Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment in California

Medically reviewed by Bradley Tourtlotte, MD · Written by the California Treatment Centers clinical team · Last reviewed June 2026

Prescription drug addiction often begins with a legitimate prescription. Pain after surgery, anxiety, attention problems, or sleeplessness can all lead to medications that, over time, become hard to stop. At California Treatment Centers, we treat prescription drug dependence with compassion and clinical care at locations throughout California. There is no shame in needing help, only courage in asking for it.

Common Prescription Drugs of Misuse

Prescription medications fall into a few major categories, and each affects the body differently:

• Opioid painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine, used for pain but highly addictive
• Benzodiazepines and sedatives such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Ambien, used for anxiety or sleep
• Stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, prescribed for ADHD but sometimes misused for energy or focus

Signs of Prescription Drug Dependence

• Taking more than prescribed or using it to get high
• Running out of medication early or seeking multiple prescriptions
• Cravings and preoccupation with the next dose
• Withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop
• Continued use despite harm to health, work, or relationships

Why Detox Matters, and Why Some Withdrawals Are Dangerous

The right detox depends on the drug. Opioid withdrawal is intensely uncomfortable and benefits from medical support. Critically, withdrawal from benzodiazepines and other sedatives can be life-threatening, with a risk of seizures, just like alcohol, so it should never be stopped abruptly on your own. Our medical detox program assesses what you are taking and manages withdrawal safely, using a supervised taper when appropriate.

How We Treat Prescription Drug Addiction

For prescription opioids, medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based option that reduces cravings and overdose risk. After detox, many clients continue in residential treatment and then transition to outpatient care, combining therapy, relapse prevention, and peer support.

Treating the Underlying Condition

Because these medications were often prescribed for real conditions, lasting recovery means addressing the pain, anxiety, ADHD, or insomnia underneath. Our integrated dual diagnosis care treats mental-health conditions alongside the dependence, so you have healthier ways to manage what you were medicating.

Getting Started

We are in-network with most major insurers, and insurance verification is free and confidential. Our admissions team can review your situation, explain your options, and help you start safely. Whatever medication brought you here, and however long you have used it, you can take the next step today, and we will walk it with you.

If you are in crisis, call or text 988. The free SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 is available 24/7.