Ambien Addiction and Rapid Detox

You’ve likely heard the reports on TV in the last few years or read about them in the newspaper. People have reported sleepwalking, driving, eating large amounts of food and doing other dangerous and bizarre things while taking Ambien, a powerful sleep aid that’s considered a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic. Ambien comes in 5 mg and 10 mg dosages and is also available in a controlled-release pill. Meant for the short-term treatment of insomnia, Ambien works quickly, usually within 15 minutes. It is the brand name for zolpidem. Though Ambien is molecularly different than benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Klonopin, their hypnotic effects are said to be similar. Many users have reported some degree of fogginess or memory loss the morning after taking Ambien.

Tolerance and Other Risks of Ambien

A tolerance to Ambien can develop, requiring users to take more than prescribed to achieve the same sedation as when they first started using it. Those taking it in higher-than-prescribed doses or for long periods of time can experience serious withdrawal symptoms including seizures and delirium if Ambien use is discontinued abruptly. Gradually tapering doses is the best way to wean from Ambien, but many people need medically-supervised treatment. Alcoholics or those considered recovered alcoholics may become physically dependent on Ambien quicker than others. Alcoholics and drug addicts may be at an increased risk of abusing or developing a psychological addiction to Ambien.

Common Side Effects

Side effects at any dose can include short-term memory loss, hallucinations, delusions, altered thought patterns, euphoria or dysphoria, increased appetite, decreased libido, impaired judgment or reasoning, poor motor coordination, loss of inhibition, impulsivity and a recurrence of insomnia when dosing is stopped. Most of the people who develop a dependency to Ambien have been prescribed it for a legitimate medical need. However, there are some who abuse Ambien for the “high” they feel from side effects such as euphoria. Some crush or break the pills so they can be snorted or injected, while others may chew them to quicken the effects.

Ambien Overdose and Addiction Treatment

Overdosing on Ambien is possible and can cause excessive sedation, small pupils and depressed respiratory function, which can progress to coma or possibly death. The chances of a fatal overdose increase when Ambien is combined with opiates, alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Insomnia is a very common problem in today’s society, and many doctors are quick to “fix” the problem with a prescription for a hypnotic drug like Ambien. Even though it is meant for short-term treatment, many users get accustomed to the good night’s sleep that had been elusive before they started taking Ambien. In most cases, addiction to prescription medications isn’t the fault of the patient. Domus Retreat in southern California is a safe and compassionate treatment center for drug and alcohol treatment. We take pride in our Ambien treatment program and know that safe, responsible detox is the biggest factor in successful recovery.

Get Help with Ambien Addiction Now

Call us today to discuss how the Waismann Method can free you from your Ambien dependency and get your life back.

• Call (310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673) during business hours. for more information about rapid detox treatment for prescription drug addiction
• After-hours and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
• send us a confidential email.