Find a Mental Health Professional for Prescription Medication Misuse

About Prescription Medication Misuse support

Prescription medication misuse involves using prescription medications in ways other than directed, including taking higher doses than prescribed, using someone else's prescription, or using medications primarily to manage emotional distress or alter mood. Medications most commonly associated with misuse include benzodiazepines, opioid pain medicines, and stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD. Many people are reluctant to discuss this with their GP out of concern about being judged or having their medication stopped abruptly. Addressing prescription misuse requires a careful, collaborative approach. GPs and psychiatrists can review medications, adjust prescriptions, and work with patients toward safer use or gradual reduction where appropriate. Psychological support helps people address the underlying needs that the medication has been managing, whether that is pain, anxiety, sleep difficulties, or emotional distress. In Australia, real-time prescription monitoring systems operate in each state and territory to support safer prescribing. A non-judgmental conversation with a GP is the best starting point, and switching to a GP with experience in addiction medicine can also be very helpful. The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline provides free referral, and Medicare rebates apply to psychology sessions for related mental health concerns.