Addiction to Medications

Problems with using medically prescribed tranquilizers and other medications are becoming more and more commonplace. All medications (whether over-the-counter or by prescription only) are intended to be taken according to a doctor's instructions or the specific instructions that come with the medication, on purchase. However--particularly with some medications--excessive and long-term use can lead to a strong addiction, which in turn negatively affects not only one’s health but also one’s ability to participate in everyday life. It can take quite a long time to recognize an unhealthy addiction to the medication one takes.

Some of the medications to which addiction problems tend to develop over time are indeed sometimes medications that were originally prescribed by one’s own doctor; however, it may be that one’s use of the medication eventually changed into becoming a means to escape internal or external conditions. The idea of stopping one or more of one’s medications can be frightening. In such cases, it is highly advisable to seek professional help. At NEO Centrum, you will find experts who are here to help you assess your health condition and any follow-up assessments and to create a treatment plan aimed at ridding you of your addiction to drugs that are harmful to your health.

When can addiction to a medication arise?

Tranquilizers and sleeping pills are among the most commonly abused medications. Confusion, sleepiness, poor concentration and impaired memory can be observed in case of addiction. If a person takes medications in larger amounts than the doctor has determined, it does not necessarily mean that it is an addiction. However, it may be one of the indicators of addiction. A person who is already addicted to a medication is likely to experience symptoms such as mood changes; increased efforts to get more of the medication; lying to a doctor to get a prescription; visiting multiple doctors more often or seeking financing to buy more medication.

The most common medications that can develop an addiction include: 

Zolpidem (aka Stilnox, Stilnoct, Ambien), Tramal (aka Tramadol, Ultram, Conzip, Ralivia), Bromazepam (aka Brozam, Lectopam, Lexomil, Lexotan, Lexilium, Lexaurin, Brazepam, Rekotnil, Bromaze, Somalium, Lexatin, Calmepam, Zepam, Lexotanil), Alprazolam (aka Neurol, Xanax, Niravam, Gabazolamine) and various sleeping pills.

How can an addiction to medication be treated?

If you are worried about yourself or someone around you, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

At NEO Centrum, your inquiries are treated with utmost confidentiality. We treat each of our clients completely individually and take measures to protect our clients’ privacy throughout any treatment process. Starting with our first one-on-one consultation, we carefully evaluate a client’s condition and offer a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and condition. In the fight against an addiction to medication, we offer both outpatient and resident treatment. However, before agreeing on a form of cooperation, we discuss in depth with the prospective client the nature of their problem and what best course treatment can NEO Centrum offer to the client.

The NEO Centrum program includes group and individual therapy and also relapse prevention. Group therapy provides an environment for sharing problems, emotions and thoughts with others who are also in treatment, giving the client insight as well as feedback on their own behavior. As part of the treatment, clients with different addictions may be encouraged to interact. All addictions have common elements and in our experience it is beneficial for clients to work with them together.

Contact Us

Does the above apply to you or a loved one? Please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail with any questions about treatment possibilities or with any concerns about whether you or a loved one needs help. That’s what we’re here for! Our specialists will be happy to answer any of your questions about your particular needs and the treatment options at NEO Centrum.

Specialists for this Service

PhDr. Kateřina Marklová

Professional Director / Head of Therapy, Clinic 1 Director, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist

Bc. Jiří Vacek, MBA

Director of Clinic 2, Therapist

Michael Ramon Bruer

Therapist

Mgr. Adam Schmidt

Therapist

Mgr. Nina Zvingerová

Addictologist, Therapist

Mgr. Adéla Zenina

Addictologist, Therapist

Treatment Options

NEO Centrum offers its clients two avenues for obtaining help:  through our Outpatient Clinic (including in-person or online sessions) and through our comprehensive, in-residence treatment programs offered at our resident treatment facilities. The choice depends on the specific needs of the clients, the type of difficulties they face and the intensity of the approach they are able to devote themselves to. We offer services at our residence clinics for Czech-speaking and English-speaking clients.

Residence Clinics

Modern, intimate and pleasant facilities located in a remote part of Prague, designed to accommodate a select number of clients.

Outpatient Care

The NEO Centrum outpatient clinic offers you immediate help with your problems through individual, group, couple and family therapy, counselling and coaching.