By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: March 20, 2023

Ambien Addiction Dangers

Zolpidem or Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, which can be habit-forming and cause physical dependence when taken in high doses or for long periods of time. Despite its intended purpose to help people sleep, Ambien has been abused by some individuals resulting in Ambien addiction.

Ambien Addictive Affects

It is essential to note that not everyone who takes Ambien will become addicted. But those who do may experience psychological or physical dependence on the drug, which can have serious implications if left untreated.

The best way to avoid an ambien addiction is to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take only the prescribed dose at the recommended time. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be developing an ambien addiction, seek help from a medical professional immediately. With proper treatment and support, it is possible to overcome an ambien addiction and reclaim a healthier life.

How Can You Get Addicted To Ambien?

Ambien is in a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics.  It works by activating the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows down the brain and the central nervous system.  Ambien is used to treat insomnia but is only intended for short-term use.  Ambien addiction is due to prolonged use to fall asleep. There are two forms of Ambien; a quick-release form that helps initiate sleep and an extended-release form that helps maintain sleep.

Eventually, Ambien dependence may become a full-blown addiction characterized by increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, impaired control, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and cravings.  Unfortunately, many people don’t know they have a problem until they stop taking the drug and realize they cannot sleep without it.

Ambien Addiction Treatment Programs

• Medically supervised Ambien detoxification (MAT) to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Ambien MAT combines behavioral therapy with medication to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Medications, such as Suboxone or Naltrexone, are used to mitigate the side effects of withdrawal.
• Inpatient Ambien rehab programs address underlying mental health issues and teach coping skills. Ambien Inpatient rehab treatment programs provide round-the-clock support and care for individuals struggling with Ambien addiction. This type of program typically involves residing at a treatment center for an extended period of time, usually ranging from a few weeks to a few months.
• Group therapy and 12-step programs to provide support through recovery. Support groups like 12-step programs or SMART Recovery provide a supportive community and a structured plan for addiction recovery.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address any issues that may have contributed to Ambien addiction. CBT is a therapy that aims to modify negative thoughts and behaviors related to Ambien addiction. This is achieved by identifying the underlying thoughts and beliefs that drive addiction and working to replace them with healthier, more positive ones.
• Outpatient Ambien treatment programs. Ongoing support and aftercare to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. Outpatient rehab programs allow individuals to receive treatment while living at home and attending to their everyday responsibilities. This type of program typically involves attending counseling sessions and group meetings several times a week.

It’s vital to seek professional help when someone suspects Ambien addiction to prevent any dangerous consequences or results in daily life.

Ambien Addiction Treatment FAQs

Ambien Addiction Side Effects And Risks

With pharmaceuticals and other substances, it’s important to be informed of the risks and potential adverse effects. It turns out that Ambien has a larger risk of abuse, tolerance, physiological dependency, and withdrawal than previously believed. Some possible addiction to Ambien side effects and addiction to Ambien symptoms are:

• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Doing things, you can’t remember
• Drowsiness
• Impaired Driving
• Lack of Coordination
• Nightmares
• Slowed reaction time
• Suicidal Thoughts

Insomniacs have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep. Your insomnia can worsen if you’ve tried to stop taking Ambien after using it for a long time.

Intensifying sleep apnea, reflux, persistent sinus infections, coughs, and laryngitis are possible additional long-term dangers.

Given that Ambien’s effects can become tolerable, you might need to take higher doses of the medication to achieve the same effects. Some persons who take Ambien claim that they experience euphoria rather than sleepiness.

Ambien Abuse Symptoms

If you take Ambien and are worried, or if a loved one is addicted to the drug, you should be aware of these possible Ambien abuse symptoms:

• Illegally obtaining Ambien.
• Mixing it with additional chemicals.
• Ambien-related driving offenses.
• Having withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit.
• Committing prescription fraud.
• Taking it differently than as directed.
• Missing critical events while sleeping.
• Strange cravings.
• Attempting to reduce or quit yet failing.
• Taking Ambien every night.
• Obtaining prescriptions from multiple physicians.

Treatment For Ambien Addiction And Withdrawal

You may suffer more severe withdrawal symptoms if you have taken Ambien in heavy doses or have a long term Ambien addiction. Withdrawal symptoms may begin within 48 hours of quitting or reducing Ambien use. Withdrawal symptoms might include:

• Agitation.
• Panic or anxiety attacks.
• Tremors.
• Abdominal discomfort and cramping in the stomach.
• Delirium.
• Disorientation.
• Seizures.
• Restlessness.
• Hallucinations.
• Sickness or vomiting.
• Increased respiratory rate, pulse, or blood pressure.
• High fevers.
• Irritability.
• Insomnia.
• Sweating.
• Fatigue.

When you reduce your substance usage in a facility under the supervision of experienced medical personnel, this process is referred to as medically managed withdrawal, often known as medical detox. The existence of a potential risk of withdrawal seizures is supported by case report information. As a result, medical care for Ambien withdrawal may be advantageous as this consequence can be fatal. A treatment center’s staff can give you medication and constantly monitor you to ensure your safety.

You will start treatment after you have finished detox. With the help of your treatment team, you should go over your options and choose what is best for you. Ambein addiction treatment options include:

• Outpatient treatment: While still residing at home, you attend multiple individual therapy sessions in a week and once a month for a psychiatrist appointment. Although it is considerably less intensive and restrictive, you can still receive care comparable to that provided in an inpatient setting. The best candidates for outpatient therapy are those who have finished inpatient therapy or have robust, encouraging social networks at home.
• Inpatient treatment: This facility allows you to remain while receiving rigorous group and one-on-one therapy. You will learn about addiction, relapse prevention, self-care, and how to treat insomnia without turning to addictive sleep aids for patients recovering from Ambien usage.

Recovery and Rehab For Ambien Addiction

Living sober is a necessary part of recovering from an Ambien addiction. Utilizing insomnia management tactics will help you avoid using sleeping drugs. Unmanaged insomniacs must also learn about their diagnosis, the factors that set off their Ambien addiction symptoms, and effective coping mechanisms to heal.

Learning to function without Ambien might be challenging and irritating in the short run. You can have trouble falling asleep and have intense Ambien cravings. You could train a variety of skills, such as:

• Avoid using electronics, coffee, or exercise right before bed.
• Going to bed every night at the same hour.
• Using cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT).
• Relaxation methods, such as yoga and meditation.
• Keeping your space dark and cool.

It’s critical to give treatment first priority. Following therapy, many people join 12-step programs or other peer support organizations. These are frequently comparable to group therapy in that you can discuss your struggles and achievements with others who are going through substance abuse recovery.

Ambien Addiction Treatment Centers

The We Level Up Ambien addiction treatment centers provide world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope.  We work as an integrated team providing support through Ambien addiction and other aspects of treatment.  Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life.  Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists.  Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.

Prescription Drug Addiction Recovery & Sobriety Video

Jen’s Addiction Recovery Story:

“I wanted my life back. I was a shell of a person. I wanted to be trusted; I wanted relationships back that I lost, mainly my children and family. It started innocent enough, I got into a car accident, and then I got sucked into the whole, you know, medication issue with the pills. And before I knew it, I was in a cloud.

I was sucked in by addiction and with my mind, I kept thinking it was OK because a doctor was prescribing this for me, a doctor was giving me this, a doctor was giving me that. So, I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. Level Up supports my family and my relationships with them, and they’ve helped me grow.

When I first started there, I was so intimidated and scared, you know? But, they’ve taught me, they’ve taught me how to come into my own. And then, you know, when I get the call from my twenty-one-year-old daughter in the middle of the day, to say ‘I love you, Mom.’ that’s amazing.”