The best thing to do is check with your insurer, or simply give us a call – our team will be happy to help you understand your options.
Discover some commonly asked questions about prescription drug addiction and treatments.
The most common prescription drug addiction is to opioids, specifically prescription painkillers like codeine, tramadol and morphine.
The amount of prescription medication that causes addiction varies from person to person, but addiction can develop when medications are taken in higher doses, for longer periods or more frequently than prescribed.
The time it takes to get addicted to prescription drugs varies but addiction can develop within a few weeks to a few months with regular use.
After completing prescription drug addiction treatment at Priory, many of our services include 12 months of aftercare, providing ongoing support such as follow-up sessions, relapse prevention planning and access to support groups. You may also step down to other forms of ongoing care, including outpatient therapy or digital support, depending on your needs.
