Have you ever had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, to the point that it started interfering with your daily functioning? If so, you certainly aren’t alone. In the U.S., 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders, and 1 in 3 adults do not get the recommended amount of sleep needed to protect their health.
People who experience ongoing sleep issues often turn to their doctors for support. After all, not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to your health, leading to physical and mental health problems, injuries, loss of productivity, and even a higher chance of death. Due to these serious consequences, it’s not uncommon for people to be prescribed sleep aids like Ambien to help them rest.
In 2020, 8.4% of adults used sleep medication every day or most days in the past month to help them fall asleep or stay asleep. While there are many different sleep medications that people can take, one that stands out is Ambien. While this medication is effective at treating insomnia, it does carry risks, which is why it’s considered a non-preferred substance by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Wolf Creek Recovery understands that some people are dependent on sleep aids like Ambien. Since sleep is an important part of the healing process, we spend time helping our clients build healthy sleep routines that they can manage on their own, without medication. If you or a loved one is taking Ambien to sleep, it’s important to recognize the potential risks, including the side effects of Ambien addiction.
Understanding Ambien Addiction
Ambien, the brand name for zolpidem, is a sedative-hypnotic medication commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. It works by slowing down brain activity to help individuals fall asleep more easily. While Ambien can be effective for short-term use, it does carry the risk of misuse, especially when taken for extended periods of time or in higher doses than prescribed. Over time, you can become physically and psychologically dependent on Ambien, relying on it to fall asleep. The body can then develop a tolerance to the medication, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
Ambien use disorder is characterized by the following:
- Increased tolerance. Needing larger doses of the medication to produce the same effects.
- Compulsive use. Taking Ambien more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed, and continuing to use the substance despite harmful effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking Ambien, such as anxiety, irritability, or rebound insomnia.
- Cravings. Strong urges or compulsions to take Ambien.
Physical Side Effects of Ambien Misuse
Ambien slows down the brain and central nervous system, leading to a wide range of sedative effects. When a person develops a physical tolerance to this medication, they can experience significant drowsiness and fatigue, impairing their ability to function normally during the day. Sleepwalking, coordination problems, and other unusual behaviors like sleep-driving, sleep-eating, or having conversations while sleeping are also possible concerns. In higher doses, individuals may experience slowed or shallow breathing, gastrointestinal effects, headaches, changes in appetite and weight, and withdrawal symptoms.
Mental Side Effects of Ambien Misuse
There is a wide range of mental side effects that can occur from Ambien use disorder, severely impacting an individual’s cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. One of the most prominent mental side effects is memory loss, as Ambien is known to cause short-term memory problems. If the medication is being misused, it can lead to greater problems such as difficulty forming new memories and periods of time that the person can’t recall.
Ambien misuse is also closely linked to mental health problems like depression and anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations, aggression and irritability, and depersonalization and derealization. Ironically, while Ambien is prescribed to treat insomnia, it can actually worsen sleep issues by disrupting the natural sleep cycle, causing rebound insomnia, a condition where the person’s sleep problems return or worsen.
Behavioral Side Effects of Ambien Misuse
Using Ambien outside of the prescribed dose can also lead to various behavioral side effects that can impact a person’s life and relationships. A common behavioral change is a compulsion to obtain more Ambien. For instance, you might notice that your loved one is going through great lengths to get more of the medication instead of trying other options. They might engage in “doctor shopping” (visiting multiple doctors to get additional prescriptions), lie about their symptoms to obtain more medication, or purchase Ambien online illegally. Other behavioral changes you may notice include social withdrawal and isolation, erratic and unpredictable behavior, lying and deception, and neglecting responsibilities.
Health Hazards of Ambien Use
Since Ambien is prescribed by doctors, people often believe that the medication is safe. However, what they don’t realize is that Ambien is intended for short-term use only. When used improperly or over extended periods, it can carry a host of serious health hazards. After a report from SAMHSA found that Ambien-related emergency room visits increased by 220% from 2005 to 2010, the FDA lowered the recommended doses for products used to treat insomnia, including Ambien. While this has helped some, many health hazards still linger.
Aside from the side effects mentioned above, there may also be an increased risk for dementia, respiratory depression, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, mental health disorders, sleep disorders, and even overdose. The risks are heightened when Ambien is combined with other substances such as opioids or alcohol.
Recognizing Ambien Use Disorder
No one takes a medication or substance with the intention of becoming dependent on it, but the reality is that this can happen. Being honest with yourself or a loved one is an important part of the healing process. Once you acknowledge the issue, you can take the next steps to seek support and prevent further problems from happening. The main warning signs to watch for include:
- Refilling prescriptions unusually often
- Taking larger doses than prescribed
- Experiencing cravings
- Spending large amounts of money on the substance
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Having no memory of engaging in dangerous situations
Getting Help for Ambien Addiction in Prescott, AZ
Once you recognize the need for Ambien rehab, the healing process can begin. Because Ambien can cause physical dependence, detox should be done under medical supervision to manage uncomfortable symptoms. Rather than stopping Ambien suddenly, doctors often recommend tapering off the substance. This minimizes withdrawal symptoms and makes the detox process safer and more tolerable. Supportive care and medication are also available to help you through this process.
To address the psychological aspects of Ambien use disorder, behavioral therapy can be helpful. A residential or intensive outpatient program offers various services to help you maintain recovery such as counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, stress-reduction activities, and other therapies that include learning new sleep habits. Continuing therapy and managing stress can be particularly helpful in establishing strong sleep hygiene.
Wolf Creek Recovery provides treatment services for individuals experiencing a dependence on Ambien or other sleep medications. While these medications can be beneficial, we recognize the risks they carry. Between our behavioral therapies and holistic practices, we help individuals work through the psychological aspects of Ambien use disorder. We also give our clients time to spend time outdoors, releasing energy and reducing stress so that they can sleep better at night. To build a life you love, contact Wolf Creek Recovery today at 833-732-8202.
FAQs About Ambien Misuse
Is Ambien a safe sleep medication?
When taken as directed and for a short period of time, Ambien is considered safe. However, some people behave dangerously when taking the substance, such as doing things while they sleep that they don’t remember.
Can you become dependent on Ambien?
Yes, it is possible to become physically and psychologically dependent on Ambien. This typically happens when the medication is used for an extended length of time or is taken outside of the recommended dose. It’s also possible to experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit or cut back.
What are the most common side effects of Ambien?
Ambien is a medication like any other, with risks and benefits. Some of the most common side effects include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, memory loss, digestive problems, and rebound insomnia.
What are some healthy alternatives to Ambien?
Ambien is not a long-term solution for insomnia. To help you fall asleep, there are plenty of healthier alternatives such as melatonin supplements, eating enough protein, drinking warm milk or tea, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, lavender, and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule. Always discuss any new supplements or medications with your doctor.
