ODYSSEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTERS
Healing Beyond the Surface
We are committed to guiding individuals toward long-term sobriety by treating the underlying causes of substance use disorders — not simply managing short-term symptoms.
Our structured, evidence-based approach fosters stability, resilience, and sustainable recovery.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription medications are safe and effective only when taken as directed. When drugs such as opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines, sleep medications, or stimulants are misused—taken longer than prescribed, in higher doses, without a prescription, or combined with alcohol—the risk of addiction, overdose, and serious health consequences increases significantly.
Prescription drug abuse includes taking medication when it’s no longer medically necessary, using someone else’s prescription, or altering pills to snort, smoke, or inject them. These practices are especially dangerous because many prescription drugs are designed to release slowly. When misused, the full dose enters the body at once, greatly increasing overdose risk.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also be abused. Cough medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM) can produce mind-altering effects at high doses and may cause liver damage, slowed breathing, or death—particularly when combined with acetaminophen or alcohol.
Signs and Symptoms of Prescription Drug Abuse
Risks and Effects
Like illicit drugs, prescription medications can increase dopamine levels in the brain, reinforcing compulsive use and dependence. Long-term misuse may lead to cognitive impairment, personality changes, organ damage, and painful or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepine withdrawal, in particular, can cause life-threatening seizures without medical supervision.
Symptoms vary by drug type but may include:
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Opioids: drowsiness, confusion, constipation, slowed breathing
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Sedatives/anti-anxiety drugs: slurred speech, memory problems, poor coordination
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Stimulants (e.g., ADHD meds): agitation, insomnia, anxiety, rapid heartbeat
Behavioral warning signs include:
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Mood swings or unusual energy or sedation
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Changes in sleep patterns
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Taking higher doses than prescribed
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Doctor shopping or forging prescriptions
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Stealing, selling, or hiding medications
Treatment for Prescription Drug Addiction
Prescription drug addiction is a serious but treatable condition. Recovery typically begins with medically supervised detox, followed by evidence-based therapy to address both physical dependence and underlying mental health conditions.
At Athena Behavioral Health, treatment plans are individualized and may include detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and holistic therapies to support long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug misuse, Athena Behavioral Health is here to help. Call our 24/7 helpline to learn more about treatment options and take the first step toward a healthier future.
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