Ambien Addiction and Recovery Facts

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is a brand name for the drug zolpidem, which is a type of sedative-hypnotic medication.^{1, 2} It is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat insomnia. Ambien is a central nervous system depressant and can impair functioning even when taken as prescribed.

How Is Ambien Misused?

• Tablet form. Prescription forms of Ambien are available in several strengths, including 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. Individuals who misuse Ambien may take several pills at once, or they may crush the pills and snort the fine powder to feel the effects of the drug more quickly.
• Injected. Ambien can also be dissolved in a liquid solution, such as water, and injected either intramuscularly (i.e., directly into the muscle tissue) or intravenously (i.e., directly under the skin). These methods of abuse deliver the effects of the drug faster.

With continued use, individuals develop a tolerance to Ambien and begin to need increasing amounts to prevent the emergence of an unpleasant withdrawal syndrome.

Ambien Effects

Ambien is a type of sedative-hypnotic medication that depresses the central nervous system. ^{2, 3} As with other medications, people taking Ambien feel mild side effects. Since it is a sedative medication, Ambien may also impair functioning in daily activities, such as driving.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Ambien

The short-term effects of Ambien include:

• Sedation.
• Drowsiness.
• Relaxation.

Side Effects of Ambien

• Intense cravings.
• Nausea / vomiting.
• Headache.
• Weakness.
• Slowed breathing.
• Difficulty with coordination.
• Drowsiness or fatigue.
• Somnambulism (sleepwalking).
• Nervousness.
• Irritability.
• Agitation.
• Tremor.
• Delusions.
• Hallucinations.
• Amnesia or short-term memory loss.
• Altered judgment.
• Delirium.
• Rebound insomnia due to tolerance.
• Seizures.
• Convulsions.

Long-Term Effects of Ambien

Over time, Ambien abuse can lead to very high levels of tolerance. This means that the user requires ever-increasing doses to feel the desired effect or high. This, in turn, increases the risk for withdrawal and overdose.A study revealed that those taking hypnotics such as Ambien had more than 4 times the mortality compared to those who did not use hypnotics. One cohort study suggests that high-dose abusers are 35% more likely to develop cancer.

Some of the most common long-term effects of persistent misuse of Ambien include:

• Negative consequences at work and/or school.
• Inability to complete work.
• Excessive absences.
• Social and interpersonal consequences.
• Increased aggression.
• Accidents.
• Fights and arguments.
• Psychological problems.
• Anxiety, paranoia, increased agitation and hallucinations.
• Serious health problems.
• Immunosuppression.
• Sleep apnea.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Tolerance.
• Severe and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
• Increased risk of death.

Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from Ambien begin within hours to a few days after stopping or reducing use.⁴ The duration of the symptoms depends on the severity of the addiction, length of use and dosage.

Since Ambien is a short-acting hypnotic, the onset of withdrawal symptoms could occur within a few hours after stopping use, peak in severity around the second day, and show improvement after 4 or 5 days. ⁴

Life-threatening delirium may develop due to withdrawal, so medical supervision is strongly recommended to detox from Ambien safely. ⁴

• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Sweating.
• Tachycardia, or increased heart rate.
• Intractable insomnia.
• Anxiety.
• Hallucinations.
• Hand tremor.
• Psychomotor agitation.
• Grand mal seizures (may occur in 20-30% of those experiencing untreated Ambien withdrawal).⁴

Signs and Symptoms of Ambien Addiction

Ambien users are at high risk for developing tolerance and dependence. Medical practitioners should be aware of signs of abuse in their patients when prescribing Ambien to manage insomnia.

Diagnosing Ambien Addiction

Some of the most common signs of Ambien addiction include:

• Taking Ambien in larger amounts than intended.
• Failed attempts to stop or cut down on use.
• Spending a lot of time obtaining and using Ambien.
• Strong cravings to use Ambien.
• Repeated absences from work or school.
• Poor work performance.
• Neglect of children or family.
• Continued abuse despite negative consequences.
• Decrease in recreational activities.
• Use in physically dangerous situations, such as driving under the influence or operating a machine.
• Tolerance, defined as:
  • “A need for markedly increased amounts of the sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic to achieve intoxication or desired effect.” ⁴
  • “A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.”⁴

How Addictive is Ambien?

The use of Ambien can prove to be habit-forming, even if the individual takes the dose exactly as prescribed by their doctor. Misuse of Ambien significantly increases the risk for abuse and dependence on the drug. If Ambien abuse and dependence continues untreated, the individual is at serious risk for developing a dangerous and potentially life-threatening addiction.

Despite the known risks, Ambien continues to be one of the most abused sleeping pills on the market.

Ambien Overdose

Overdose can occur with Ambien, resulting in depression of the central nervous system. If you or someone you know may be suffering from an Ambien overdose, call 911 immediately or visit the local emergency room.

• Altered mental status.
• Obtundation, or profound drowsiness.
• Decreased responsiveness to stimuli.
• Irregular breathing.
• Hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
• Hypercapnia (high amounts of carbon dioxide in the blood).
• Coma.

Ambien Addiction Treatment Options

Types of recovery for Ambien addiction include:

• Inpatient or residential rehab. These are programs where you live at the treatment facility while completing a rehabilitation program. They offer detox, therapy, education programs about addiction and medical treatment.
• Outpatient rehab. Outpatient treatment programs require you to attend group or individual therapy at a treatment center a few days a week for a few hours a time. People may transition into outpatient from a residential program or receive treatment exclusively through outpatient.
• 12-Step programs. A sponsor helps guide you through a series of 12 Steps to recovery. Pills Anonymous is a 12-Step program that helps people who have a prescription drug addiction.
• Dual diagnosis treatment facilities. Dual diagnosis programs can treat any mental health or medical problems you may be dealing with in addition to Ambien dependence.

Cost of Ambien Addiction Treatment

The cost of a rehab program depends on:

• How long you attend the program.
• Where the program is located.
• Your insurance coverage.
• Whether you choose an inpatient, outpatient or 12-Step program.
• What kind of amenities the program offers.

Find Ambien Addiction Treatment Near You

Many treatment options are available for those struggling with Ambien abuse or addiction. If you or a loved one is ready to seek rehab for a substance use disorder, explore your options and reach out to a rehab center using our rehab directory tool today!