Ambien is a strong sedative that is widely recommended by physicians for sleeplessness. While the medicine is quite helpful for treating insomnia, it may also be misused. Ambien is also an addictive substance, and persons who misuse it are in danger of overdosing and other significant health issues if they do not seek treatment and intervention. Long-term Ambien misuse may cause despair and anxiety, as well as an increased risk of injury and cognitive damage.
Ambien was previously marketed as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines, with a lower risk of addiction or tolerance. However, studies reveal that this was greatly exaggerated. Long-term Ambien usage is also connected with major health problems, such as an increased risk of respiratory difficulties, reflux, and infections. Ambien works similarly to benzodiazepines; however, it is somewhat less prone to cause drowsiness or dependency.
Ambien users may acquire a physical reliance on the medicine in only a few weeks. This may happen even if the individual is taking the medication as directed. Ambien dependency is not the same as addiction, but it may be a warning indicator that someone is on the road to addiction. When someone becomes reliant on Ambien, they will have acquired tolerance to the medicine, requiring more of it to have the intended effect. They will have withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking Ambien or reduce their dosage.
Without treatment, Ambien dependency may progress to drug addiction. Tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, inability to manage usage and cravings for the substance are all indications of addiction.
With pharmaceuticals and other treatments, there are always risks and side effects to be mindful of. Ambien has a greater potential for abuse, tolerance, physiological dependency, and withdrawal than previously considered. Possible side effects include:
Insomniacs have difficulty falling or staying asleep. If you have been taking Ambien for a long time and have attempted to discontinue it, your insomnia may increase. Long-term hazards include worsened sleep apnea, GERD, persistent sinus infections, coughs, and laryngitis. Because Ambien tolerance may develop, you may find yourself needing to take higher dosages to get the same outcomes. When taking Ambien, some individuals report feeling elated rather than tired.
Ambien detoxification should take place in a medically supervised environment since the procedure may cause painful and even deadly withdrawal symptoms.
Because the medicine works by reducing brain activity, abruptly discontinuing treatment might result in an increase in brain activity, which can lead to seizures. It bears repeating: Patients should be counseled not to stop using Ambien suddenly but rather to taper off the prescription gradually since severe withdrawal symptoms are possible.
You will begin therapy when you have completed detox. Discuss your choices with your treatment team to determine what is best for you. Among the treatment possibilities are:
a) Inpatient treatment: This is when you remain at a facility and get an extensive group and individual treatment and counseling. You will learn about addiction, relapse prevention, self-care, and how to manage insomnia without turning to addictive sleep aids for people recovering from Ambien usage.
b) Outpatient treatment: This is a facility where you attend group and individual sessions many times a week, as well as a psychiatrist appointment once a month while living at home. This enables you to get treatment comparable to that provided in an inpatient environment, while it is less intense and restricted. People who have completed inpatient therapy or have strong, supportive social networks at home are most suited for outpatient treatment.
Taking too much Ambien or combining it with other central nervous system depressants might result in a lethal overdose. Taking a high dosage of Ambien or combining it with alcohol or other substances results in severe sedative effects that may delay or stop breathing. Ambien overdose symptoms include:
You should get help if you or a loved one is misusing Ambien and are experiencing signs of Ambien abuse, dependency, or addiction, then contact Quit Addiction Now (888 974-2973) to learn about the resources and treatment options available to you.
