For adults who struggle with insomnia and other sleeping disorders, Ambien has become the ‘go to’ prescription remedy. As a result, Ambien addiction has become more common. Most people do not intend to abuse their prescription. However, they can find themselves unable to fall asleep without the drug and unable to control themselves under its influence. The only way to heal once Ambien addiction has taken hold is to stop taking the drug. Under a doctor’s supervision, you can learn how to get to sleep naturally. For those who feel powerless in this process, an Ambien addiction treatment center can help.
The Basics
In 1992, Ambien, or zolpidem tartrate, was approved for use in the treatment of insomnia characterized by issues falling asleep according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).1 This drug is often prescribed as extended-release tablets that help facilitate long, uninterrupted sleep. Ambien is only intended for short-term use. A period of seven to 10 days is the recommended time of use for this drug; longer use of the drug can lead to dependence and addiction as well as a host of other side effects.2 If the inability to fall asleep naturally persists for a longer period, it may be caused by another issue.
What Addiction to Ambien Looks Like
Unfortunately, though the signs of Ambien addiction may be obvious to others, it is difficult for those living with an active addiction to recognize them without help from those who witness the symptoms. Like most addictions, it is characterized by a dependence upon the medication. Patients begin to feel that they are incapable of falling asleep without the drug and often take more than prescribed to ensure its effectiveness. In some cases, patients may even supplement their prescription with alcohol or other drugs to increase their ability to fall asleep.
Additionally, those who have a heavy dependence upon Ambien often report blackout periods. They wake up to find out from others that they have had long conversations they don’t remember while others eat or even drive while they are in an Ambien haze and have no recollection of the event. This threatens the safety of the Ambien user and the safety of those around him or her.
Risks of Addiction
The risks of Ambien addiction affect every aspect of the patient’s life. According to the National Library of Medicine, these risks range from acute side effects while under the influence to chronic health problems due to ingesting too much Ambien.3 Here are a few symptoms to consider.
- Simple behavior changes. Abnormal thinking and behavior patterns can occur. Individuals may lower their inhibitions or show sudden aggression.
- Hallucinations. When using Ambien, visual and/or auditory hallucinations are possible.
- Complex behaviors. Some individuals have reported driving or cooking while under the influence of Ambien. The occurrence of these behaviors increases when Ambien is mixed with alcohol. The patient rarely remembers these activities.
- Neuro-psychiatric symptoms. Amnesia and anxiety are two of the most common neuro-psychiatric symptoms.
- Depression. Increased depression and suicidal thoughts are possible side effects.
- Health problems. When taking any medication in larger-than-recommended doses for long periods of time, liver and kidney function issues may develop.
The appearance of these risks during Ambien use and abuse does not mean that patients should immediately stop taking their prescribed medication. When these side effects and issues are evident, stopping drug use can lead to withdrawal symptoms that require medical supervision. A medical detox can help patients slowly stop taking the drug at a safe pace and learn how to live without drug abuse.
Where to Find Information
If you struggle with Ambien dependence or abuse, getting help is the best way to move forward. Hotlines, 911 emergency response, private sector healthcare providers, and Ambien addiction treatment centers are all great ways to get the help and information you need.
- 911 Emergency. If you are concerned about potential Ambien overdose, please get immediate help by calling 911. Time is of the essence, so please do not search for solutions online. The only way to ensure the safety of your friend is to call 911.
- Hotlines. If you need information about Ambien addiction or want to find a facility that offers Ambien rehab, a good place to start is a hotline. Call our number below and we are glad to help.
- Personal physician. No one knows you better medically than your personal physician. If he was the one to give you your Ambien prescription, this option is a good place find the information you need.
- Health insurance provider. Your health insurance provider can tell you what addiction treatment services are covered by your insurance policy and the amount of financial assistance you can expect. We at Michael’s House can help you with this process too; just call our helpline and have your insurance information ready.
- Substance abuse treatment providers. If you would like to enroll in treatment but want to make sure that you choose the right Ambien addiction treatment center for you, you can plan ahead. Do your research online and back it up with phone calls to ensure that the treatment centers you’re looking at actually offer the programs they tout online.
Are You Living With an Ambien Problem?
If you have tried to stop taking Ambien but have experience withdrawal symptoms, you will benefit from Ambien addiction treatment. At a prescription drug rehab, you will be able to get the medical detox and psychological assistance you need to stop using the drug healthfully and remain drug-free long after you return home.
If you have a loved one living with Ambien addiction, you can help them get treatment by holding an intervention for them. Again, your resources include hotlines, phone calls to treatment centers and professional interventionists as well as online information. Learn how to run an intervention yourself or hire a professional interventionist to assist you. Make sure to get as much information about the process as possible to get the best possible chance for success.
If you or your loved one requires assistance beating Ambien addiction, the time to get that help is now. Don’t put off Ambien addiction treatment for another day. Every day you wait means an increased risk of Ambien overdose, more money wasted and more opportunities gone. You increase your chances of losing your job, your family, your children, and your entire life to Ambien addiction.
Michael’s House, located in Palm Springs, California, is a holistic Ambien addiction treatment center dedicated to helping active addicts become former addicts. If you would like to learn more about our program, contact us today. We can answer your questions about what to expect from Ambien addiction treatment, how to cover the costs of rehab, and your aftercare options that are available after you leave our facility.
Call now at 760.548.4032. Take the first step toward changing your life.
Sources
1 “Medication Guide.” Food And Drug Administration. October 2014. Accessed 6 November 2017.
2 “Ambien.” Drugs.com. May 2017. Accessed 6 November 2017.
3 “Ambien Archived Drug Label.” National Institutes of Health. September 2007. Accessed 6 November 2017.