A Safe Place for Your Recovery from Prescription Medication Addiction

Compassionate care for Prescription Drug Dependence in a comfortable private facility close to home in Melbourne.

Prescription medications are powerful tools designed to manage and treat a wide range of health conditions, from chronic pain to mental health disorders. When used as directed, they can significantly improve your quality of life, if you have a condition. However, these medications require careful oversight because there is a potential for misuse or dependency which can lead to serious health risks.

Medications such as opioids (e.g. Oxycodone), benzodiazepines (e.g. Diazepam), or stimulants (e.g. Dexamphetamine) can be habit forming, leading to dependence, even if they were initially prescribed correctly for a condition. Over time, your body can develop a tolerance, which results in needing higher doses for effectiveness, and the higher doses increase your risk of harm.

Prescription drug addiction can often go unnoticed, fuelled by the misconception that prescribed medications are always safe. But when these drugs are misused, the consequences can be just as serious as with illicit substances. The good news is that help is available, and recovery is possible with the right support.

Behind the growing concern around prescription drug misuse lies a preventable, treatable health issue.

Did you know?

Around one in five Australians are prescribed opioids in a single year.
Between 40% and 80% of people who misuse prescription drugs begin with a valid script.
When prescriptions are stopped, some individuals may turn to illicit drugs like heroin.

At Fullarton Clinic, we offer a confidential, medically supported path to recovery from Prescription Drug Addiction — designed to help you regain control safely and with dignity.

References

- (AIHW, 2023)

- (NDARC, 2022)

- (NIDA, 2021)

There is support available. With compassionate care, recovery is achievable.

Signs You May Need Support

Prescription Medication Addiction may present in subtle ways.

You may benefit from support if you:

Feel unable to reduce or stop taking your medication
Are using higher doses than prescribed or running out early
Experience withdrawal symptoms when not taking the medication
Seek prescriptions from multiple doctors (“doctor shopping”)
Feel anxious or fearful without access to the medication
Are relying on medication to manage emotional distress or sleep
Notice it’s impacting your work, relationships, or physical health

prescription medication addiction symptoms

Recognising how use has shifted over time can help you understand the broader impact it may be having.

What Makes Prescription Drug Misuse So Risky?

Misuse of prescription drugs carries significant risks, including:

Respiratory or cardiac complications
Cognitive impairment or emotional instability
Increased risk of overdose, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs
Physical dependence and difficult withdrawal
Relationship and employment difficulties
Mental health deterioration

Timely treatment is essential to reduce harm and support recovery.

The Lasting Impact on Body, Mind, and Life

Prescription drug misuse can quietly erode wellbeing over time, affecting how you think, feel, and function in everyday life.

Recent research highlights the risks:

People who misuse prescription opioids are up to 40 times more likely to develop a Heroin Addiction.
In Australia, more than half of all drug-related overdose deaths involve prescription medications.
Benzodiazepine dependence can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, if stopped abruptly.

Whether your medication use began with a prescription or not, seeking support early creates a safer, more sustainable path to recovery.

References:
– (NIDA, 2021)
– (Penington Institute, 2023)
– (NDARC, 2022)

Our Prescription Drug Addiction Program combines psychological support, medical care, and wellness activities to help you regain control.

Ways We Support Your Journey

Fullarton Clinic provides a discreet 28 day private rehab in Melbourne, including Prescription Drug Detox. *

1

Medically Supervised Detox

As part of your 28 day stay, your program begins with Medical Detoxification (if required) to ensure safe, supported withdrawal, managed by our Addiction Recovery Team.

2

High Quality Recovery Program

A Drug Addiction Treatment Program designed by Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Specialists.

3

Comprehensive Therapy

Including individual counselling, group therapy, and holistic wellness programs, with physical activity and creative therapies.

4

Dual Diagnosis Support

Identifying and treating coexisting medical conditions.

5

Screening For Chronic Disease

While you are staying with us, you will be screened and treated for other chronic diseases impacting your overall health.

6

Aftercare Support

Day Programs to prevent relapse and maintain long term recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of common questions associated with Prescription Medication Addiction and the drug rehabilitation process.

1What does prescription drug addiction look like?

Prescription drug addiction can start in different ways. For some people, it begins with a medication prescribed by a doctor for pain, anxiety, or sleep. Over time, the body can become dependent, even when the medication is taken as directed. Others may start using prescription drugs in ways not recommended — such as taking more than prescribed or taking drugs not prescribed to them — to cope with stress or feel better. Addiction may look like: • Needing more of the medication to get the same effect • Feeling unwell or anxious without it • Finding it hard to stop, even if you want to • Using the medication to cope with daily life, not just the original problem • Using other people's medication when your script has expired Prescription drug addiction is treatable. If this sounds familiar, support is available.

2Can your body become dependent on medication?

Yes, in some cases, the type of medication activates the brain's reward centre, leading to physical dependence and addiction. A typical example of drugs prone to dependency or misuse is opiate based pain killers, benzodiazepines such as Valium or stimulants such as Ritalin.

3How do I help someone who has become addicted to prescription drugs?

There is often significant stigma and shame surrounding drug addiction, even if it started with a script from a doctor. If you want to help a loved one experiencing symptoms of addiction, offer them judgment-free information about where they can receive treatment. You can also support them by investigating treatment options; however, only the individual experiencing addiction can commit to starting treatment.

4How do I start prescription drug addiction treatment?

You don’t need a referral to get in touch, but to start drug addiction treatment, you need a referral to a Psychiatrist with admitting rights to Fullarton Clinic. Complete the form below to get started, and our intake team will support you through the process.

5What is the cost of prescription drug rehab?

The cost of rehab in Australia varies significantly. However, the cost of prescription drug rehab is covered by private health insurance at Fullarton Clinic. Depending on your level of private health coverage, it may cover all or most of your treatment. Contact our intake team to learn more about private health insurance.

6How long is the Addiction Program?

Our Addiction Recovery Program runs for 28 days and includes medical detox if needed. After completion, Fullarton Clinic’s Day Programs provide ongoing, flexible support. The length of your participation in the Day Program is tailored to your needs and decided in collaboration with your Addiction Specialist.

An image of someone experiencing prescription drug addiction symptoms. If you can relate, know that help is available at Fullarton Clinic through our addiction inpatient and day program services.

Your Recovery Starts At Fullarton Clinic

When you choose Fullarton Clinic in Epping, you won’t need to leave Melbourne to access high quality Inpatient Prescription Drug Addiction treatment in a safe and supportive environment.

Our care model addresses more than just the symptoms of addiction — we consider the whole person. That includes coexisting mental health challenges or physical health concerns that may be impacting your recovery.

Whether your use began with a legitimate prescription or otherwise, our role is to provide evidence-based care and support you with compassion and dignity.

Our facility is designed for comfort, privacy, and healing, providing a calm and caring environment where you can focus on your recovery journey. Ready to take the next step?

Explore our Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs

Our private hospital in Epping offers both Inpatient and Outpatient Programs, supporting recovery in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

A Program for prescription drug abuse is available to support your addiction recovery journey at Fullarton Clinic in Melbourne.

Prescription Drug Addiction Program

Addiction recovery starts with expert care.

Experience private drug rehab in Melbourne with our 28 day program, including medically supervised drug detox (if required).

Learn more

Addiction Day Program For Drug Addiction treatment in Melbourne

Addiction Day Programs

Stay on track as you adjust to everyday life.

Our Addiction Day Programs offer a step-down level of care as you transition from overnight hospital treatment. Delivered during the day or on weekends and held within our hospital environment, these sessions support ongoing recovery through a range of therapeutic and preventive topics and activities.