Did you know that Arizona ranks 20 out of 50 for states with the most insufficient sleep?
Sufficient sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle. However, many Arizonans don’t get the sleep they need to function well in their everyday lives. This puts them at risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, depression, and accidents. Nearly 40% of Arizonans between the ages of 18 and 44 get fewer than 7 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.
While some people don’t get enough sleep intentionally, others have trouble falling or staying asleep. This is frustrating, leading these individuals to their doctors for support, where they are often prescribed Ambien. While Ambien does the job well, and can be helpful for a temporary period, it can also be misused for its relaxing effects.
If you are recognizing the signs of Ambien addiction in yourself or someone else, it’s important to seek professional help. Wolf Creek Recovery can assist with safely withdrawing from Ambien, managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and teaching healthy sleep habits. This way, you can make a full recovery and develop sleep hygiene.
Signs of Ambien Addiction
Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative-hypnotic medication used for the short-term relief of insomnia. Although it’s intended to be a temporary sleep aid, prolonged use or misuse of the substance can lead to dependency. Recognizing the signs of a potential problem can help individuals seek timely treatment and support. Let’s explore some of the key signs and symptoms to watch for if you suspect an issue in yourself or someone you know.
Physical Signs of Ambien Use
Ambien can cause noticeable physical changes when taking the medication. These symptoms can also linger if the sleep medication is taken for a prolonged period of time:
- Drowsiness and fatigue that lingers beyond its intended timeframe
- Sensations of dizziness or lightheadedness
- Slurring or difficulty forming words clearly
- Stumbling, unsteady gait, or clumsiness
- Tremors and involuntary movements
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Red or bloodshot eyes
Behavioral Signs of Ambien Use
While Ambien can be effective at helping people sleep, its sedative effects can lead to noticeable behavioral changes, such as:
- Sleepwalking, sleep-eating, or sleep-driving
- Memory lapses and forgetfulness
- Mood swings and emotional instability
- Decreased motivation and lack of interest
- Secretive or avoidance behavior
- “Zoning out” or mental fog
- Increased risk-taking or reckless behavior
- Cravings or preoccupation with Ambien
Social Signs of Ambien Use
Misuse or dependency on Ambien can lead to social changes in a person’s life, particularly in relationships, work, and social interactions. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Hiding medication or taking it out of sight
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Behavioral changes in social settings
- Using Ambien to cope with anxiety
- Conflicts with family and friends over Ambien use
- Changing social circles
- Unusual spending habits
Timeline of Ambien Addiction Signs
While each individual is different, there’s a general timeline of how Ambien use can progress, from initial warning signs to serious symptoms. It’s recommended to take Ambien for no more than six weeks, as this is when dependence can develop. To prevent this cycle from occurring to you or someone you care about, use the medication as intended. And, if you do notice any of the early warning signs, reach out for support right away. There is no need to be embarrassed; this support is available to prevent the cycle of substance use and the serious dangers that come with it.
Early Signs of Ambien Misuse
- Increasing tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same sleep-inducing impact
- Difficulty sleeping without Ambien
- Cravings and preoccupation with Ambien
- Using Ambien outside of prescription guidelines
- Memory lapses and blackouts after taking the medication
- Engaging in unusual sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking
- Seeking additional prescriptions
- Secretive or defensive behavior
- Experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms
Late Signs of Ambien Addiction
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Persistent memory problems and blackouts
- Increased dosage and dangerous methods of use (snorting or chewing pills)
- Social isolation and relationship strain
- Decline in physical health, such as weight changes and poor hygiene
- Engaging in risky behaviors
- Complete dependence on Ambien to sleep
- Loss of control over Ambien use
- Severe mood swings and mental health decline
Recognizing Ambien Dependence
Psychological or physical dependence on sleep medication does not happen overnight. There is a process that happens, and it’s sped up when a person misuses the medication. However, dependence can still happen in individuals who use Ambien properly. This is why being aware of the signs of dependence is so important, as this allows you to get ahead of the problem.
The main indication that dependence is happening is increasing tolerance. Tolerance is when you need a higher dose to achieve the same benefit. You may do this by increasing your dose, taking the dose more often, or mixing the dose with other depressants. Eventually, this tolerance can turn into dependence, where you need Ambien to fall asleep. If you are unable to fall asleep without the medicine, you’re more likely to obsess over your next dose, count pills, and worry about running out. These are the hallmark signs that a true “Ambien addiction” is forming.
Intervention for an Ambien Problem
An intervention aims to encourage someone to acknowledge their problem and seek help. Interventions can be especially beneficial for someone who is misusing Ambien, as they may not recognize the extent of their issue. Since Ambien is prescribed by doctors for sleep, people often feel that it’s a safe medication. However, tolerance and dependence can creep up sooner than you think.
If you do choose to hold an intervention, make sure that you assemble a small team of close family and friends, assign roles to each person, and involve a professional interventionist. Always choose a private but neutral location, and aim for a time when the person is likely to be sober. The professional interventionist will work with you to prepare what to say, keep the intervention on track, and assist in finding treatment.
Find Ambien Addiction Treatment Near You in Prescott, AZ
Addressing Ambien dependence is crucial for recovery. Effective Ambien rehab typically involves a combination of medical supervision, therapy, and ongoing support. Under medical supervision, detoxification helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Abrupt cessation can lead to rebound insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms, making it difficult to quit on your own.
After detox, you can move onto a structured recovery program that provides behavioral therapies and support groups. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) address underlying issues contributing to sleep problems and Ambien misuse. Support groups provide peer support and shared experiences, fostering a sense of community and accountability. It’s also important to build a healthy, resilient lifestyle that promotes good sleep, reducing your need for sleep medications in the future.
If you or a loved one is experiencing Ambien dependence, you can put your trust in Wolf Creek Recovery. We offer highly personalized care in a supportive setting, with both evidence-based treatments and alternative therapies. We don’t just help our clients work through their underlying issues; we teach them how to rebuild their lives in a healthy and meaningful way. Clients spend time participating in outdoor sports and recreational activities to enhance their recovery while also enjoying time with peers and staff. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 to learn more about our residential and intensive outpatient programs. Build a life you love.
FAQs About Ambien Addiction Signs
Is Ambien “addictive?”
It is possible to develop a psychological or physical dependence on Ambien. Over time, people may feel that they can’t sleep without the medication, causing them to become preoccupied with having enough on hand. They can also develop tolerance, leading them to take higher or more frequent doses to sleep.
What are the physical signs of Ambien use?
The physical signs of Ambien use include drowsiness and fatigue, dizziness, slurred speech, unsteady gait, tremors, dilated pupils, and bloodshot eyes. They typically subside once the medication wears off, unless Ambien is being misused.
What are the behavioral signs of Ambien use?
The misuse of Ambien can lead to behavioral signs such as doctor shopping, secretive behavior, mood swings, sleepwalking, and memory lapses.
What are the social signs of Ambien use?
Substance use causes people to change, and this is true in the case of Ambien. You may notice withdrawal from social activities, neglecting responsibilities, unusual spending habits, changing social circles, and using Ambien to cope with anxiety.
