What Does Ambien Addiction Look Like

Wiki Article

Ambien addiction or zolpidem use disorder is the compulsive and uncontrollable misuse of Ambien, a sleep-inducing drug used as a temporary, short-term treatment for insomnia. This medication works by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which slows down brain activity and promotes sleep. Ambien is effective when it is used for a short period. But it can be dangerous when misused; addiction can begin to take hold in as little as two weeks of regular abuse. Many users may find it difficult to recognize that they have an addiction to Ambien, so detecting symptoms is necessary in the recovery process. In this article, we explore all possible signs associated with addiction and also suggest different treatments for Ambien addiction that help your recovery journey

Signs of Ambien Addiction

If someone has taken Ambien for a while, it can be hard to tell when normal use crosses the line into dependence. But there are several signs you can watch for. Here, we discuss the most common signs.

1. Taking More Than Prescribed

One of the first red flags is needing more of the drug to get the same effect. Over time, tolerance builds, and the person may quietly increase their dose without permission from their primary health care provider. This may lead to serious health risks.

• Taking a higher dose than prescribed
• Running out of pills before the next refill
• Saying the current dose does not work

Ambien is recommended to treat sleep issues, but when someone starts using it at other times, it is often a sign they have come to rely on it for emotional relief, not just rest.

• Taking it during the day
• Taking it before stressful events
• Treating it more like a coping tool than a sleep aid

2. Anxiety 

If your loved one panics at the idea of not having Ambien or says they can’t sleep without it, they may havedeveloped a physical dependence.

• Bringing it everywhere
• Becoming stressed when they’re  almost out
• Using it even when they’re already tired

3. Memory Gaps or Strange Behavior

Ambien can cause people to act without realizing it. These behaviors are joked about, but they can point to deeper misuse.

• Memory loss
• Sleepwalking
• Sleep eating
• Waking up confused

4. Thinking About It During the Day

It is a sign that the user is thinking about taking Ambien during the day, becoming more than a sleep aid, and is starting to fill an emotional role. 

• Talking about how much they need it
• Seeming impatient to take it each night
• Wanting to take it earlier and earlier

5. Trying to Get More Than Prescribed

If someone has developed a dependence, they may look for ways to refill early or get additional prescriptions. 

• Saying they lost their medicine
• Seeing multiple providers

6. Shifts in Mood or Behavior

Zolpidem dependence not only affects sleep, but it can also change how someone acts and feels. You might notice they’re more irritable or unpredictable.

• Withdrawing when asked about their use
• Centering their evenings around taking the drug

What Are the Causes of Ambien Dependence?

The main cause of hypnotic drug dependence involves biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. Understanding these causes is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. 

Biological causes

This cause may include genetic predisposition and neurochemical imbalances.

• Genetic variations influence susceptibility to addiction
• A family history of substance abuse disorder
• Neurochemical imbalances

Behavioral causes

It may include self-medication and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

• Individuals use Ambien to cope with stress and anxiety, leading to dependence.
• Maladaptive coping mechanisms involve using Ambien to escape negative emotions.
• Various positive experiences with Ambien may include improved sleep and reinforce drug-seeking behaviors.

Environmental causes

These causes include access to Ambien, social norms, peer influence, and stressful life events.

• Easy access to medication through social networks increases abuse risk
• Traumatic life events trigger Ambien addiction as individuals turn to the drug cope with emotional distress.

How to Overcome Ambien Addiction?

In this section, we will discuss several treatment methods for Ambien abuse that support you through your recovery journey. This treatment approach is tailored to address your specific needs, ensuring personalized care that targets the root cause. Let’s discuss briefly.

• Medical Detox: This program helps you safely manage withdrawal symptoms, minimizing discomfort and risks related to quitting Ambien abuse.
• Dual diagnosis treatment: If you or your loved one is struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders alongside zolpidem dependence, our dual diagnosis program addresses both issues simultaneously.
• Medication-assisted treatment: Through this treatment, you will be advised to use different medications to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with Ambien misuse.