Ambien, also known by its generic name Zolpidem, is a prescription medication used to treat sleep disorders like insomnia. Though Ambien can provide a solution for those suffering from chronic lack of sleep, the drug is habit-forming and its misuse can lead to addiction.
What is Ambien?
Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic with a rapid onset that is available by prescription to treat sleep conditions like insomnia. Ambien’s effects have a dual function that is both calming and triggers deep sleep. Because of this calming effect, it was originally marketed as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines with fewer adverse side effects. However, over time, researchers have discovered that there are also health risks associated with its long-term use, and its potential for addiction is also cause for concern.
Like other sedative-hypnotic drugs, its use is associated with potentially dangerous sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking that can lead to serious injury. Though Ambien is less likely to lead to grogginess the next day, it still has the potential to slow down the nervous system and result in slower reflexes and impaired judgment.
How addictive is Ambien?
Ambien is considered a Schedule IV substance according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which means it is federally regulated even though it has a relatively low risk of abuse and addiction. However, this risk is relative to highly addictive drugs like fentanyl and cocaine. That doesn’t mean that the risk is insignificant. In fact, its potential for addiction was largely underestimated when it was first introduced.
However, further research has shown that prolonged use can lead to the development of tolerance and withdrawal, which are key components of addiction. As a habit-forming medication, it may also become difficult for users to be able to sleep without it. Once addiction is established, withdrawal symptoms may be severe and require medical detox.
Ambien abuse side effects
Ambien side effects may occur regardless of whether or not the drug is used as prescribed. However, these side effects are typically more severe when Ambien is abused at higher doses or taken more frequently than prescribed. Ambien side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Reduced motivation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mood swings
- Confusion or stupor
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Complex sleep behaviors like sleepwalking
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Allergic reactions
Signs of Ambien abuse and addiction
Addiction to Ambien may occur even if the medication is originally taken as prescribed by a doctor. However, subtle signs may be noticeable by oneself or others that can indicate abuse and addiction. These include:
- Doctor-shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions for Ambien
- Ambien use in excess of doctor recommendations
- Trying and failing to reduce Ambien use
- Being unable to sleep without the use of Ambien
- Continued Ambien use despite the professional, family, or social problems it may cause
- Continued Ambien use despite it worsening physical or medical conditions
- Using Ambien in conjunction with other drugs or alcohol
- Cravings to use Ambien
- Tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms when Ambien use is reduced
Ambien withdrawal
Ambien withdrawal can occur when a person is physically dependent on the drug. This means that the body has become used to the substance and the physical changes it brings on and it must adjust when Ambien use is suddenly stopped or reduced. This causes uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that begin within a day or two of the last dose. These include:
- Rebound insomnia
- Anxiety
- Irritability and aggressiveness
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Increased respiration
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Tremors or seizure
Withdrawal symptom duration and severity typically depend on how long Ambien was used and how severe the addiction. At incredibly high doses, these symptoms may be worse and may require medical detox.
Ambien detox
The safest way to detox from Ambien abuse and addiction is to slowly reduce the amount taken rather than quit “cold turkey.” By weaning off the substance, withdrawal symptoms can be easier to manage. However, with severe Ambien addiction, medical detox may be recommended to limit dangerous side effects.
During medical detox, doctors and nurses can continuously monitor individuals while Ambien is eliminated from their system over a period of several days. They can manage their withdrawal symptoms so detox is safer and more comfortable. Medical detox is typically the first step in a longer addiction treatment program. Completion of medical detox has been shown to reduce the chance of relapse compared to trying to quit without help.
Dealing with Ambien addiction can be difficult because in most cases, Ambien is used to treat diagnosed sleep disorders. It may be difficult to manage these disorders without it. However, it’s important to know that Ambien is not the only solution. Many non-drug behavioral treatments are also effective at treating insomnia and other sleep disorders, aiming to uncover underlying causes of sleeplessness rather than just treating the symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Sleep disorders may be a result of other mental health disorders like anxiety that can cause restlessness and inability to sleep. CBT can teach individuals suffering from sleep disorders better ways of thinking and behaving that can help them manage their symptoms. For example, insomnia may be a result of catastrophic thoughts, and it could be alleviated by learning to better manage these problematic thoughts.
Sleep Restriction Therapy
Sleep restriction therapy is specifically designed to treat sleep disorders by forcing the person into a sleep schedule that reduces their time spent in bed tossing and turning or catching up on sleep. By restricting the hours of sleep, a person develops healthier sleep patterns over time. This way, the time spent in bed is actually spent sleeping, which consolidates the sleep so it’s more restful.
Trained relaxation
Many relaxation-based practices such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or even elements of yoga can help induce the relaxation that precedes restful sleep. When insomnia is due to worry, anxiety, or spiraling thoughts, interrupting these with guided relaxation techniques can naturally alleviate insomnia and other sleep problems.
Reconditioning
Insomnia is a problem that can perpetuate itself, with episodes of unsuccessful sleep leading to dread or other negative associations with bedtime. Reconditioning is a process based on classical conditioning that can help change these negative associations. This therapy teaches individuals to get up and go to another room and engage in something else when they’re struggling to fall asleep. This reduces the time spent frustrated or anxious in bed and can strengthen the association between the bedroom and sleep.
Ambien addiction treatment
Ambien addiction treatment is somewhat complicated by the underlying sleep or other mental health disorders the Ambien is prescribed to treat. However, addiction treatment is individualized to account for these needs, so treatment can help individuals manage both their addiction and their co-occurring issues. In many cases, treating co-occurring mental disorders can improve sleep naturally.
Treatment typically follows a complete medical detox. During treatment, individuals work with their primary clinician or therapist to uncover underlying issues that are associated with their addiction. Treatment also involves education which can teach them useful techniques to cope with stress, reduce maladaptive behaviors, and prevent relapse. By targeting many facets of a person’s life, individuals become better equipped to remain in recovery.
Ambien FAQs
Is it possible to take Ambien on a long-term basis?
It is not advisable to take Ambien on a long-term basis because it may become a crutch, preventing you from getting good sleep naturally. Long-term use is also associated with detrimental side effects.
How long is the detox from Ambien?
Detox depends on many factors such as the length of time Ambien was taken as well as the amounts regularly taken. Individual factors like age or other medical conditions can play a part as well. Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within a few days and detox is usually complete within one to two weeks.
Are there other safe medications that can treat insomnia?
Other medications sold over the counter like melatonin or Benadryl may be used to treat insomnia. You should consult your doctor before self-medicating to treat insomnia to prevent adverse side effects.
Effective substance use treatment requires a careful assessment of each person’s needs and recovery goals.
At Austin Pines Ranch, we offer an extensive array of programs and services to accommodate those needs, taking into account personal and professional obligations and time commitment. With the help of a professional team, we will evaluate substance abuse history, mental health, and psychosocial status to determine the level of care that’s best suited for you.
