Nearly two million people took Ambien in 2022. While there’s nothing wrong with Ambien, taking it long-term can quickly spin out of control. Taking it in a way other than what your doctor prescribed will also inevitably cause problems. Getting caught in the cycle of ambien use and insomnia might happen more than you think.
If you’re in that situation, we know what it’s like. Our staff at Wolf Creek Recovery has been through addiction, too. We empower people just like you to overcome it and discover the joy of recovery.
What We Treat: Ambien Addiction
Ambien is tricky. It’s prescribed for insomnia – a condition that is debilitating in its own right – but isn’t intended to be taken long-term. Long-term use can cause physical dependence. That’s not the same as an addiction, but it is often one of the first steps toward one. With a physical dependence, you experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you don’t take the medication. That can lead to taking it outside of its intended purpose to relieve those symptoms.
You also might take it illicitly because it provides relief for the emotional pain you’re feeling. That, combined with the physical pain of withdrawal, might make quitting Ambien seem scary, or even impossible.
It’s possible, though. We empower people to overcome their substance use disorders every day through dual-diagnosis treatment that addresses every aspect of addiction, including the vital role mental health plays in the process. We’ll do the same for you, too.
How We Treat: What to Expect From Ambien Addiction Rehab With Wolf Creek
We know firsthand how difficult recovery is, especially if your environment is triggering or unsafe. That’s one of the reasons why we provide supportive housing when you come to us for treatment.
If you need a detox program, we’ll refer you to one of our trusted partners who will carefully watch over you and assist you as Ambien completely leaves your system.
Then, you’ll officially begin treatment with Wolf Creek, coming to our facility for therapy and other activities during the day. When treatment wraps up in the evening, you’ll head back to our provided housing to rest, then do it all again the next day.
Some activities you might participate in are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Family therapy, grief counseling, and trauma-informed therapy are also available. We spend a lot of time outside having fun, too. We play sports, canoe, paddle board, and camp. Nature is healing, and our beautiful location in Prescott, Arizona allows us to appreciate it to the fullest.
You’ll be amazed at what a difference committing yourself to treatment will make, and the longer you stay with us, the more steadfast you’ll feel in your recovery. We encourage you to stay as long as possible. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re set up for success, no matter how much time you spend in treatment. We’re here for you whenever you need us.
What Is Ambien? Is It Dangerous?
Ambien, alternatively known as zolpidem, was created as a “less addictive” alternative to benzodiazepines. It’s supposed to be a short-term treatment for insomnia. As you probably know, though, Ambien can cause devastating effects on your life if it’s used improperly.
How Ambien Affects the Brain and Body, and Why It Matters
Ambien suppresses the central nervous system. It essentially slows down your brain. This makes it a great sleep aid, but sometimes people feel groggy long after they wake up. It can be dangerous when used outside of its intended purposes, especially if you take it during the day. Sometimes, people who take Ambien will do things they have no memory of later, including driving, sexual activities, holding conversations, and eating. This makes accidents and injuries more likely.
Ambien also might cause:
- Drowsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Slowed reaction time
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Suicidal ideation
Ambien Withdrawal and Detox: A Key Component of Conquering Addiction
Ambien withdrawal is a big component of addiction. Your body can become dependent on Ambien within as little as a week. This means your body gets used to Ambien in your system, adjusts to it, and doesn’t know what to do when it isn’t in your system. You’ll experience a lot of unpleasant symptoms, which is known as withdrawal, as your body adjusts to Ambien’s absence. Some potential symptoms of Ambien withdrawal are:
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Irregular heartbeat and blood pressure
- Headache
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Cravings
It’s natural to want these symptoms to go away, and taking more Ambien might seem like the “easiest fix.” Unfortunately, that just creates a vicious cycle, and symptoms often get worse.
If you’re stuck in that cycle, the best thing to do is seek treatment. Wolf Creek Recovery will refer you to a detox program where skilled professionals will help you manage withdrawal until Ambien is safely out of your system. Then, you’ll continue through treatment to conquer your Ambien addiction for good.
Medication Becoming a Condition, Not a Cure: Signs of Ambien Addiction
One of the most significant signs that your Ambien use has progressed into something unhealthy is taking it outside of your doctor’s orders. That includes taking it without any prescription. If you find yourself having to take more and more Ambien to get the desired effect, and you feel like you can’t stop taking it, that’s another sign you might have a substance use disorder.
People who use Ambien outside of its intended purposes will often appear “drunk,” showing similar symptoms to people who drank a lot of alcohol. They also often fixate on Ambien, and are desperate to have it on hand. If you know someone taking Ambien and notice this about them, it could be a sign that their relationship with their medication has escalated into a substance use disorder.
Finding Recovery From Ambien Addiction With Wolf Creek in Arizona
Sometimes prescriptions lull you into a false sense of security. After all, Ambien isn’t an illicit substance. Plenty of people take it every day. That might make it seem safer than street drugs, like heroin or cocaine. The reality is that Ambien can have the same devastating consequences as any other substance. Ambien addiction leads to the same lost opportunities, strained relationships, and unhappiness.
Thankfully, help is available. You can take your life back. We hope you’ll contact us. We’ll give you all the tools you need.
Wolf Creek Recovery’s care is rooted in honesty, integrity, respect, compassion, commitment, and courage. That’s how we treat the people we work with, and what we hope to inspire in everyone who walks through our doors. Recovery takes work, and we know that firsthand, but support is key. We want to be that support and help you build a life you love. Call us at 833-732-8202 today.
FAQs
Does Ambien need to be tapered?
Experts recommend tapering off of Ambien instead of stopping it abruptly but always consult a doctor before changing your dosage.
