Is Ambien Addictive?
Ambien is a widely used sedative medication often prescribed to help treat symptoms of insomnia. It helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. But is Ambien addictive? Like many other central nervous system depressants, Ambien can lead to physical dependence when abused or even when used as prescribed.
Ambien addiction can develop when a person becomes dependent on the drug and begins experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they cut down or try to stop. These can be so severe that they require medical supervision. The risks of using the medication only increase with prolonged use. Recognizing the signs of Ambien addiction early can help prevent further complications.
What is Ambien?
Ambien, also referred to by its generic name zolpidem, is a sedative-hypnotic that works by altering the brain chemicals to promote sleep. It attaches to the same receptors as benzos, the GABA neurotransmitters. These receptors are located throughout the brain.
It also impacts the central nervous system to slow down brain activity, resulting in reduced anxiety and calmness. All of these actions occur naturally when it comes time to sleep. The medication mimics these actions to help someone with insomnia.
Ambien was first approved in 1992 to treat acute insomnia. It was more widely used and accepted because it provided a rapid onset of effects and fewer side effects compared to typical benzodiazepines. The prescription sleep aid is also a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for physical dependence.
It is only intended for short-term use. Manufacturers of Ambien recommend taking the drug for as short an amount of time as possible. If sleep issues are not resolved within a week or so, patients should see their healthcare provider for other options.
In 2015, an estimated 3.8 million adults in the US were prescribed Ambien one or more times, according to a study published by JAMA Internal Medicine. The sleep aid has become very popular. With its rise in prescription and its ability to promote sedation, the drug is often abused and can easily cause dependence.
Common Side Effects of Ambien
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Difficulty controlling movement
- Memory impairment
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Development of complex nocturnal behaviors such as sleep walking, sleep talking and sleep driving.
- Lowered blood pressure
- Slowed breathing
How prevalent is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common condition that is characterized by difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep. This could mean a person has trouble falling asleep or continues to wake up throughout the night. If this occurs for at least three nights a week in the span of three months or more, it could mean they are suffering from insomnia.
It is a condition that can significantly impact quality of life. It is considered a major public health concern. It is also a potential risk for diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety. It impacts daily performance and productivity.
For example, a person who is suffering from insomnia barely gets a few hours of sleep per night. They experience daytime tiredness and are unable to perform work functions to the best of their ability. When we sleep, our bodies recover and reset. Without sleep, our body’s immune system begins to weaken and we are unable to fight off potential diseases.
Ambien and other sedative hypnotic prescription medications are used by many to treat symptoms of insomnia.
Is Ambien Addictive?
Ambien produces sedative effects that are pleasurable for some people, leading to misuse, abuse and addiction. The misuse of sedatives is taking the medication in a manner other than what it is prescribed or intended for. For example, taking someone else’s prescription. Taking a sedative to feel high or feel euphoria. Taking more medication than was prescribed. These are all examples of abuse of Ambien.
In 2018, the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported about 1 million Americans misused sedatives like Ambien. That number has grown exponentially.
In 2022, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an estimated 5 million people over the age of 12 misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives like Ambien.
Ambien can start working within 20 minutes. It suppresses high-frequency brain activity, making it easy for someone to immediately feel calm and sedated. When using the drug regularly, a person’s brain can become rewired to seek out these feelings and continue use of the drug for recreational purposes. This easily leads to addiction.
Dangers of Ambien Addiction
Addiction occurs when the body becomes dependent on a substance. When taking Ambien, over time, the brain can become reliant on its effects on sleep. The reliance can easily lead to addiction, which is characterized by increased cravings and tolerance for the drug. Addiction to Ambien can develop within weeks of regular use. Even under the recommendation of your healthcare provider.
Other signs and events that can lead to the development of Ambien addiction include prolonged use of the drug beyond the prescription, increased dosage due to tolerance to the drug, misuse of the drug as a sedative, and ignoring medical guidelines for use of the medication.
Check Your Insurance Coverage for FREE
Find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment in minutes. We accept most insurance!
Physical Symptoms of Addiction
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Impaired coordination
- Rebound insomnia
- Nausea
Behavioral Symptoms of Addiction
- Secretive drug use
- Doctor shopping and attempting to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Struggling to reduce or stop taking Ambien
- Taking larger doses than prescribed
- Continue to use Ambien despite consequences
- Neglecting responsibilities and activities
Psychological Symptoms of Addiction
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Cravings and obsessive thinking about Ambien
- Depression
- Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and depression
A key indicator of Ambien addiction is the increased tolerance and need for more in order to experience the same effects. It signifies that the body has adapted to the drug. Cravings are another common symptom. Intense desires for Ambien can lead to compulsive usage. It often results in continued patterns of misuse despite negative consequences.
How to Minimize the Risks when taking Ambien
When taking Ambien, it is critical to follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines to help minimize risks. Always take Ambien exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Consume it right before bedtime, ensuring at least 7-8 hours for sleep. Avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring full alertness after taking Ambien.
Combining Ambien with alcohol or other depressants is unsafe. It can have serious consequences, including addiction to one or both substances.
Alternatives for treating Insomnia
While Ambien is effective for many, there are some alternative treatments for those who may be seeking non-medication options. These alternatives can help manage insomnia without the risk of addiction.
Improving sleep hygiene can be an effective strategy. Simple lifestyle changes to enhance the quality of sleep can improve sleep. Establish a consistent sleep schedule. Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Reduce caffeine and screen time before bed. Create a comfortable sleep environment.
Regular exercise and physical activity can also aid in sleep. Physical activity promotes better sleep patterns and can also help reduce stress. This allows for the mind to be calm before bed and better able to induce sleep.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Ambien is a popular prescription medication used in the treatment of insomnia. However, just because it was prescribed by a doctor, doesn’t mean it has its own set of risks when it comes to addiction. Hotel California by the Sea is a behavioral health program that specializes in treating substance use disorder, including addiction to Ambien.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and MAT. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals of sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.addictionhelp.com/sleeping-pills/ambien
https://olympicbehavioralhealth.com/rehab-blog/ambien/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10565798
https://www.addictioncenter.com/sleeping-pills/ambien
