We are now offering Telehealth treatment options.
Ambien withdrawal is more common than you think. Insomnia and nighttime wakefulness impact millions of U.S. adults. A lack of good, high-quality sleep can severely impair someone’s quality of life. Lack of sleep is also a risk of lowered immunity and increased infection rates. It’s no wonder that doctors write more than 38 million prescriptions for insomnia drugs each year. One of the most popular medicines for insomnia is Ambien. Unfortunately, Ambien comes with a risk of dependence, abuse, and addiction. The withdrawal symptoms for Ambien are incredibly painful and distressing. But relief and recovery from addiction are possible.
What is Ambien Addiction, and Why do Withdrawal Symptoms Occur?
Dependence, addiction, and withdrawal from Ambien use are rare when people take it precisely as prescribed by their doctor. But it can still happen even with perfect use. Initially, Ambien was created as an alternative to more addictive benzodiazepines. But unfortunately, Ambien still has the potential for abuse and addiction.
Ambien’s manufacturer claims that only 1% of those who take the drug as prescribed will struggle with dependence and withdrawal symptoms. But that does not account for the number of people who abuse the drug. In those cases, the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms is very likely. People who quit Ambien cold-turkey after abusing the drug long-term will experience the most severe withdrawal symptoms.
Drug abuse is when someone takes a drug in any way other than what the doctor prescribed. Taking more than prescribed, mixing Ambien with other substances, and taking Ambien for longer than prescribed are all signs of abuse. When people take Ambien, they can become physically dependent on the drug. Abusing Ambien increases this risk.
When the body is physically dependent on a substance like Ambien, it needs the drug to function properly. Cutting back results in withdrawal symptoms, which is the body’s way of detoxing itself from the drug and returning to a state of equilibrium. Most people take Ambien to alleviate their insomnia, but others abuse Ambien just to get high.
An Ambien high looks very similar to drunkenness. For those who abuse Ambien to alleviate insomnia, they are unfortunately making the condition worse. One frequent and severe side effect of Ambien withdrawal is rebound insomnia. With Ambien abuse, people are making it tougher for their bodies to get to sleep without the use of substances.
What are the Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal?
Withdrawal symptoms are common among those who abuse prescription Ambien. The risk of dependence and subsequent withdrawal symptoms are why doctors typically prescribe Ambien for no more than two weeks. A sign of Ambien addiction is when someone “doctor shops” or steals other people’s prescriptions for Ambien.
Addiction is a disease that varies significantly from one person to the next. In cases of Ambien withdrawal, symptoms can range from mild to severe. If someone abuses Ambien long-term or mixes the drug with other substances, they are increasing their chances of experiencing more severe physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can impact a person’s ability to function, and they can also make it extremely difficult for people to quit the drug for good. Attending a detox and rehab facility can lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms and increase a person’s chance of achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Some of the more mild, yet common symptoms of Ambien withdrawal are rebound insomnia and restlessness. Although these are considered mild symptoms, they can still impact someone’s quality of life. In severe withdrawal cases, people can experience flu-like symptoms, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and fainting. In rare cases, seizures can occur. For most people in recovery for Ambien addiction, withdrawal symptoms start in as little as a few hours to several days after the cessation. They typically resolve within a week.
Physical Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
Psychological Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
Who is Most Likely to Struggle with Ambien Addiction and Withdrawals?
Ambien is commonly prescribed to older adults who struggle with sleeplessness. But Ambien abuse and addiction are more common among teens and young adults. This age group will typically abuse Ambien to get high and experience effects that are similar to alcohol. People who also struggle with addiction to other substances have an increased chance of becoming addicted to Ambien. Ambien is often abused when someone is trying to reduce a high to stimulants. While teens and young adults are more likely to abuse Ambien, it is women between the ages of 45 and 54 who are the most likely to overdose on Ambien. Ambien is also common in suicide attempts. Large doses of the drug, or mixing the medication with other depressants can cause someone to stop breathing.
How are Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms Treated?
Recovering from Ambien addiction is critical. For most Ambien addiction patients, they will need a combination of medical help, psychological counseling, and social support to overcome Ambien addiction. While it can be challenging to get through withdrawals and reach sobriety, it is an achievable goal. For Ambien withdrawals, patients can significantly benefit from attending a medically-assisted detox program. Doctors can monitor patients’ progress and also give them safe medications to counteract the effects of Ambien withdrawal. After withdrawals subside, patients will benefit from further treatment in either an outpatient or inpatient facility.
Rehab facilities focus on healing the whole person. A combination of individual talk therapy, group therapy, and family support are essential for recovery. In a rehab facility, patients are also given the tools they need to maintain sobriety from Ambien. Counseling can also help patients learn how to treat insomnia with other, non-addictive options for relief from this distressing condition. Psychotherapy also helps patients identify their triggers for abuse, and teaches them skills to cope with these stressors instead of using drugs.
Are you or a loved one struggling with Ambien addiction and withdrawals? Help is available. Please contact Mission Harbor Behavioral Health today to explore your treatment options.
Get Help Now
Alcohol addiction is extremely difficult to overcome on your own.. Seek specialized help and let professionals guide you in your recovery.