Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment

Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Near You in NJ, PA, & NY

Prescription drugs are used by almost everyone at some point. When they’re taken as prescribed, most medications are perfectly safe. However, when you use medications that aren’t prescribed to you, take higher doses than you need, or take the medicine in a different way than you’re supposed to, you may develop a prescription drug addiction. Fortunately, help is available.

At Rubicon Recovery Center, we serve individuals from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania with outpatient rehab programs to treat substance use disorders (SUDs), including prescription drug dependence and addiction. Learn more about this condition and our prescription drug addiction treatment near you in Watchung, NJ.

Key Takeaways

• Prescription drugs are commonly misused and abused, especially opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants.
• Red flags of prescription drug addiction include requesting early refills, visiting multiple doctors to get new prescriptions, buying counterfeit pills off the street, altering or forging prescriptions, and more.
• Diagnosing prescription drug addiction involves a comprehensive clinical assessment and a comparison of the patient’s symptoms to criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).
• To treat prescription drug addiction, most facilities use a combination of medically supervised detox, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, and holistic therapies.
• At Rubicon Recovery Center, we provide three levels of outpatient treatment for prescription drug addiction and other substance use disorders.

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drugs are used to treat all sorts of physical and behavioral health conditions. Although most people won’t get addicted to prescription drugs if they take them as directed by their doctor, some people will develop a physical and psychological dependence on their medication. Over time, this dependence can lead to addiction. This causes a person to compulsively take the medication and prioritize its use over other responsibilities, even when it causes harmful effects on their health, relationships, work life, and other areas.

Some of the most abused prescription drugs include:

• Opioids: These are highly addictive pain relievers that help block pain signals, so they’re often prescribed for chronic pain. They include hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl.
• Central nervous system depressants: These include sedatives and tranquilizers, which slow brain activity. They are often used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Common examples include benzodiazepines like Xanax or barbiturates.
• Stimulants: These drugs increase the activity of the central nervous system by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, making them suitable for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They include amphetamines and methylphenidate, such as Adderall and Ritalin.

Because these drugs have a high potential for misuse, they are tightly regulated. However, they are still prescribed in certain cases. People who get addicted to prescription drugs may have started with a legitimate prescription, while others may have gotten pills from friends, family members, or drug dealers.

Prevalence of Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drug abuse is a growing concern nationwide and in New Jersey, and the statistics demonstrate why. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS):

• 13.8 million, or 4.8% of Americans over the age of 12, abuse prescriptions in a year.
• 7.6 million, or 55.3% of prescription drug abusers, are addicted.
• Prescription drugs are the second most misused illicit substance after marijuana.
• 8 million people over age 12 misuse painkillers, making them the most-abused type of prescription drug.
• 3.9 million people over age 12 misused prescription stimulants within the last 12 months.
• 4.6 million people over age 12 abused sedatives and/or tranquilizers in the past 12 months.

These statistics showcase the prevalence of prescription drug abuse and addiction throughout the U.S. However, prescription drug abuse has declined 4.4% since 2023. Even though rates have declined, prescription drug abuse is still a major problem, and it’s often driven by high rates of use and availability.

In New Jersey, prescription drug abuse is also a concern. Research from America’s Health Rankings in 2025 found that 11.2% of New Jersey adults reported using prescription drugs non-medically in the last 12 months.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Addiction?

When someone is addicted to prescription drugs, their symptoms will often depend on which type of drug they’re abusing. Opioids cause drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, skin changes, and nodding off, while depressants can cause confusion, slurred speech, weakness, and memory problems. Stimulants can result in weight loss, increased heart rate, insomnia, and unusual sleeping habits.

There are also red flags that doctors, family members, and friends can look out for to identify a prescription drug addiction. These include:

• Visiting multiple doctors to get new prescriptions (doctor shopping)
• Requesting early refills or new prescriptions because they’ve been misplaced
• Traveling long distances to see new providers
• Taking the drug in a way that isn’t as directed, such as snorting pills instead of taking them orally
• Buying counterfeit pills off the street
• Attempting to alter or forge prescriptions

If you notice these red flags in a loved one, encourage them to seek professional help in a non-judgmental manner.

How Is Prescription Drug Addiction Diagnosed?

Diagnosing prescription drug addiction requires an in-depth clinical assessment, which often includes medical evaluations, questionnaires, and lab tests. The provider will ask the patient about their drug use, symptoms, and family and medical history to get insight into their habits.

They will also compare the patient’s behaviors to the standardized substance use criteria defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). It features 11 points, and if the patient exhibits at least 2 within a single year, they will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder. They include:

• Taking the drug in larger amounts or for longer than you’re supposed to
• Wanting to cut down or stop using the prescription drug, but failing repeatedly
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance
• Cravings and urges to use the prescription drug
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school because of drug use
• Continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships
• Giving up social, occupational, or recreational activities because of prescription drug use
• Using substances repeatedly, even when it puts you in danger
• Continuing to use prescription drugs, even when you know you have a physical or psychological problem that may be aggravated by them
• Developing a tolerance to the substance and needing more of it to get the desired effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can be relieved by taking more of the substance

Using the insight collected from the diagnostic process, a patient can be diagnosed with prescription drug addiction, or it may be ruled out.

How Does Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Work at Rubicon Recovery Center?

At Rubicon Recovery Center, we specialize in providing outpatient substance use treatment programs that include personalized treatment plans. When you first come for treatment, you’ll be given a comprehensive clinical assessment so our team can understand your needs and which of our programs will be most suitable. They include:

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), the most intensive program that runs for 6 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), our mid-level program that runs for 3 hours a day, 3 to 5 days a week
• Outpatient Program (OP), our lowest-level program that runs for 2 to 3 days per week, with an hour of treatment each day

Our Outpatient Program is typically reserved for current patients who are transitioning out of IOP or PHP. Whatever program you’re a part of, you can trust that you will receive comprehensive, customized substance use treatment that considers your mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.

What Are the Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Addiction?

Treating prescription drug addiction doesn’t involve a single method. Rather, a wide variety of therapies and methodologies are used to help heal the whole person, not just the surface-level symptoms of their addiction. At Rubicon Recovery Center, we craft our treatment plans with the following:

Medical Detoxification (Detox)

Medical detox is often necessary in prescription drug addiction treatment. Since many prescription drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, can cause harsh withdrawal symptoms, medically supervised detox is often required to taper the patient off the substance and manage the effects of withdrawal. At Rubicon Recovery Center, we don’t directly provide detox services. However, we have a network of reputable medical detox facilities that we refer patients to, so they can get continuous care and start recovery off on the right foot.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment may also be used for prescription drug addiction treatment, particularly for opioid users. This process combines specific U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications and behavioral therapies to help treat addiction. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and limit the rewarding effects of opioids. At Rubicon Recovery Center, we can integrate MAT into treatment plans to help give our patients the best chances at lasting recovery.

Therapy and Counseling

Behavioral therapies and counseling are almost always used to treat prescription drug addiction. These therapies help patients understand why their drug misuse started, identify and change unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior, and manage their triggers and cravings. At Rubicon Recovery Center, some of the therapies we utilize include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on recognizing and modifying destructive behaviors and thought patterns relating to addiction
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which is designed to help people with strong emotional responses through methods like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance
• Motivational interviewing (MI), which helps to boost the patient’s desire for and dedication to changing their behaviors
• Group therapy, which provides peer support through therapy sessions with other members in the Rubicon community
• Family counseling, which helps improve familial relationships by inviting the patient’s family to participate in therapy sessions

Most patients will receive a mix of individual, group, and family therapy, although the breakdown will vary depending on their needs and treatment goals.

Holistic Therapies

At Rubicon Recovery Center, we take a whole-person approach to care, so we supplement behavioral therapies with holistic therapies, which help nurture the interconnectedness of an individual’s mind, body, and spirit. Some of the holistic therapies we offer include:

• Mind-body practices like yoga
• Breathwork
• Meditation and mindfulness
• Nutritional therapy
• Creative arts therapies, such as art therapy and music therapy
• Nature therapy

We incorporate various holistic therapies into our patients’ treatment plans, providing them with the tools they need to manage triggers, prevent relapses, and improve their overall quality of life.

What Are the Recovery Expectations for Prescription Drug Addiction?

Most people are curious about the timeline for recovery from prescription drug addiction. Unfortunately, there is no set timeline. Everyone’s recovery journey is unique, and it will click immediately for some, while others will require repeated attempts.

The good news is that there are steps a person can take to set themselves up for success in recovery. At Rubicon Recovery Center, we provide our patients with aftercare planning and support to give them the best chance at lasting sobriety. They include:

• Continuing individual and group therapy to maintain professional support
• An alumni program to provide support to current patients
• Access to community resources, such as sober living homes and life skills training, to prepare patients for life post-treatment
• Addiction education for family members and loved ones to teach them about substance use
• Relapse prevention resources to help patients stay sober post-treatment

By taking advantage of these resources, patients can put themselves in a strong position for long-term recovery.

Why Attend Rubicon Recovery Center for Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment?

If you’re seeking prescription drug addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, consider Rubicon Recovery Center. Established in March 2024, we provide comprehensive outpatient treatment for individuals with substance use disorders from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. We take a whole-person approach to treatment, meaning we aim to heal the mind, body, and spirit of each patient, not just treat their outward symptoms.

Our comfortable facility is staffed by a supportive team of licensed addiction counselors, therapists, case managers, and other rehab professionals. Each member is committed to improving the mental health and overall well-being of their patients. Our team is also enthusiastic about improving access to addiction treatment, so we offer financing options and accept most major insurance providers.

Find Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Near You in NJ, PA, & NY

If you’re dealing with a prescription drug addiction, know that it doesn’t have to rule your life. You can get help at Rubicon Recovery Center, where we serve those from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York who have substance use disorders, including prescription drug addiction. We offer a free insurance verification process that will let you know whether your treatment may be covered. To speak with an admissions specialist, call (908) 274-0015 or contact us today to explore prescription drug addiction treatment near you in Watchung, NJ.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prescription Drug Addiction

What are the most commonly abused prescription drugs?

The most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids like fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone; central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines, such as Xanax; and stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate (Adderall, Ritalin, etc.).

What are the signs that someone may be addicted to prescription drugs?

Signs that a person may be addicted to prescription drugs include taking more pills than prescribed, requesting early prescription refills, snorting or injecting drugs instead of taking them orally, being preoccupied with getting or using drugs, and developing a high tolerance to the drugs.

How is prescription drug addiction treated?

Prescription drug addiction is treated through a combination of detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when clinically appropriate, individual and group therapies, and holistic therapies.

Can someone detox from prescription drugs at home?

It depends on the type of prescription drug. For opioids or benzodiazepines, medically supervised detox is the safest option, as symptoms can be intense. For stimulants like Adderall, patients may be able to safely detox at home.

How long does it take to recover from prescription drug addiction?

There is no set timeline for how long it takes to recover from prescription drug addiction. Most experts consider recovery to be an ongoing process.

What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?

Medication-assisted treatment is the process of treating substance use disorders, typically opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder, with a combination of approved medications and behavioral therapies. The medications help to reduce cravings and manage withdrawals, while the behavioral therapies give patients the tools they need to modify negative thought patterns and cope with triggers.

What are the risks of using prescription drugs recreationally?

Using prescription drugs recreationally can cause several harmful effects. Not only are you putting yourself at risk of addiction, but you can also experience health effects, including seizures, respiratory depression, decreased or irregular heart rate, and more.

How can I prevent relapse after completing prescription drug rehab?

To prevent relapse after completing prescription drug rehab, it’s important to use available aftercare resources, such as continuing therapy, sober living homes, support groups, etc. You should also reach out to a sponsor or therapist if you feel like you may relapse.