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Sleep plays an integral role in our overall health. It allows our bodies to properly heal, rejuvenate, and prepare for each day ahead of us. A healthy and regulated sleep schedule also supports our memory and immune system and reduces the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. There’s no doubt about how great a good night’s sleep can feel, but, unfortunately, this isn’t something that comes easy to many people. For this reason, many of us rely on sleeping aids, and after a time begin to wonder how to quit Ambien and other similar sleep aids. You are not alone.
Keep reading for our advice on how to quit Ambien, and how to find effective treatment options nationwide if you are struggling with sleeping medications!
In fact, 50 to 70 million adults throughout the United States experience either sleep deprivation or struggle with a sleep disorder. As a result, many are prescribed Zolpidem (Ambien) to help them fall asleep. Zolpidem — a form of Ambien — belongs to a class of drugs called hypnotics/sedatives that enables the brain to produce a calming effect throughout the body. Typically, this medication is prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia and sleep deprivation for a one to two-week period of time. However, it’s not uncommon for Ambien to be used beyond its recommended prescription, leaving many wondering how to quit Ambien.
Although Ambien is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medication, it’s still possible for individuals to abuse this sleep medication. With overuse, many experience a variety of impactful cognitive and psychological side effects. Ambien use has been on the rise in the United States for years, as prescriptions have increased by 220 percent. Along with this increase, there has also been a significant rise in Ambien abuse and dependence.
Is a few doses of Zolpidem a part of your nightly routine to help you catch some Z’s? Do you find that you can’t function normally without taking Ambien? If so, you could be dealing with a severe Ambien dependence, and if so, we’re here to help with how to quit Ambien.
Ambien was designed to be an alternative to other sleep medications without the risk of abuse and addiction. Unfortunately, research shows that Ambien can produce tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal — all of which are signs of an addictive substance. However, it’s not always obvious if one is struggling with Ambien addiction, as it tends to fly under the radar until they stop taking the drug and realize one can’t function without it. Eventually, symptoms and side effects do get worse and medical attention will be needed, along with medical guidance on how to quit Ambien.
If Ambien is taken for a short amount of time and in accordance with a doctor’s or medical professional’s instructions, the likelihood of addiction is minimal. When one’s usage exceeds the doctor’s orders, that’s when the risk of addiction increases. Additionally, individuals who have a history of addiction or who are genetically predisposed to substance abuse are more likely to develop an addiction to Ambien.
If you believe you or someone you know may have an Ambien dependency or addiction, but aren’t entirely sure, here are few signs to be on the lookout for:
Ambien is often overlooked and underestimated as an addictive substance due to its nature to treat sleep problems. As individuals begin to use Ambien past its prescribed date, its effectiveness decreases more, requiring users to increase their consumption. Over time, their insomnia will worsen, and sleeping without Ambien will become impossible. With continued abuse, Ambien can have adverse effects on one’s cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and sensory systems. Some of these effects include:
Since Ambien influences receptor cells in the brain in order to induce sleep, many individuals who abuse the drug will also experience a number of cognitive and psychological side effects, including:
If you or someone you know suffers from the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, it may be time to seek help for Ambien addiction.
If you’re exhibiting signs of Ambien addiction, it’s time to seek professional treatment and take the next steps toward detox and recovery. It’s never easy to stop using a drug that the body has grown dependent on. But it does take great courage to admit you have a problem and receive treatment for it. This process can be difficult, but many times it helps to know what to expect from start to finish.
Like any addictive substance, Ambien causes symptoms that vary from person to person — especially during the withdrawal stages. The withdrawal process can be long and challenging primarily because these changes are taking place in the brain as it tries to right itself and function without the chemical components of Ambien. Usually, withdrawal from the drug will have the exact opposite effect of taking it, which can lead to the development of more severe symptoms.
The severity of one’s withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on a few factors. Specifically, the longer they were abusing Ambien, the worse their symptoms will likely be. Increased withdrawal symptoms may also present themselves in those who were taking exorbitant doses of the drug or using it in addition to other illegal substances.
On average, withdrawal from Ambien can last anywhere from one to two weeks. However, as mentioned before, the time it takes to detox from Ambien can vary, as each person experiences withdrawal differently. Roughly, individuals detoxing from Ambien can expect to have a similar experience of the following:
As mentioned above, a common symptom of Ambien withdrawal is rebound insomnia. Rebound insomnia is when a person is unable to sleep due to their cessation of Ambien, which is common in those who grow dependent on the sleep drug. When individuals stop taking Ambien abruptly, their risk for developing rebound insomnia increases. The length of rebound insomnia varies, but some claim to experience this symptom for several weeks, while it passes in others by the end of withdrawal.
When a person who is struggling with Ambien addiction decides to stop taking the drug, it’s highly likely they will experience withdrawal symptoms, as they are virtually unavoidable. However, detoxing in a professional facility will enable individuals to employ techniques that can be used to make the withdrawal process a little more manageable, and is a better way how to quit Ambien and have the cessation last. Importantly, individuals can use these techniques in treatment and throughout their sobriety journey later in life.
Here are a few strategies that one can use to help minimize withdrawal symptoms:
Together, these strategies can help minimize Ambien withdrawal symptoms throughout the entire recovery process, and be a meaningful means for how to quit Ambien. It’s important to mention that treating most substance abuse and addiction and its related symptoms is much more effective when done in a professional facility. Specifically, combining the tampering process with behavioral and cognitive therapies is proven to increase the chances of a successful recovery.
If you’re looking for how to quit Ambien addiction for good, it’s recommended to attend either an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program for the best outcome. Many of these facilities offer top-of-the-line detox programs that are medically managed and ensure patient safety, care, and comfort.
Finding the right facility that meets all your needs is easier said than done, which is why it’s important to do some thorough research before making any decisions on how to quit Ambien in the most effective manner for you.
If you’re looking for a program to help you overcome your Ambien addiction, here are a few things to keep in mind:
You can also talk to your doctor or primary care physician about your options as well. They can provide you with a list of treatment facilities or reputable resources to help you get started on this important journey.
Recovery from Ambien addiction is possible, and you are not alone in this journey. With the right facility and support system, you’ll be able to proudly say sweet dreams to Ambien abuse, and never have to worry about how to quit Ambien again.
For more information regarding Ambien addiction and its related withdrawal effects, call Rehabs Of Armerica today. Our team of specialists is here to help you locate the best and most reputable addiction treatment facility and detox center — enabling you to successfully detox from Ambien and start the path to a happy and sober life. Give us a call today.
Anna M. joined Find Addiction Rehabs with extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment. As a former Nurse Practitioner in Miami, she found her passion for addiction treatment when a family member was lost to his disease. With each article and resource, she hopes to save other families from experiencing the anguish of a loved one’s passing due to drinking or drugs.
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