Ambien Addiction Guide 

Ambien belongs to the Sedative-Hypnotics drug subclass. Ambien works by activating the neurotransmitter GABA (CNS) to slow down the brain and central nervous system. Although used to treat insomnia, Ambien is only meant to be taken temporarily. Long term use can cause Ambien addiction. 

Ambien comes in two different dosages: a quick-release version that aids in becoming asleep and an extended-release form that aids in staying asleep. Use of either type can result in addiction to Ambien.

To learn more about how we can help you overcome all obstacles to a sober and fulfilling life, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery.

Understanding Ambien Addiction

Zolpidem is marketed under the name Ambien. It is typically prescribed as a short-term sleep aid. A small, rectangular tablet of Ambien or an extended-release tablet is swallowed. Some people may crush the pills and snort them to have a bigger effect. No-Gos, Zombie Pills, Sleepeasy, Tic-Tacs, and A-Minus are some of the slang names for Ambien.

Ambien Abuse 

Over the past ten years, both the number of prescriptions for anti-anxiety and sleep aids and the abuse of these drugs have soared. The National Institute on Drug Abuse supports this conclusion with research that shows high school students who take Ambien to get high. Nearly 9% of these teenagers had received an anti-anxiety or sleep aid prescription. The study’s authors found that white female adolescents with long-standing prescriptions were more prone to abuse these substances.

According to a survey of more than 300 college students, Ambien was one of the top 5 most abused tranquilizer/sedative medicines. One similar conclusion between the two studies was that the diversion of prescriptions from friends and family members, as opposed to street dealers or doctor shopping, drives non-medical usage of prescription sedatives. Teenagers and their families should be informed about the risks associated with using sleeping pills that have not been prescribed by a doctor and the perils of sharing medicines.

Ambien Abuse Symptoms

The most common side effects of Ambien during regular use are as follows:

  • Dizziness.
  • Falls.
  • Nausea.
  • Feeling like you’ve been drugged.
  • Headache.
  • Vomiting.
  • Daytime drowsiness.
  • Diarrhea.

For signs that your loved one may be abusing Ambien see below:

  • Unrestrained sociability and chattiness.
  • Recurring blackouts
  • Unusual behaviors with no memory.
  • Sleepwalking.
  • Hypersexual conduct.
  • Balance and coordination issues.

Ambien Abuse Statistics

Some prominent facts about Ambien abuse are as follows: 

  • According to a SAMHSA news release, the frequency of emergency room visits associated with Ambien climbed by roughly 220% between 2005 and 2010, reaching 19,487 visits in the latter year.
  • According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 500,000 Americans abuse Ambien and other sedatives.
  • IMS Health estimates that 38 million prescriptions for Zolpidem medications were written between 2006 and 2011.

Ambien Withdrawal 

The changes in the brain make withdrawal from Ambien challenging; withdrawal symptoms result from the brain attempting to resume normal activity. The opposite of what happens when you take Ambien is what happens when you stop taking it, and discontinuing Ambien abruptly causes worse symptoms.

  • Irritation and agitation
  • Shakiness
  • Stomach pain
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Nervousness
  • Convulsions
  • Nausea and diarrhea
  • Hysterical crying
  • Fear

Get Help Today with Myrtle Beach Recovery 

If you or a loved one are struggling with Ambien addiction, let Myrtle Beach Recovery help you with our 12-step immersion program. Our experienced staff will help you work through the steps to help you regain control of your life.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on your journey to sobriety.

/by