Prescription drug addiction is physical and psychological dependence on medication that began under a doctor's care, most often opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines, or stimulants. LACATC treats all 3 categories within our full range of addiction treatment in Los Angeles County in Encino. SAMHSA counted 8.9 million Americans who misused prescription opioids in 2023, and most of them started with a valid prescription.
Which prescription drugs does LACATC treat?
LACATC treats addiction to opioid painkillers, benzodiazepines, sleep medications, and prescription stimulants under one clinical roof. Each category carries a different withdrawal profile, so each gets a different medical protocol.
The 4 most common medication categories we treat are:
- Opioid painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine
- Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan
- Sleep medications such as Ambien and Lunesta
- Stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse
Mixed dependence is common, especially opioids paired with benzodiazepines. Our physicians sequence the taper so both are managed safely at once.
Dependence that began with a prescription is still dependence, and it is treatable.
Why is benzodiazepine withdrawal medically serious?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is medically serious because stopping abruptly can trigger seizures, and the taper must be gradual and physician-directed. NIDA data ties benzodiazepines to 10,870 overdose deaths in 2023, with about 70% also involving fentanyl from counterfeit pills.
Our medical detox program in Los Angeles County manages benzo withdrawal with 3 safeguards:
- Slow, individualized tapers instead of abrupt discontinuation
- Seizure prevention protocols with 24/7 nursing supervision
- Anxiety and sleep support so the taper is tolerable
Taper length ranges from 2 weeks to several months depending on the dose and duration of use. Nobody is rushed off a medication faster than the brain can adjust. Comfort and safety set the pace, not a calendar.
Are counterfeit pills a real danger?
Yes, counterfeit pills are one of the deadliest features of today's drug supply. Pills sold as Xanax or oxycodone outside a pharmacy frequently contain fentanyl, which turns a familiar-looking tablet into an overdose risk.
How did prescriptions become addiction for so many veterans?
Prescriptions became addiction for many veterans because service injuries were treated with long-term opioids, and dependence formed before anyone called it a problem. Chronic pain and PTSD then reinforced the cycle. Stopping felt impossible because withdrawal and pain arrived together.
LACATC pairs medication tapers with pain management alternatives and trauma care through our veteran addiction treatment in Los Angeles County. Pain is treated, not dismissed, and TRICARE and VA benefits cover the care.
Pain is treated here, not dismissed.
What does treatment look like at LACATC?
Treatment combines a supervised taper, residential care, therapy, and medication support in one continuous plan. Detox stabilizes the body in 5 to 14 days depending on the medication, and residential treatment rebuilds life without it.
Opioid dependence is also supported through medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol addiction, which quiets cravings while therapy takes hold. Depression and anxiety that the original prescription masked are treated at the same time, by the same team. Family sessions bring loved ones into the plan, since prescription dependence often stays hidden at home longer than any other addiction.
FAQ
The prescription was supposed to help, and now something else has to. Call LACATC or begin addiction treatment today at LACATC to verify insurance and start a physician-directed taper in Encino this week.

