Ambien Addiction

Ambien helps assist in sleep maintenance and is typically only prescribed for short periods of time. The longer the medication is used, the more at risk a user is for addiction. Also, there could be deeper underlying issues preventing a full night’s rest that need to be addressed. Ambien is prescribed at low doses and should not be exceeded in the recommended dosage. Essentially, anyone who takes this prescribed sedative in high doses or for a long period of time is at risk for addiction, but there are also other things to consider. Addiction to other ailments such as other drugs and/or alcohol puts someone at greater risk for Ambien addiction.

Since Ambien is a prescription medication, it may be difficult to determine if someone has actually formed an addiction. While the signs are not as clear as in illegal drug addiction, there are certain things one can look for. Ambien addiction is probably most clearly defined by the withdrawal symptoms one experiences if he/she goes too long without it. Other signs of needed Ambien treatment are that more of the drug is being taken than needed, having prescriptions refilled early or consistently because of over use, and having to take higher doses of the Ambien to achieve its initial effects. Essentially this means that a tolerance has developed. If any of these symptoms fit this means abuse of Ambien is taking place or an addiction to it has formed.

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person is addicted to a medicine, if the medicine is stopped, the body is not able to function properly and withdrawal symptom can occur. Some Ambien withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Sweating
• Abnormal aggression
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Stomach cramps
• Panic attacks

Dangers of Ambien Addiction

Addiction to Ambien can be deadly. It can enhance suicidal tendencies, and risk of overdose is higher among people with depression. Too much of it can cause excessive drowsiness, even coma. Even at therapeutic dosages, it can cause some people to “sleep-drive” or engage in other complex behaviors while not fully awake, putting themselves and others at risk. Most have no memory of the episode afterward.

In cases where the drug is not deliberately crushed and snorted or abused with alcohol, Ambien dependence generally occurs when it is taken for longer than the recommended time period (10 days), or in greater dosages than recommended (5-10 mg). Users find they cannot go to sleep without it or begin to crave the euphoria brought on as the drug begins to act upon the central nervous system.

When these problems occur, people often feel like they need to stay on their medicines just to prevent these symptoms from occurring again. Usually the symptoms of Ambien withdrawal are not life-threatening but are generally so unpleasant that it is difficult not to give in to the cravings to make them stop. If a user is increasing doses of Ambien or feels like he/she cannot stop the medicine, he/she may need to talk to a healthcare provider. An addiction to Ambien is a serious problem that requires treatment.

Ambien Addiction Treatment

Treatment for Ambien addiction is therefore the province of medical professionals, who can manage the withdrawal and ease the addict off the drug in a manner that does not lead to further abuse. Treatment depends upon the severity of the abuse. Sometimes inpatient care in a detoxification center or another addiction treatment program is required. Supervision by a qualified physician is necessary both to manage physical symptoms and to provide counseling and support for any emotional dependency which has developed. Users should seek help immediately if they encounter difficulties stopping an Ambien regimen.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an Ambien addiction, we can help. Please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5716. We are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions on Ambien addiction and treatment.