Treatment for Ambien addiction needs to be monitored carefully and by medical professionals. In order to safely detox from Ambien you need to be overseen by medical professionals in a treatment center that specializes in Ambien addiction treatment. Recovery from Ambien addiction is not only possible, but very likely if you follow the steps given to you in an Ambien addiction treatment center like ours at Beginnings Treatment Centers.
We offer all levels of care, from Ambien detox, to residential treatment, intensive outpatient, as well as after care and sober living options. You can contact us 24/7 for Ambien addiction information and treatment.
Severe Ambien Addiction Dangers
Ambien addiction by itself is dangerous and can be life-threatening. The use of Ambien when combined with alcohol and or other drugs (prescription, over the counter or illicit) can be a fatal Ambien addiction combination. Substances that cause a stimulant effect often lead to a person taking an increased amount of Ambien to come down or fall asleep. When the stimulant wears off the increased dosage of Ambien increases the likelihood of an overdose. Alcohol and Ambien is a deadly combination. When Ambien is used together with alcohol many of the more dangerous side effects of Ambien are enhanced. Besides the added increase of an accidental overdose is the increased likelihood of Ambien and Alcohol induced accidents.
How Ambien is an Addictive and Dangerous Substance
Ambien (Zolpidem) is a strong prescription sedative-hypnotic drug that slows down the brain’s essential functions and is prescribed to treat Insomnia. Sedative-hypnotics like Ambien can cause those who are prescribed it to develop physical and psychological dependence and at times addiction issues. When you become reliant on it in order to sleep every night this is how Ambien addiction can happen. Tolerance may rise as you continue the use Ambien and you may find that taking larger doses is the only way for you to sleep. Always consult with your doctor before taking it upon yourself to increase your Ambien prescription. Many users who are addicted to Ambien experience hallucinations, loss of muscle coordination, and memory loss among other symptoms.
Here, changes such as loss of appetite and weight loss will be most noticeable first, rotting teeth in the case of smoking, frequent mood swings and paranoia, and hair loss will occur over months or even years of abuse.
Ambien Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Ambien addiction and dependence is very serious and should be treated as so. As tolerance increases as does the risk of Ambien addiction. Like other sedative-hypnotics such as Xanax and Valium, Ambien addiction signs are similar to Benzodiazepines. When taking more than the prescribed amount of Ambien, these behaviors may start to occur. Common Ambien addiction signs and symptoms include:
- Refilling prescriptions more than needed
- Increased use or taking more than prescribed to get the same effects
- Heightened cravings for Ambien
- Excessive daytime drowsiness
- Frequent loss of muscle coordination
- Stealing or forging scripts to support use
Do I Need Ambien Addiction Treatment to Quit?
Ambien addiction treatment is recommended as the safest course of action for recovering from Ambien dependence and addiction. As with other Sedative-hypnotics, the detox and withdrawal process can be painful if not handled with medical care. There are often underlying issues associated with Ambien addiction as well such as mental health and trauma. This is also known as dual-diagnosis. Dual-diagnosis for Ambien addiction is common and that is why we at Beginnings are proud of our highly credentialed and experienced staff. Our trained staff has decades of combined experience treating the underlying issues that can go alongside Ambien addiction and have a long track record of helping you sustain long-term recovery.
Ambien Addiction Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Ambien detox is similar to other Sedative-hypnotics and Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. Ambien withdrawal symptoms can be extremely painful if not overseen by a licensed Ambien addiction treatment center. Like other sedative-hypnotics, initial withdrawal symptoms from Ambien can begin as early as 24-48 hours after the last time you have taken it. Because Ambien detox and drug detox in general can be painful, it is nearly never successful when trying to quit cold turkey by yourself or at home. A Licensed treatment center like Beginnings Treatment Centers can offer medical guidance as well as medications to ease the painful withdrawal symptoms so that you are as comfortable as possible during this process. Ambien withdrawal symptoms can typically last up to 7-10 days and have some lingering effects afterwards.
Common Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms:
- Sweating
- Panic and anxiety attacks
- Nausea (sometimes vomiting, inability to eat)
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Headaches
- Insomnia or sleep problems
- Hallucinations and psychosis, especially feeling movement on or under the skin
- Irritability and mood swings
- Seizures
Phases of Treatment for Ambien Addiction
Like other addictive substances, there are treatment options for you to recover from Ambien addiction and live a life of lasting recovery. Depending on your level of Ambien dependence as well as your psychological behaviors, different treatment phases may be recommended to you. You can also always give us a call and speak with an expert about your treatment options and receive helpful recommendations. Traditionally, the following are the treatment phases for overcoming Ambien addiction. While these vary in length, we always recommend long-term treatment as it allows for you to fully break and develop new habits as well as surround yourself with positive people.
Ambien Addiction Treatment Phases:
- Medically-assisted Detox
- Residential Inpatient Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Sober Living and After Care
How to Find the Best Ambien Addiction Treatment Center
With so many treatment centers nationwide, it’s important to find the best treatment center to not only recover from Ambien addiction but any underlying mental health issues that may also exist like mentioned earlier. This may not always mean finding the closest treatment center to you, but having the willingness to travel for treatment. You should look for treatment centers that have a proven track record of treating Ambien addiction, have a highly credentialed staff, have a deep understanding of underlying mental health issues(Dual Diagnosis) as well as be able to provide long-term support to both the individual and the family. Give us a call today to speak with one of our Ambien addiction treatment specialists to learn if we are the best option for you!
