Facing The Realities Of Ambien Addiction
The realities of drug addiction are sometimes harder to face when it involves a drug prescribed by a doctor. Ambien, a sleep aid prescribed by physicians, can easily lead to Ambien addiction even when it’s taken as directed. When you or a loved one are struggling with a prescription drug habit, a professional treatment center is the most effective route to a successful recovery.
The Dangers of Ambien
Ambien (generic name: zolpidem) does have less potential for addiction when compared to Xanax or Ativan, which are also prescribed as sleep aids. Nonetheless, Ambien can easily become addictive when used for more than short periods of time. When you or a loved one rely on sleep medications to get improved sleep, it’s not the best long-term solution for insomnia. Medications can cover up an underlying problem needing treatment. Sleep aids also cause side effects. One of the side effects people experience when taking Ambien, which become much more frequent or serious when an Ambien addiction has developed, is they don’t remember their actions. While they think they’re asleep, they drive, cook or eat food. These actions can be dangerous if someone performs them while sleeping. When they wake up, they don’t remember doing anything.
Ambien Withdrawal Effects
Since Ambien is an addictive prescription drug, your body builds a tolerance to it. You may need higher dosages to maintain the same effects. If you try to stop taking the medication, you’ll suffer withdrawal effects, including:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Insomnia that’s worse than before taking Ambien
- Stomach cramps
- Shakes
- Confusion
A typical reaction when you’re feeling the sickness of withdrawal is to take more of the drug to avoid the worsening effects. This continues the cycle of addiction.
The Reality of Ambien Addiction
With Ambien addiction comes a number of negative consequences, including:
Mental Health Disorders
When a person has abused Ambien for long periods of time, much more severe withdrawal effects are possible. These include panic attacks and psychosis. Other serious and typical effects are suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts.
Breathing Problems
A sedative effect similar to being drunk results when individuals abuse Ambien by taking more than what’s recommended, for reasons other than sleeplessness. Ambien at higher doses can suppress breathing. If alcohol or opiates like prescription painkillers are also taken, breathing can slow or stop, causing death.
Date-rape
Memory loss is also tied to Ambien. Ambien has been used as a date-rape drug due to this loss of control and lack of recall. One slang word for Ambien is the “Forget-Me Pill”.
Stepping Stone Center for Recovery, a Private Accredited Adult Addiction Treatment Center in Jacksonville, Florida
You need specialized treatment when facing the realities of an Ambien addiction. Our rehab center draws from a variety of disciplines providing a comprehensive treatment experience. We have psychiatrists evaluating psychological functioning, medical doctors assessing physical conditions, and clinical therapists who provide a wide range of therapies. Our facilities offer an all-inclusive continuum of care including a 24-hour medical detox program, individual, group and family therapy, and services that are customized to your unique needs. Our clients also receive dual diagnosis treatment when addiction and mental health disorders are present. If you’re local to Jacksonville, we’re conveniently located in the heart of the city. If you’re not, consider sunny and scenic Florida in one of its largest cities with the most amenities, travel and recreation options the Sunshine State has to offer. Call Stepping Stone Center for Recovery’s free Addiction Helpline at 866-957-4960 today to verify your insurance and begin treatment to eliminate Ambien addiction. Our professionally trained admissions coordinators are standing by to take your call.
