Ethical, Personalized Outpatient Care for Dependence on Pain Medications
Prescription opiates are intended to relieve pain, but they can also lead to powerful physical and psychological dependence. What often starts as a legitimate need after surgery or injury can evolve into daily use, tolerance, and addiction. At Lanier Recovery Center in Atlanta, we specialize in outpatient care for individuals struggling with prescription opiate misuse, offering compassionate, medically-informed treatment tailored to the unique challenges of prescription drug addiction.
What Are Prescription Opiates?
Prescription opiates (also called opioids) are medications used to manage moderate to severe pain. Common examples include:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Fentanyl (prescription form)
- Oxymorphone (Opana)
These drugs interact with opioid receptors in the brain to block pain and increase feelings of relaxation and pleasure. Over time, they can lead to tolerance, meaning higher doses are required to achieve the same effect, and physical dependence can develop quickly.
The Impact of Prescription Opiates on the Body and Mind
Short-term effects:
- Pain relief and relaxation
- Euphoria or a “high”
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Slowed breathing and constipation
Long-term or high-dose effects:
- Physical dependence and withdrawal
- Depression or emotional numbness
- Impaired decision-making and judgment
- Overdose, especially when combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines
Even when used as prescribed, opioids can be habit-forming. When misused, they carry high risk of overdose and death.
Prescription Opiate Use Statistics
- Over 9 million Americans misuse prescription pain relievers each year.
- Nearly 17,000 people died from prescription opioid overdoses in the U.S. in 2021.
- In Georgia, opioid overdose deaths increased by 101% between 2019 and 2021.
- Over 70% of opioid overdoses involve prescription medications.
Recognizing Prescription Opiate Addiction
Addiction to prescription opioids is often hidden or misunderstood. Many individuals don’t realize they’re addicted until they attempt to cut back or stop and experience withdrawal.
Signs of prescription opiate addiction:
- Taking higher doses or more frequently than prescribed
- Using opioids for reasons other than pain (e.g., to relax or cope with emotions)
- Doctor shopping or seeking illegal prescriptions
- Isolation from friends or family
- Decline in job or school performance
- Continued use despite negative consequences
Daily Challenges of Prescription Opiate Addiction
Living with prescription opioid addiction can make everyday functioning difficult:
- Needing pills just to get through the day
- Anxiety about running out or going into withdrawal
- Emotional blunting or disconnection from loved ones
- Constipation, nausea, or chronic fatigue
- Inability to work or maintain daily routines
- Legal or financial problems due to pill-seeking behavior
At Lanier Recovery Center, we work to restore each individual’s physical health, emotional stability, and independence from opioids through clinical and community support.
How We Treat Prescription Opiate Addiction at Lanier Recovery Center
We offer a structured, personalized approach that includes medical oversight, therapy, and long-term recovery planning for those struggling with prescription opioid misuse.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP provides full-day care, including therapy, medication management, and peer support. This level is ideal for clients with significant withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring disorders.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP offers 3–5 days a week of structured therapy and clinical support. Clients develop coping strategies, process emotional trauma, and build skills to prevent relapse.
Outpatient Program (OP)
OP provides ongoing support for clients transitioning out of higher levels of care. Services include individual therapy, relapse prevention, and accountability.
Our treatment model includes:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment referrals (as needed)
- Trauma therapy and dual diagnosis care
- Family involvement and education
- Lifestyle restructuring and sober planning
Why Choose Lanier Recovery Center?
- Specialized care for prescription opiate misuse
- Personalized treatment plans based on your story and needs
- Experienced clinical team with a heart for recovery
- Outpatient model for flexibility and real-life integration
- Strong ethical foundation with transparent, honest support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prescription opiate addiction the same as heroin addiction?
While different substances, both act on the same brain receptors and produce similar physical dependency and withdrawal. Many individuals who become addicted to prescriptions may transition to heroin when pills become inaccessible.
Can I stop taking opioids without going to detox?
Mild to moderate withdrawal may be managed in outpatient care. Severe cases may require medical detox. Our team will assess and recommend the safest path for you.
Will I be judged for becoming addicted to my prescription?
Absolutely not. Addiction can affect anyone, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Our team is here to support you without shame or blame.
Does insurance cover outpatient treatment?
Yes. We work with most major insurance providers and can verify your benefits before admission.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery from Prescription Opioids
You don’t have to live under the weight of pain pills. At Lanier Recovery Center in Atlanta, we offer ethical, personalized outpatient care to help you take back your life with strength, dignity, and clarity. Call today for a confidential assessment and begin your recovery journey.
