If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drugs, you are not alone. Prescription pain medicines, anxiety medications, and stimulants can help when used as prescribed, but they also carry real risks. This guide explains signs, causes, withdrawal, and treatment options, with clear steps to start care in Atlanta, GA.
Contact Promises Atlanta at 888.442.9602 to learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment program. For emergencies, call 911. If you are in an emotional crisis, call or text 988.
What is addiction and how does it happen?
Addiction is a chronic medical condition that changes brain reward, stress, and self-control systems. People keep using a drug even when it causes harm. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) describes substance use disorders by symptoms such as loss of control, cravings, and continued use despite negative consequences. Mental health, genetics, environment, and access to drugs all interact as risk factors.
Common prescription drugs linked to addiction
- Opioids for pain, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, can lead to dependence and overdose risk. Anyone taking prescription opioids can develop opioid use disorder.
- Benzodiazepines for anxiety and sleep, such as alprazolam or diazepam, can cause tolerance, withdrawal, and in some cases dangerous symptoms if stopped suddenly.
- Prescription stimulants for ADHD, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can raise heart rate and blood pressure and can be misused for energy or focus. The FDA safety communication on prescription stimulants explains known risks.
Signs and symptoms of drug abuse to watch for
Symptoms of dependence or addiction include:
Physical signs
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or weight
- Slowed breathing with opioids
- Increased heart rate and high blood pressure with stimulants
- Unsteady walking or slurred speech with sedatives
Psychological signs
- Anxiety, depression, irritability, or mood swings
- Trouble concentrating, memory problems, or paranoia
Behavioral changes
- Doctor shopping, early refills, or taking higher doses than prescribed
- Social withdrawal, problems at work or school, or unsafe drug use
- Mixing drugs and alcohol, or using other drugs to change the effect
If these symptoms sound familiar, seek treatment with a professional team that understands both substance use and mental health.
Understanding withdrawal and detox
Stopping some drugs suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal often includes nausea, sweating, muscle aches, and anxiety. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can include rebound insomnia and anxiety, and in rare cases seizures, so a slow taper under medical care is important. Stimulant withdrawal may bring fatigue, low mood, and sleep changes.
Timelines vary by drug, dose, and person; here are averages:
- Opioids: typically several days of acute symptoms, with improvement across 1 to 2 weeks.
- Benzodiazepines: tapering may take weeks or months, since abrupt stopping can be dangerous.
- Stimulants: a few days of fatigue and low mood, then gradual improvement.
During detox, clinicians monitor blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hydration. This medical oversight, often by specialists in addiction medicine, helps manage risk and guides the next steps in care.
Inpatient and outpatient drug rehab
Treatment should match the person’s needs and any co occurring conditions.
- Inpatient care and residential treatment provide 24-hour support, structured days, and therapy to build new skills. Explore our Residential Treatment Program in Atlanta.
- Outpatient treatment, for people with stable housing and lower risk, may include an intensive outpatient program or a partial hospitalization program. These options provide several therapy sessions per week while the person lives at home. Our outpatient programs include mental health care to address depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.
- Step down care includes ongoing counseling, peer support groups, and relapse prevention planning to support long-term recovery.
Our team can help you review treatment options and find the right fit.
What treatment looks like at Promises Atlanta
At our Atlanta facility, your first step is a professional assessment that includes physical health, substance use history, and mental health screening. If detox is recommended, our medical team provides a safe setting with 24/7 monitoring. Learn more about medical detox in Atlanta.
After detox, many clients move to residential treatment to stabilize routines and begin deeper work on recovery. Therapy sessions focus on coping skills, craving management, and healthier daily structure. Most drug rehab settings include individual therapy, group therapy, and family support when helpful. For people affected by both substance abuse and mental health disorders, coordinated mental health treatment is part of the plan.
To understand the environment where recovery begins, you can see our facility photos and videos.
Evidence-based therapies and supports include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, to change thought patterns and strengthen motivation
- Medication options, when clinically appropriate, to reduce cravings or stabilize mood, paired with counseling
- Skills for sleep, nutrition, and exercise, since a healthy body supports progress in recovery
- Family education, because family members often need support and tools as well
Clients often tell us that an amazing therapist or compassionate staff member helped them feel safe enough to be honest, which is a key milestone in the recovery journey.
Building a personalized treatment plan
A strong treatment plan addresses the person’s goals, mental health issues, physical health, and safety. Good plans include:
- Clear goals, such as fewer cravings, better sleep, and safer relationships
- Risk management, such as not mixing prescriptions with alcohol
- Recovery support, alumni or peer groups, and a written relapse prevention plan
- Follow-up appointments to review progress and adjust care
Our Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in Atlanta page guides you through each step, from first call to aftercare.
Insurance and admissions guidance
Starting recovery today is easier with a clear admissions process. Our admissions team can verify benefits, estimate costs, and explain referrals if another level of care fits better. Have your insurance card ready so we can check whether we are in network with your insurance provider. If you have questions about coverage, deductibles, or authorizations, we can discuss those with you so you can focus on health care and healing.
Take the first step with expert addiction treatment in Atlanta
You deserve a safe, respectful place to heal. Our Atlanta facility focuses on treating the whole person, including co-occurring mental health disorders, so you can rebuild health, relationships, and daily life. When you are ready to seek treatment, our admissions team will walk with you from the first step to lasting recovery.
