Prescription drugs are meant to help. They ease pain, calm anxiety, and help people sleep or focus. But sometimes, what starts as a way to cope turns into something else. You might find yourself needing more just to get the same effect. Or maybe you’ve started using in a way that wasn’t part of the plan.
It happens more often than people think — and it can happen to anyone.
At White River Recovery, we support people who want to take back control. We offer a safe, structured place to step away from the dependency and begin to heal. Contact us today to find out more about our prescription drug addiction treatment programmes and to begin your recovery today. You can can contact us on WhatsApp, call us on +27 87 250 2843 or email us at booking@whiteriverrecovery.co.za to find out more.
White River Recovery Centre is fully accredited by the South African Department of Health and has been rated as a 3-star rehabilitation facility by the Rehab Grading Council of South Africa (RGC).
Not everyone who misuses medication is doing it with bad intentions. Sometimes it starts with a legitimate prescription. You might take a little more than recommended because the pain hasn’t gone away. Or maybe you borrow something from a friend just to get through a tough night.
It can be subtle at first. A few pills here and there. A bottle that empties sooner than expected. You tell yourself it’s temporary until you realise you’re starting to depend on it.
Some of the medications we often see people struggle with include:
- Pain relief tablets like OxyContin or Vicodin
- Anti-anxiety meds such as Xanax or Valium
- Sleep aids like Ambien or Lunesta
- Focus medications, including Ritalin or Adderall
It’s not always easy to spot the moment things shift. But you might begin to notice changes, either in yourself or in someone close to you:
- Taking more than what the doctor recommended
- Feeling uneasy or shaky when you stop for a day or two
- Finding ways to get more, even when the original need has passed
- Pulling back from people or keeping secrets
- Trouble sleeping, eating, or managing everyday tasks
- Work starting to slip, or letting go of things you used to care about
- Worrying about money, especially when more is going toward medication
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. It’s time to get some support.
These medications are made to change how you feel — less pain, less stress, more focus, or better sleep. And for a while, they work. But over time, your brain starts to expect that same chemical effect. What helped at first starts to feel like a need.
That shift is what makes stopping so hard.
People can become dependent for different reasons. Some live with pain that never fully goes away. Others are managing anxiety or low moods and don’t know what else to reach for. Sometimes it starts with curiosity or peer pressure. Other times it’s as simple as finding pills in a cupboard and thinking they’ll help.
And often, people don’t realise how strong these medications are — or how quickly they can take hold.
How we treat prescription drug addiction
Getting help early makes a difference. At White River Recovery, we create a treatment plan that’s built around what you need — not just physically, but emotionally too.
Medically supported detox
You’ll begin with a gentle, supervised withdrawal process. If your body has become dependent on the medication, we’ll help you stop safely. Our team is on hand at all times to monitor your progress and keep you stable. In some cases, medication-assisted treatment is used to ease symptoms and reduce cravings.
Personal therapy and support
You’ll work with a counsellor one-on-one. These sessions help you understand how the addiction developed and how to start building new patterns. If there’s trauma or mental health challenges in the mix, we’ll make space for that too. You’ll also take part in small group sessions with others who are walking a similar path.
Support for your health and routine
Recovery isn’t just about stopping a substance. It’s about feeling stronger — physically and mentally. While you’re here, you’ll take part in wellness activities like movement, healthy meals, and time outdoors. You’ll also learn ways to manage stress that don’t involve pills.
We work with families too. If relationships have been strained, we offer support to help rebuild those connections.
Planning for what comes next
As you near the end of your stay, we’ll help you create a plan to keep going. That could mean ongoing therapy, support groups, or new routines that help you stay grounded. You won’t be sent home without a plan — and you won’t be left to figure it all out alone.
Take the First Step
If prescription drugs have started to control your life — or someone you care about — you don’t have to face it alone.
Reach out to us for a quiet, confidential conversation. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you explore what support could look like from here. You can call us on +27 87 250 2843 or email us at booking@whiteriverrecovery.co.za to find out more.
It can affect anyone, but we often see it in young adults, older adults, and people living with anxiety or past trauma. Women also tend to be prescribed certain medications more often, which increases the risk of misuse.
You might notice they keep using even when it’s clearly causing problems. They might see different doctors for the same prescription or act defensively when asked about their medication. Some show physical signs like mood swings, withdrawal symptoms, or poor decision-making while under the influence.
Yes. With proper medical care, therapy, and steady support, people can and do recover. It’s not a quick fix, but it is possible. The key is having a plan that looks at the full picture — not just the substance, but everything connected to it.
