When we think of addiction, our minds often go straight to illegal substances—things like heroin, cocaine, or meth. But there’s a quieter, more socially acceptable form of addiction that’s becoming alarmingly common: prescription medication addiction.
It often starts with a legitimate reason—a real injury, chronic pain, post-surgery discomfort, or anxiety. A doctor writes a script, the medication helps… and before long, the body starts depending on it. What began as medical treatment slowly turns into something far more dangerous. Let’s unpack how prescription medication addiction develops, how to recognise it, and most importantly, how Dr Jolandi Meyer and the team at The Way Recovery Centre can help.
What Is Prescription Medication Addiction?
Prescription medication addiction happens when someone becomes dependent—physically, psychologically, or both—on medication that was initially prescribed by a doctor. These medications are legal and often necessary, but they also come with a high risk of misuse, especially when taken over a long period or in higher-than-prescribed doses.
It’s a form of addiction that often flies under the radar because it doesn’t “look” like addiction. People might still go to work, raise kids, and appear completely functional—until things start to spiral out of control.
Commonly Abused Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs are categorised for different medical uses, but certain classes have a much higher potential for abuse:
Opioids (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl): Typically prescribed for pain relief but highly addictive due to the euphoria they can produce.
Benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax, Ativan, Valium): Used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. Long-term use can quickly lead to dependence.
Stimulants (e.g. Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta): Often prescribed for ADHD, these increase alertness and focus but are commonly misused for energy or academic performance.
What makes these drugs particularly dangerous is that tolerance builds up over time—so the user needs more to feel the same effect. This cycle of increasing doses can lead to overdose, withdrawal symptoms, and life-altering consequences.
The Fine Line Between Use, Misuse, and Addiction
It can be hard to tell when medication use crosses the line into addiction. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Use: Taking the medication as prescribed, for a specific medical condition, under regular supervision.
Misuse: Taking larger doses, using the medication longer than prescribed, or using someone else’s prescription.
Addiction: Cravings, loss of control over use, and continuing to take the medication despite harm to health, relationships, or daily functioning.
Often, misuse begins innocently—an extra pill to sleep better or doubling the dose when pain becomes unbearable. But over time, the brain adapts, and dependency takes hold.
How Does Prescription Medication Addiction Start?
No one sets out to become addicted. It usually begins with trust—a belief that if a doctor prescribed it, it must be safe. Here are some of the most common paths into prescription medication abuse:
Post-surgical pain management: Patients are often given opioids to manage recovery pain. Continued use beyond the healing period can lead to dependence.
Chronic pain conditions: Conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia can lead to long-term opioid prescriptions, increasing the risk of addiction.
Emotional numbing: Medications like benzodiazepines offer relief from anxiety or trauma, but this relief can become something a person relies on to cope with life.
Academic or work pressure: Stimulants may be used to stay awake, focus, or perform better, especially in high-pressure environments.
Warning Signs of Prescription Medication Addiction
Unlike street drugs, prescription medications carry the illusion of safety. But addiction has its tell-tale signs—here’s what to look out for:
Needing higher doses to feel the same effect (tolerance)
Taking medication more frequently than prescribed
Doctor shopping or visiting multiple clinics for new prescriptions
Lying about or hiding use
Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, nausea, or tremors when not taking the drug
Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Using medication to cope emotionally, not just physically
If you or someone you love is showing any of these signs, it’s time to take action—before the consequences become even more serious.
Physical and Psychological Impact of Prescription Medication Abuse
The effects of long-term prescription medication abuse aren’t just physical—they run deep into a person’s mental health and emotional well-being.
Physical impact: Liver and kidney damage, respiratory issues, cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and even overdose.
Psychological impact: Mood swings, anxiety, depression, memory problems, and a growing sense of shame or isolation.
Over time, the medication that once “helped” starts to do the exact opposite—creating more problems than it solves.
Breaking the Stigma
One of the biggest obstacles to recovery from prescription medication addiction is shame. People often think, “But this came from a doctor. How could I be addicted?”
But addiction doesn’t care where the substance came from. Whether it’s over-the-counter pain meds or medication with your name on the label, the brain’s chemistry doesn’t differentiate.
This is why compassion is such an essential part of treatment. At The Way Recovery Centre, Dr Jolandi Meyer and the team treat every client with dignity, respect, and understanding – because nobody wakes up one day and chooses addiction.
For information on our 28-day in-patient programme with professional qualified medical detox from addiction and a platform of different approaches to addicts suffering from long-term gambling, alcohol and/or drug addiction, get in touch with Dr. Jolandi Meyer at The Way Recovery – Gambling, Drug & Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facility in Pretoria. A six-week outpatient programme with individual counselling, group therapy, and family support is also available from The Way Recovery.
The Way Recovery Halfway House in Pretoria offers a reintegration, aftercare programme to aid the addict who has finished a detox programme in adjusting to society for the recovering addict who still struggles.
How Is Prescription Medication Addiction Treated?
Recovery is not just about stopping the medication—it’s about understanding why the addiction started and building a healthier, more stable life. Dr Jolandi Meyer works closely with the expert team at The Way Recovery Centre to create personalised treatment plans for every individual.
Treatment typically includes:
Medical detox: Safely managing withdrawal symptoms under supervision.
GP support: Dr Meyer monitors physical health, manages any co-occurring conditions, and provides medical guidance throughout recovery.
Therapy and counselling: Including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and trauma-informed care to address the root causes of addiction.
Group support: Connecting with others who’ve walked a similar path can be incredibly healing.
Aftercare planning: Ensuring patients have the tools and support to stay clean once treatment ends.
Because Dr Meyer’s practice is situated right at The Way Recovery Centre, patients benefit from a seamless, collaborative approach that combines physical healthcare with addiction therapy.
Why Professional Help Matters
Trying to quit prescription medication “cold turkey” can be dangerous. Withdrawal from certain drugs—especially benzodiazepines and opioids—can lead to severe symptoms and even medical emergencies if not handled properly.
That’s why professional help is so important. At The Way Recovery Centre, the focus is not just on detoxing, but on building the skills, confidence and support structures that keep people on track long after treatment ends.
Dr Jolandi Meyer brings a calm, grounded presence to the process. Her work with the team ensures that each patient is supported on every level—from physical withdrawal to mental recovery and beyond.
How to Support a Loved One Struggling with Prescription Drug Abuse
Watching someone spiral into addiction can feel like a helpless experience. But your support can play a massive role in their decision to seek help. Here’s how you can be there for them:
Don’t judge or shame: Addiction thrives in secrecy and shame. Stay open, calm, and kind in your approach.
Educate yourself: Understand how prescription drug addiction works, so you can better support them.
Start the conversation: Share your concerns honestly, but without blame.
Encourage professional help: Let them know they don’t have to do this alone. Suggest reaching out to Dr Jolandi Meyer and the team for support.
Look after yourself too: Supporting someone with an addiction can be draining. Don’t forget to seek support for yourself.
Recovery Is Possible
Prescription medication addiction might feel like a trap, but it doesn’t have to define a person’s life. With the right help, people do recover—rebuilding their health, relationships, confidence, and future.
At The Way Recovery Centre, recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all programme. It’s a personal journey, supported by a compassionate, knowledgeable team—one that includes Dr Jolandi Meyer, whose medical expertise brings a critical layer of care to the recovery process.
Prescription medication addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or life circumstances. What starts as a solution can quietly become a problem, especially when pain or emotional struggles go untreated.
But help is available. Dr Jolandi Meyer, working side-by-side with the team at The Way Recovery Centre in Pretoria, offers expert, judgment-free support for those struggling with prescription medication abuse. Whether you’re dealing with dependency yourself or watching a loved one suffer, reaching out could be the first step toward real healing. There’s a way forward—and you don’t have to walk it alone.
Common Ailments Treated by Dr. Jolandi Meyer
Dr. Jolandi Meyer’s expertise and comprehensive treatment options make her an exceptional General Practitioner for addressing all ailments. She provides personalised care, empowering patients to achieve optimal health. Her compassionate approach ensures patients receive the highest quality treatment. Her practice is located in Garsfontein, Pretoria on the same premises as The Way Recovery Centre.
With her support and guidance, patients can embark on a journey towards improved well-being and a healthier, happier life.