Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford - What We Treat

Ambien Addiction

Ambien Addiction Treatment Program in NJ

If you are dealing with an addiction to Ambien®, we can help. Pinelands Recovery offers a comprehensive Ambien addiction treatment program in NJ. Our residential treatment center helps individuals focus fully on recovery in a peaceful, welcoming environment.

Ambien, formally known as zolpidem, is in a class of medications known as sedative-hypnotics, otherwise known as sleeping pills. This sleeping pill is generally prescribed for individuals who are diagnosed with insomnia, but it is only intended for short-term use. Ambien was initially designed to have similar effects as benzodiazepines without the harmful side effects.

However, Ambien, like Xanax® and Valium®, has a very high use disorder profile and a physical dependence can form in as little as two weeks. Individuals who take Ambien for longer than two weeks will most likely need a higher dosage to produce the same effects. This tolerance quickly builds up over time until the individual becomes physically dependent on Ambien.

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Classifying Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills fall into the sedative-hypnotics category, which includes benzodiazepines and barbiturates. There are also non-benzodiazepine hypnotics that are commonly referred to as z-drugs because they induce sleep. These include zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata®), and eszopiclone (Lunesta®). Over-the-counter sleep aids include diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and acetaminophen/diphenhydramine (Tylenol® PM). These are also commonly abused because they are easily accessible compared to prescription sleep aids.

Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford - Ambien

Sleep Disorders

Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule can be extremely difficult during this day in age, where we are always plugged in. According to studies, about 80%of the population in the United States struggles with transient insomnia, and an estimated 15% of adults in the U.S. have chronic insomnia. Approximately 37% of individuals rely on sleep aids to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night.

Ambien Addiction Statistics

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over half a million individuals abuse Ambien and other sedatives.

Ambien sales have generated more than $2 billion yearly, making it one of the most popular sleeping pills in the U.S.

There are more than 80 different sleep disorders; a dependence on Ambien is the result of an individual having unresolved issues related to the sleep disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Ambien Intoxication

Short-term memory loss
Feeling “drugged”
Weakness
Altered judgment and reasoning
Poor coordination
Delusions or hallucinations
Intense drowsiness

Confusion
Slowed breathing
Sleep disturbances and nightmares
Abnormal limb and muscle movements
Ambien blackouts (parasomnias such as sleep-eating, sleepwalking and sleep-driving)

Ambien Withdrawal

Ambien has a high potential for physical dependence, and therefore when you discontinue Ambien, you will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms. Similar to benzodiazepines and alcohol, Ambien should not be stopped “cold turkey,” especially if you have been taking Ambien for longer than two weeks. Ambien withdrawal can be similar to benzodiazepine withdrawal and can induce seizures if you have been taking high doses of Ambien for an extended time. Withdrawal symptoms can start within 3 hours after the last dose and usually peak around 3-5 days and can last up to two weeks.

Signs and Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal

Seizures
Sweating
Fever

Insomnia
Stomach cramps
Irritability
Mood swings

Anxiety
Panic attacks
Nausea and vomiting

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Rebound Insomnia after Ambien Withdrawal

Ambien is most commonly prescribed to individuals who struggle with insomnia. If an individual who is addicted to Ambien, stops taking this medication, he/she is at risk of rebound insomnia. Rebound insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep and is often much worse than before the individual began taking Ambien. Rebound insomnia can last up to several weeks.

Seeking Help for Ambien Addiction

If you or someone you know demonstrates two or more of the following behaviors, we recommend you see a substance use disorder professional:

Refilling prescriptions more often than needed
Repeatedly taking larger doses of Ambien than prescribed
Experiencing cravings for Ambien
Forging prescriptions for Ambien
Loss of memory after waking up from an Ambien induced sleep
Spending large amounts of money on Ambien
Purchasing Ambien off the street
Isolating yourself from family and friends
Stashing Ambien in hidden places
Physical withdrawal symptoms
Unable to stop taking Ambien despite the urge to cut down
Mixing Ambien with alcohol or other drugs
Driving under the influence of Ambien

Ambien Addiction Treatment Programs in NJ

It is highly recommended that you do not stop taking Ambien “cold turkey.” Instead, you can start a slow taper by decreasing the dose slowly over time. Because Ambien withdrawal can be dangerous, you should seek professional help from a treatment center. Treatment professionals can help safely taper your dosage and also provide you with medications and psychotherapy to ease the withdrawal symptoms and prevent future cravings.

Depending on the severity of your Ambien addiction, you may be advised to enroll in an intensive treatment level of care, such as residential treatment. Regardless of the level of care, you will need to undergo detoxification as the initial step. Detoxification is the first step in treatment for Ambien addiction. During this phase, medications may be administered to relieve withdrawal symptoms and prevent seizures. Medicines used in Ambien detoxification include long-acting benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy and dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) are well-known psychotherapy approaches that are successful in treating Ambien addiction. These therapies help you develop healthy coping skills to prevent future relapses.

Treating the Underlying Sleep Disorder

Treating just the Ambien addiction is incomplete until the co-occurring sleep disorder is also resolved. Addressing and treating your insomnia is an integral part of managing your Ambien addiction. Sleep training techniques and practicing sleep hygiene are two essential treatment approaches to addressing insomnia or other sleep disorders. Sleep hygiene refers to strategies you can take to better your ability to fall and stay asleep.

Learn more about treating co-occurring disorders