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Millions of people in the U.S. struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. While most people would assume that the most dangerous and addictive drugs are illegal, that’s simply not true. As the opioid epidemic suggests, prescription drugs can be equally as addictive and deadly as illicit ones.
Every year, doctors write 38 million prescriptions for drugs containing zolpidem, the active ingredient in the sleeping pill Ambien. Prescriptions for Ambien and other sleeping pills have risen dramatically in recent decades. With the advent of 24/7 technology and the increasing digital interconnectedness of society, it’s no wonder that more and more people find themselves unable to fall asleep naturally.
For people with insomnia, drugs like Ambien are a godsend and are incredibly effective at helping people fall asleep quickly. But, Ambien has a dark side. The drug is addictive and can interact dangerously with other drugs and alcohol.
How do people abuse Ambien?
Anytime someone takes Ambien without a doctor’s prescription or takes the drug differently than how their doctor has instructed them to take it; then these actions are considered Ambien abuse.
Physicians will prescribe Ambien to treat short-term insomnia. Typically, a prescription lasts for only one or two weeks. If someone takes Ambien for longer than that, they are at high risk of developing a dependence on the drug.
A tolerance to Ambien can form in as little as two weeks. Every night, the pill becomes less and less effective. Once someone builds up a tolerance to Ambien, they will need larger and larger doses to fall asleep. The dependence on the drug is strengthened, and many users will increase their use of Ambien without a doctor’s supervision. Also, Ambien is supposed to be taken right before someone goes to bed. If they take the pill and then stay awake, the user will experience an intense euphoria. This euphoria can be addicting.
What makes Ambien dangerous?
Ambien, if taken exactly as prescribed, is a safer drug than older classes of benzodiazepines and sleeping pills. But if it is abused, then the therapeutic effects of Ambien are lost, and the drug can be deadly. Also, Ambien overdoses are difficult to detect, because the signs of overdose are similar to the intended effects of the drug, i.e., drowsiness and sleepiness.
Ambien is a central nervous system depressant. When someone overdoses, they will experience a slowed heart rate and respiratory rate that can be fatal if left untreated.
What are the signs of Ambien abuse and addiction?
- Taking more pills than prescribed
- Doctor shopping
- Taking Ambien for longer than prescribed
- Taking a dose hours before bedtime to get ‘high.’
- Having intense cravings to use the drug
- Being unable to stop taking Ambien
Furthermore, the symptoms of Ambien withdrawal can be incredibly unpleasant. People who realize they have a problem and want to break free from Ambien addiction may stop taking the drug cold-turkey, but they will experience rebound insomnia. Rebound insomnia is intense, long-lasting insomnia that can seriously affect a person’s mental and physical health and quality of life. For people who are struggling with Ambien dependence, a medical detox facility and rehab center can help them overcome withdrawals safely and effectively.
Who is a good candidate for Ambien treatment?
Anyone who is ready to break from their dependence of Ambien is a good candidate for treatment. A treatment facility can monitor patients for serious withdrawal effects, and help them taper off Ambien safely with replacement medications so that they will not experience intense and unpleasant rebound insomnia. Many people who are addicted to Ambien will experience nausea, vomiting, and distressing hallucinations. But detox centers can effectively treat people for these withdrawal symptoms. Stopping cold-turkey and without medical supervision can be dangerous and ineffective for overcoming a drug dependence.
Also, many people who enter drug rehab also suffer from comorbid issues that compound their predilection for substance abuse. A detox center and rehab facility is designed to recognize and treat comorbid problems. People who have their comorbid issues addressed adequately and professionally will see greater rehabilitation gains.
What does the withdrawal timeline and detox process for Ambien addiction look like?
Ambien withdrawals usually start within 48 hours after the last dose was taken. In most cases, withdrawals lessen or disappear entirely within a week or two. Physical withdrawal symptoms peak within three to five days after cessation, but emotional symptoms can linger for the full two weeks. Many factors can influence how long symptoms last and how intense they can be.
If someone took Ambien for an extended period of time, and if they took high doses of Ambien, withdrawal symptoms will last longer and be more intense than in an individual who hasn’t abused Ambien long-term. Also, taking Ambien in conjunction with other drugs, and taking extended-release forms of Ambien will lengthen the withdrawal and detox timeline.
What are the symptoms of withdrawal?
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Cravings
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Rapid heart rate
- Flushing
- Rebound insomnia
- Depression and panic attacks
- Seizures
In rare cases, people can experience seizures from Ambien withdrawal.
What happens after Ambien withdrawal?
Sometimes, people who have abused Ambien long-term may be susceptible to experience panic attacks and depression after Ambien detox and withdrawal. A treatment center can put together an effective aftercare program for vulnerable individuals. Aftercare programs help people cope with life stressors and identify triggers for relapse so they can better maintain sobriety.
Because Ambien withdrawals are incredibly distressing, and sudden cessation can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, it’s crucial for people with an Ambien dependence to seek professional help. Detox and treatment centers are staffed 24/7 with knowledgeable medical professionals who can adequately monitor patients for any dangerous withdrawal symptoms. People in treatment can also get access to safe and effective medications to lessen the severity of withdrawal.
Although Ambien is a legal medication, it is still addictive and can be dangerous if dependence is left untreated. If you or someone you care about are exhibiting signs of Ambien addiction, speak to a rehab specialist today.