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Ambien addiction is something that we all should be talking about. Prescription drug abuse is a severe problem in the U.S. A staggering 130 people a day die from prescription painkiller abuse. A less common, but still devastating prescription drug addiction is Ambien abuse and addiction. Ambien is a powerful sedative that doctors commonly prescribed for insomnia. While the medication is highly effective for alleviating insomnia symptoms, it can also be abused. Ambien is also an addictive drug, and without help and intervention, people who abuse Ambien are at risk of overdose and other serious health complications. Long-term Ambien abuse can lead to depression and anxiety, the risk of injury, and cognitive impairment.
What is Ambien?
Ambien is a prescription sedative-hypnotic drug that comes in pill or tablet form. Ambien is a popular drug for treating insomnia and nighttime wakefulness, which an estimated 50 to 70 million American adults struggle with. Doctors write an estimated 38 million prescriptions for Ambien each year. Because Ambien is such a powerful drug with a risk of abuse, it is only prescribed as a short-term fix for insomnia.
The active ingredients in the drug Ambien impact a neurotransmitter called GABA. The medication activates GABA production, which in turn slows down the brain and central nervous system activity. People can take two forms of Ambien. Quick-release tablets are prescribed to people who have trouble falling asleep, while extended-release tablets are given to those who struggle with sleep maintenance.
Initially, Ambien was made as a non-benzodiazepine “z-drug.” The makers of Ambien manufactured the prescription to be just as effective as regular benzodiazepines like Xanax. But Ambien was not supposed to have as much of an addiction risk. Ambien is technically less-addictive than Xanax and is also less likely to cause severe withdrawal side effects. But while it is comparatively less severe than Xanax, Ambien is still an addictive drug that can cause withdrawal side effects. Unfortunately, Ambien has a similar abuse profile as regular benzodiazepine drugs.
What Happens When Someone Abuses Ambien?
People who take Ambien can develop a physical dependence on the drug in just a couple of weeks. This can happen even if the person is using the drug as prescribed. An Ambien dependence is not the same as addiction, but it can be a sign that someone is headed down that path. When someone is dependent on Ambien, they will have developed a tolerance where they need more of the drug to get the desired effect. When they stop taking Ambien or cut back, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.
Without treatment, Ambien dependence can turn into an addiction to the drug. An addiction can lead to people exhibiting tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, an inability to control use, and cravings for the drug.
Signs of Ambien Addiction
Who is at Risk of Ambien Addiction?
Anyone can become addicted to drugs. But in the case of Ambien addiction, most people start with a legal prescription of the drug. Most people who eventually become addicted to Ambien begin taking the medication for insomnia relief. Unfortunately, it’s common for people to underestimate the addictive properties of Ambien. This is why most doctors typically only prescribe Ambien for two weeks. But the drugs typically become less effective the longer someone takes it. If a person’s insomnia worsens, they may start taking more and more of the drug to get relief. But this creates a vicious cycle where someone becomes dependent on Ambien, and then can’t even fall asleep with the drug in their system. It can be incredibly difficult for someone to break this cycle without outside intervention.
Can Someone Overdose on Ambien?
Taking too much Ambien or abusing Ambien in combination with other central nervous system depressants can lead to a fatal overdose. Taking a large dose of Ambien or mixing Ambien with alcohol or other drugs causes intense sedative effects that can slow or stop someone’s breathing. Sings of an Ambien overdose include:
Ambien overdoses can be lethal, and it’s critical that emergency personnel are contacted immediately in suspected cases of Ambien overdose. More than half of all ER visits for suspected Ambien overdoses involve other drugs or alcohol. 26% of Ambien overdoses result in the patient needing moved to an intensive care unit.
How is Ambien Addiction Treated?
Getting treatment for Ambien addiction is critical for one’s health and safety. Fortunately, it is possible to recover from Ambien addiction and also treat insomnia effectively. In cases of Ambien addiction, the first step is usually a medically-assisted detox. During this phase of the recovery process, patients stay in a clinical setting where they receive care for withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Doctors may be able to prescribe less dangerous replacement medications for insomnia treatment. Anxiety is also a common withdrawal symptom in Ambien addiction recovery. By getting a medically-assisted detox, patients can receive treatment for these distressing symptoms.
Once patients have safely detoxed from Ambien, they can begin the next step in the recovery process. Depending on the severity of the addiction, patients can attend either an inpatient or outpatient facility. The amount of time they spend in rehab will significantly depend on their personal needs, circumstances, and medical history. Counseling and group therapy are significant parts of the recovery process. Ongoing treatment and care are also critical to maintaining sobriety.
Are you or a loved one struggling with Ambien addiction? It’s never too late to reach out for help. At Mission Harbor Behavioral Health, our drug addiction counselors are standing by to answer any questions you have about the recovery process. Get started on your journey to sobriety today. Contact Mission Harbor Behavioral Health to explore your treatment options.
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