“Sometimes, addiction doesn’t begin with a choice—it begins with trust.”
It often starts with good intentions: a prescription for pain after surgery, something to manage anxiety, or a way to sleep better. But over time, the line between healing and harm quietly fades. The very medication that once brought comfort begins to take control. If this feels familiar, you are not alone. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 8.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers in the past year.
At Clover Behavioral Health in Billerica, MA, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to help you regain control, without stepping away from your life. With compassionate care and structured support, recovery becomes not just possible, but personal.
Let’s learn how recovery from prescription drug addiction can start with the right support.
The Growing Impact of Prescription Drug Addiction
U.S. communities are facing a deadly, yet very problematic situation. Legally prescribed opioid medications, stimulants, and even benzodiazepines opioids are common prescriptions, but have caused a drastic increase in hospitalizations because of addiction, as well as overdoses.
Every year in Massachusetts, families bear the brunt of the prescription medication crisis. For most, statistics do not tell the raw, deeply human story: behind every number is someone battling to simply feel normal or function through the day.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Addiction to prescription medications, like opioids, isn’t always apparent. A person may appear to be functioning optimally, fulfilling job and family responsibilities, while concealing deeper issues.
Physical Signs
- Overly sleepy or lethargic
- Change in appetite or nausea and vomiting
- Slowed speech and movement, or sluggish speech and activity
Emotional and Psychological Signs
- Heightened anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression, mood swings, and irritability
- Feeling like the medication is the only way to cope
Behavioral Changes
- Increase in dosage than what has been prescribed
- Consulting a different doctor or seeking prescriptions from other people
- Social Isolation and Withdrawal From Close Relationships
- Skipping work or other important responsibilities
If you or someone you care about is showing several of these signs, it’s time to seek support.
Why Some People Are More Vulnerable
Addiction doesn’t come from weakness — it’s a complex medical condition influenced by many factors.
Below are some notable risk factors:
- Past and deceased substance abuse or usage even in teenager stages.
- Past or present mental disorders, including but not limited to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Anxiety, or Depression.
- Employment in high-tension environments or trauma history.
- Genetic factors, where a family member suffered from addiction may increase probability.
- Chronic pain conditions that require long-term medication.
Healing always exists within the right support system, regardless of cause.
Why IOP Is an Effective Choice for Recovery
Inpatient rehab is not the only option available. For some people, family or work obligations, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) suits best. Here at Clover Behavioral Health in Billerica, MA, we assist people in regaining balance with life and maintaining intensive treatment through our IOP.
What to Expect from Our IOP:
- 3-5 sessions a week, every session lasting a few hours.
- Peer support and coping self-help skills group therapy aimed at relapse prevention.
- Personalized individual counseling based on the client’s life and circumstances.
- Dual-diagnosis care with other concurrent mental health disorders.
- Work and caregiving responsibilities are accommodated with flexible schedules.
This structured, evidence-based model helps people rebuild their lives while staying connected to their daily routines.
Detox: The First Step Toward Healing
Suddenly quitting prescription medications can be very harmful. Detoxing without professional support increases the chances of developing seizures, intense cravings, or severe mood changes.
Options Include:
- Medically managed detox – Relieving withdrawal symptoms for patients under 24/7 supervision.
- Outpatient detox – Best suited for mild dependencies when adequate home support is stable.
After detox, though, the next logical step is our IOP, which teaches you to truly live life after the substance abuse instead of merely existing post-withdrawals.
Addressing the Root Cause of Addiction at Clover Behavioral Health, Billerica, MA
Prescription opioid misuse seldom occurs in a vacuum. For this reason, we seek to understand as well as treat emotional and psychological components of:
- Trauma and past abuse
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Grief, loss, or unresolved stress
- Dissolution of relationships or loneliness
In our IOP, you will safely and privately explore these layers with licensed therapists who specialize in addiction recovery
The Power of Peer Support
Probably one of the most important parts of recovery is understanding that you’re not alone in it. Through our group therapy and community support networks, we give patients the opportunity to:
- Express their thoughts and feelings without the fear of being judged
- Gain valuable insights from those who have overcome similar challenges
- Maintain motivation and accountability
- Foster meaningful, sober connections
Support is available through in-house groups as well as community-based support networks like NA or SMART Recovery. Having ongoing support helps you stay grounded.
A Long-Term Plan for a Drug-Free Future
Recovery doesn’t end when IOP sessions do. We help you develop a plan for life after treatment, including:
- Referrals to sober living homes (if needed)
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Involving and educating family members
- Participation in ongoing support groups
Achievable, long-lasting healing necessitates time, but with a solid plan in place, progress is attainable.
Ready to take control? Read our article “How IOP for Addiction in Andover, MA Can Help You Break Free from Gambling Addiction“ to explore a path toward lasting recovery.
Real Case Study: IOP + Medication for Prescription Drug Addiction
A 35-year-old military veteran struggling with opioid dependence entered a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center after overdosing on prescription painkillers. He received buprenorphine/naloxone and joined a 4-week Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which included group therapy, relapse prevention, and clinical support.
Despite one relapse, he completed the program and showed improved mental health and sobriety. This case highlights how structured IOPs paired with MAT—like those at the VA—can support recovery from prescription drug abuse.
Ready to Begin Again? We’re Here to Help
Change doesn’t have to start with something big. Sometimes, it starts with a single step—and someone who truly listens. With us at Clover Behavioral Health, you will find not only the treatment you need but also understanding your story and rebuilding your life with care that works for you. As for our IOP in Billerica, MA it offers you structure to heal, the means to grow, and the opportunity to remain engaged with your daily activities.
Take the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Call us today for a private, judgment-free conversation — because healing starts with being heard.
