Struggling With Ambien Addiction

Ambien Rehab Center

There is nothing like getting a good night’s sleep and feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning. But sometimes, insomnia can strike, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. When this happens, many people turn to Ambien, a well-known sleep aid that helps individuals get the rest they need without tossing and turning until the first light of day.

While Ambien has brought restful nights to many, it’s also a powerful drug that can become addictive with regular use. Many people aren’t even aware they’re developing a problem until they stop taking it — they may suddenly experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms or have trouble falling asleep on their own before they realize they’ve become dependent.

At Avalon Malibu, we understand the nuanced challenges that come with Ambien addiction. Our dedicated team offers a compassionate, holistic approach to treating Ambien addiction, ensuring that individuals can once again find balance and restful sleep without the crutch of medication. With a blend of evidence-based therapies, alternative treatments and continuous support, we aim to empower our clients to regain control of their sleep and their lives.

What Is Ambien?

Ambien, also known as zolpidem, is a popularly prescribed medication for insomnia and sleep disorders. Ambien is part of a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, which work by affecting chemicals in the brain to slow down the central nervous system (CNS) and promote sleep. While effective for treating insomnia, Ambien is also considered highly addictive. It was first marketed as an alternative to benzodiazepines like Xanax without the same habit-forming properties, but it was soon discovered that long-term use could lead to dependence.

Ambien comes in two forms: the first is an immediate-release tablet that helps people fall asleep quickly, and the second has an extended-release layer that helps people stay asleep longer. The recommended doses of Ambien in men and women differ significantly, and this drug is not approved for use in children due to the danger of harmful side effects.

How Does Ambien Work?

Our brain is a complex web of neurotransmitters, and Ambien specifically targets gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is an important neurotransmitter that primarily functions to reduce nerve cell excitability and slow the CNS, producing a calming effect. This is beneficial for those with insomnia, but the drug’s ability to profoundly alter brain chemistry is where the risk for dependency lies. Over time, people who take Ambien regularly begin to rely on it to fall asleep and experience withdrawal when use is suddenly stopped. Many individuals also develop an increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect, which can be a precursor to addiction.

What Are the Effects of Ambien?

Ambien is a hypnotic-sedative drug that can impair a person’s thinking and reactions. It tends to remain in the body for several hours, and people who use it may feel sluggish upon waking. While considered safe and effective for short-term use, tolerance and dependence can develop after just four weeks. The daily recommended dose of Ambien is between 5 to 10 mg, but as tolerance builds, increasingly higher doses are needed to achieve the desired results, and that’s when more of the dangerous side effects begin to appear.

Ambien is notorious for its side effects. There are countless stories of people doing strange things they don’t remember while taking it, such as driving, sleepwalking, cooking, wandering outside, online shopping and more. At high doses, Ambien produces amnesia, preventing the brain from retaining new information, so many individuals can perform an action while asleep or under the influence without remembering it. The medical term for this is parasomnia, and it’s the cause of some of the bizarre behaviors triggered by Ambien use.

Some Negative Effects of Ambien Use Include:

• NAUSEA AND VOMITING
• HEADACHES
• DIZZINESS
• DELUSIONS OR HALLUCINATIONS
• AMNESIA
• SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS
• STRANGE BEHAVIORS
• COORDINATION PROBLEMS
• FATIGUE
• DAYTIME DROWSINESS

Does Ambien Cause Withdrawal?

Taking Ambien for extended periods of time and at high doses may cause withdrawal symptoms that can last for a few weeks. Although the withdrawal from Ambien can vary depending on the degree of use, symptoms can be potentially dangerous. However, undergoing medical detox can keep individuals safe and comfortable during this process.

Long-Term Withdrawal Symptoms of Ambien Include:

• ANXIETY
• SWEATING
• SHAKINESS
• AGITATION AND IRRITABILITY
• INSOMNIA
• DRUG CRAVINGS
• NERVOUSNESS
• DELIRIUM
• CONVULSIONS OR SEIZURES

Ambien & Addiction

Ambien is a medication prescribed by doctors for treating legitimate medical concerns such as insomnia and sleep disorders, so recognizing when it becomes a problem isn’t always easy. However, Ambien use can be dangerous, and there are some signs to look for that can reveal if you or a loved one is developing an addiction, such as increased tolerance and continuing to use the drug despite negative consequences at work or home.

Some Signs of Ambien Addiction Include:

• BEING UNABLE TO SLEEP WITHOUT AMBIEN (DEPENDENCE)
• FAILURE TO FULFILL WORK, SCHOOL OR HOME OBLIGATIONS
• USE OF AMBIEN RESULTS IN PHYSICALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS, SUCH AS DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERY WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
• NEEDING INCREASINGLY HIGHER DOSES OF AMBIEN (TOLERANCE)
• LEGAL PROBLEMS AS A RESULT OF AMBIEN USE
• COMPULSIVE AMBIEN USE; TAKING MORE THAN PRESCRIBED
• UNABLE TO STOP USING AMBIEN DESPITE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES

If you have a persistent desire to use Ambien and have been unsuccessful in your efforts to stop, then Avalon Malibu is your answer for recovery and treatment.

Ambien Addiction Treatment at Avalon Malibu

At Avalon Malibu, we believe in crafting a treatment plan as unique as you. Understanding that each person’s journey with Ambien addiction is different, we blend evidence-based practices with innovative and holistic therapies to create an individualized roadmap to recovery. This personalized approach gives each client the best chance at rebuilding a life without Ambien and developing the coping skills to stay sober long-term. Some of the tools, techniques and strategies we use to treat Ambien addiction include:

• INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY
• GROUP THERAPY
• COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
• DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)
• NEUROFEEDBACK
• HOLISTIC THERAPIES
• MOTIVATIONAL ENHANCEMENT THERAPY
• ACUPUNCTURE
• ART & MUSIC THERAPY
• MINDFULNESS PRACTICES
• NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
• PSYCHODRAMA

We pride ourselves on providing holistic opportunities for healing, addressing the full scope of each client’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs during recovery. At our fully licensed and accredited substance use treatment center, the Cottage House, we’ve created an environment where individuals can discover the way to a more fulfilling, addiction-free life. Our goals include improving retention in treatment, reducing underlying psychiatric symptoms and developing the coping skills needed to maintain lasting sobriety. We seek to strengthen healthy behaviors and help each person work toward a healthier, happier future.

Contact Avalon Malibu

Navigating the path of recovery from Ambien addiction can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Avalon Malibu, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care, understanding and support tailored to your unique journey. If you or someone you love is struggling with Ambien addiction, reach out today. Together, we can rediscover the restful, peaceful nights you deserve without relying on Ambien and collaborate to help you build a brighter, healthier lifestyle. Contact or call us today at 888-958-7511 to learn more about our recovery programs and how they can help you overcome Ambien addiction.