Residential treatment is often recommended for people seeking support with prescription drug addiction, particularly when stepping away from medications that the body has become dependent on. Living on-site allows individuals to step back from everyday triggers while receiving structured care in a supportive environment. The program uses evidence-based approaches that address the physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual factors that contribute to long-term recovery.
The residential rehabilitation program typically involves a 4, 8 or 12 week stay, beginning with a comprehensive clinical assessment. For some individuals, this may include a medically supervised withdrawal process, followed by participation in Hader Clinic Queensland’s psychoeducation program.
The program explores areas that commonly influence prescription medication dependence, including:
- Addictive Behaviours
- Mental Health Mastery
- Relapse Prevention
- Trauma, and
- Strength & Resilience.
Our prescription drug addiction program is designed to support recovery at every stage in a safe and structured environment. Below is a breakdown of the program’s stages and supports:
Detox
The first stage of treatment is detox, where prescription medications and other substances are gradually cleared from the body in a supported clinical setting.
When you arrive, you’ll meet with members of our clinical team for a comprehensive assessment and to address any immediate health needs. Our GP and nursing staff will review your physical health and prescribe any medication that may assist during this stage, particularly as the body adjusts to reduced reliance on prescription drugs. A counsellor will also meet with you to check in on your mental wellbeing and begin discussing your treatment goals.
Detox timeframes can vary depending on the type of prescription medication involved, the dosage, and how long the medication has been used. For many people, this stage may last one to two weeks.
During detox, it’s common to experience withdrawal symptoms as the body adapts to functioning without the medication. These effects are a normal part of the recovery process and can differ depending on the drug involved.
Throughout this stage, our medical and support team monitor your progress closely, providing care and guidance to help you move through detox as safely and comfortably as possible.
Find out more about detox.
Psychological treatment
During residential rehabilitation for prescription drug addiction, you’ll work with a team of clinicians that may include a psychologist, social worker and clinical counsellor. Their role is to support you as you work toward your recovery goals while exploring the factors that may have contributed to prescription medication dependence.
Individual counselling provides a safe space to understand patterns of reliance on medication, whether linked to pain management, anxiety, sleep issues or other health concerns. Alongside one-on-one support, clinicians also run group psychoeducation sessions focused on practical strategies such as managing cravings, understanding prescription drug dependence and recognising early warning signs of relapse.
The insights and coping strategies developed during these sessions can help you maintain stability, rebuild routines and support your wellbeing long after residential treatment ends.
Find out more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Prescription drug addiction often occurs alongside mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, panic attacks, or chronic stress. In some cases, prescription medications are originally provided to manage these conditions, but dependence can develop over time.
Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both prescription medication dependence and the underlying mental health condition at the same time. Treating only one issue while leaving the other unresolved can make long-term recovery more challenging.
An integrated approach allows clinicians to support individuals in safely reducing reliance on prescription drugs while also providing care for the mental health concerns that may have contributed to their use. By addressing both areas together, treatment can help create a more stable foundation for long-term recovery.
Find out more about dual diagnosis treatment.
Physical Therapy
The value of exercise as part of your life in recovery and staying sober cannot be underestimated. Physical exercise helps to boost mood, reduce stress and build self-esteem and confidence, whilst providing opportunities to interact with the therapeutic community, enhancing social connection.
We offer regular exercise programs including walks, yoga, and boot camps, with an exercise physiologist attending the clinic each week to facilitate structured sessions, as well as assess individuals’ capacity to exercise in the onsite gym. A structured fitness routine supports better sleep patterns, while freshly prepared, nutritious meals are served three times a day. Balanced eating and restful sleep play an important role in physical recovery.
Find out more about Physical Therapy.
Counselling
It’s common for people to experience strong feelings such as guilt, shame, trauma and remorse during recovery from prescription drug addiction. Counselling provides a safe and supportive space to work through these emotions as you begin to rebuild stability.
Individual counselling gives you the opportunity to talk openly about your life and your relationship with prescription medications. Our counsellors are experienced in this area and can help you understand how reliance on prescription drugs may have affected your health, daily life and relationships.
By talking with your personal counsellor, you can begin to challenge negative and unhelpful thinking patterns. Your counsellor will help you break down overwhelming or damaging thoughts into smaller, more manageable steps as you move forward in recovery.
Find out more about counselling.
Group Therapy
Group therapy helps you understand your drug use and your path to recovery by hearing the experiences of others. While everyone’s story is different, many people notice common thoughts and feelings that arise during prescription drug dependence and recovery.
In group and education sessions, residents are encouraged to be open about their experiences in a setting that is safe and supportive. These conversations can help you feel less isolated and give you insight into patterns that others have also faced.
Find out more about group therapy.
Family Therapy
As part of the treatment program, a family therapist may work with your family to identify and address underlying issues that may be caused by or contributing to your alcohol or drug dependence. Counselling sessions can help the family overcome these problems and support the whole family through the recovery process.
Find out more about family therapy.
Social Therapy
Once rehab is finished, returning to a “normal” life can be challenging, so we ensure that while in treatment, you are in a community that is safe and therapeutic and encourages people to be social.
The therapeutic community approach is a major component of our residential treatment program. It is designed to expand our clients’ support network and give them a sense of belonging in a secure, non-judgemental peer group.
The basic philosophy is simple: Aiding long-term recovery through peer support, social learning and mutual self-help.
Find out more about a therapeutic community.
12 Step
One of the best ways to stay sober during and after your treatment is by participating in a 12 Step program. Depending on individual circumstances, a therapist will recommend the best program to attend and you will undertake daily meetings while undergoing the treatment program.
12 Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provide a supportive and understanding group of people who are also committed to living a drug and alcohol free life. They offer a similar environment to group therapy and recognise that recovery is an ongoing process.
Find out more about 12 Step.
Meditation
Meditation is a valuable and effective way of reflecting on your thoughts and controlling anxiety and cravings. Many people think of meditation as a religious or spiritual habit, but it can also be simply about creating a safe and calm mental environment that allows you to channel your thoughts in a positive way.
Meditation sessions will teach you how to train your mind to become peaceful and calm when you need it, whether you’re at home or out in public.
Find out more about meditation.
Education
Our addiction education program is designed to provide you with the knowledge to support your ongoing recovery. Our program commences with a 4-week introduction to AOD recovery program, followed by an 8-week intensive program covering Addictive Behaviours, Mental Health Mastery, Relapse Prevention, Trauma, and Strength & Resilience. This bespoke program has been designed to support the individual across each phase of their recovery.
Find out more about addiction education.
Art Therapy
Art therapy can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, and building confidence and a sense of achievement. It also relaxes you and allows your mind to focus on positive thoughts.
Whether you are a gifted artist or a willing amateur, art can help you deal with your emotions in a safe and non-threatening environment.
Find out more about art therapy.
