What is Ambien addiction treatment and how does medically supervised detox help?
According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around half a million people in the US are currently abusing Ambien and other sedatives. Individuals usually begin taking the medication to combat sleep problems. Withdrawal symptoms from discontinued use typically start within 48 hours. They range from mood swings, delirium, depression, nausea and vomiting, rapid heart rate, and irritability to panic attacks. A medically supervised detox program is strongly advised. Detox time frames will vary depending on dosage amount, frequency of use, and the version of Ambien consumed.
Ambien Addiction Treatment
Ambien belongs to a category of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It works by activating the neurotransmitter and slows down the entire central nervous system. The physical dependence on Ambien can form in as little as two weeks. Unfortunately, Ambien is prescribed as a sleep aid for acute insomnia; users begin using the medicine due to lack of sleep and find it compelling. It is meant to be used as a short-term solution, but addiction can start within two weeks. This addiction occurs regardless of whether the user is abusing the drug or following a medical prescription. Dependence on Ambien is characterized by tolerance, whereby the user will require more significant amounts of the drug to feel the same effect. This dependence leads to addiction.
Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms occur when detoxing from Ambien or if the user reduces the dosage or stops taking the drug. Ambien’s detox time varies from patient to patient. Eventually, Ambien’s dependence may become a full-blown addiction characterized by Ambien Addiction Treatment withdrawal symptoms, compulsive use, and tolerance.
Most Ambien addictions or drug abuse begin with a simple case of taking the sleeping pill for short-term insomnia. Signs of addiction include the following:
Overcoming Ambien Addiction with Quality Treatment Options
Ambien detox generally involves tapering down approach. Our inpatient treatment facility is equipped to assist by gradually reducing a user’s doses of sedative medication. Following strict Ambien detox protocol, the user recovers and slowly readjusts to life without Ambien. This evidence-based process also helps to reduce the side effects of the withdrawal. We offer cognitive behavioral therapy and specialty therapies to help you overcome addiction and train your body to get the sleep you need without the drug. Some clients attempt to detox at home as a quick remedy to taper off Ambien or quit cold turkey, which medical professionals highly do not recommend. Always call your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
Signs and Treatments
Possible Effects of Ambien
Addiction Treatment Process
The Three-Phase Clinical Timeline
Phase 1 (Days 1 to 5)
Initial withdrawal symptoms typically surface within 48 hours of the last dose. Patients experience acute physical and psychological distress, including rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, intense panic attacks, mood swings, and irritability.
Phase 2 (Weeks 1 to 2)
Intense psychological symptoms and behavioral health challenges prevail, frequently marked by severe rebound insomnia and deep emotional lability.
Phase 3 (Months 3+)
Some individuals navigate prolonged post-acute withdrawal, struggling with persistent sleep disturbances, intense cravings, and panic attacks for several months, which requires ongoing therapeutic support.
Ambien Addiction Treatment at Avatar Residential Detox
Medically assisted detox helps make the removal of Ambien abuse from your system less painful. However, addiction treatment is often more complex than making it through the withdrawal period. Symptoms typically worsen after withdrawal; your body has grown a dependence on the drug, so intense cravings begin as well as difficulty sleeping without it. The work doesn’t end with detox. You will need cognitive behavioral therapy to cope with being sober and develop a new routine to help you fall asleep. We offer inpatient, residential, and aftercare planning to help you discover your path to long-term recovery. Talk with our treatment specialists today to start your healing process now.
Does Ambien Cause Depression?
Depression is a common mental health disorder that impacts the way you feel, think and act. Depression can cause you to lose interest in things you usually enjoy. Symptoms of depression can be mild or severe, and symptoms can include: loss of appetite, disruption of sleep, sadness, fatigue, and thoughts of suicide. Individuals might not realize their lack of sleep is due to depression and begin taking Ambien. The FDA states that Ambien can cause depression in individuals that have previously struggled with it before. This could lead to increased suicidal thoughts as well.
There are several things people can do to help reduce the symptoms of depression. For many people, regular exercise helps create a positive feeling and improves their mood. Getting enough quality sleep regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol can also help reduce symptoms of depression. Depression is an actual illness, and help is available. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the majority of individuals with co-occurring disorders will overcome it. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression due to Ambien withdrawal, contact our Avatar Ambien Addiction Treatment Program today to begin addressing your mental health needs.
Contact our 24-hour helpline at (877) 209-1600 and talk with one of our substance use disorder specialists to learn more about detox and our addiction treatments, mental health options, residential rehab facilities, alcohol addiction treatment facility, and how to afford addiction treatment.
