Ambien (Zolpidem) is a common medication for managing sleeping difficulties. Adults who suffer from insomnia can use the drug to get some shuteye. But not every user realizes just how addictive the drug can be and the withdrawal symptoms it can cause. Here are some detailed guidelines on Ambien addiction, including all possible ways to get treatment.
Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
Consistent and unchecked Ambien use can cause dependence. This psychoactive medication can result in both psychological and physical dependence. Ambien is a very addictive sleeping aid, and experts advise users to read the instructions before using it.
When someone stops taking Ambien abruptly, they will experience withdrawal issues. Here are some of the most common Ambien withdrawal symptoms.
For users who are addicted to Ambien, it’s critical to start with treatment. An Ambien Detox Center in Texas, like the one offered by Stonegate Center (located just west of Fort Worth) can provide the help you need. With carefully designed Ambien abuse treatment programs, you can get back on the right path.
The Effects of Long-Term Ambien Abuse
The side effects of long-term Ambien abuse can be extremely problematic.
According to Science Daily, sleeping pills or sedatives are known to increase the risk of pneumonia by 50%. But, if the patient has been abusing the substance for a very long time, the effects can be even more dangerous.
To study the probable side effects of Ambien Abuse, researchers at the National Institutes of Health evaluated the product’s effect on the human body. One 33-year-old volunteer took 600mg to 1700mg of Ambien a day for five years.
Based on the reports, the subject reported intense cravings, euphoria, and found it incredibly difficult to stop taking the drug. His long-term use caused problems with the receptor distributions, which took a toll on his daily life.
A different report published in the Pulsus Journal supported similar results. The case described the withdrawal symptoms a 25-year-old man experienced after abusing Ambien. He had a history of depression and insomnia, which is why he relied on the drug to treat health problems.
Nevertheless, he abused the substance, taking over 150mg a day for eight months. As a result, he developed a dependency and started experiencing seizures after quitting the medication.
Moreover, these pills are shown to increase the likelihood of cardiovascular complications by 8-fold in patients who already experienced heart failure. That’s why it’s crucial to get proper support and purge the drug from your system on time.
Ambien Withdrawal Timeline
Some patients might be wondering how long it takes to detox from Ambien? But before you can understand the detox process, you need to know all the symptoms you might experience.
Ambien will wear off a few hours after the last dose. However, the effects of the medication can linger for a couple of days to a month. On rare occasions, it might even last multiple months to a year.
Here is what a typical withdrawal timeline looks like.
The symptoms usually lessen over time in the first two weeks. The acute symptoms can occur around 3 to 5 days. However, the psychological symptoms can last for over two weeks and even months. The withdrawal effects of the drug will vary, Medscape experts advise.
In the first week, the symptoms become uncomfortable and debilitating. They will take a toll on the body and interfere with sleep. But what most people are unprepared for is that the withdrawal process can have its ups and downs.
24 hours after the last dose, the anxiety, mood swings, and possible hallucinations will make sleeping difficult, stated the National Institutes of Health. During the second week, however, sleep may start to stabilize.
In the third week, you might think that everything is better. The cravings will subside, and sleep disorders can reduce. But in the fourth week, the anxiety and irritability will continue. This means you still have to be very careful not to relapse, experts advise.
What Affects the Withdrawal Timeline?
Multiple factors can intervene with the Ambien detox process. They affect the way the product is metabolized in the system, and the time it needs to be flushed out. These factors include:
- How long has the patient been taking Ambien? – If they’ve taken the drug for a short while, they have a lower chance of long and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. But if they’ve taken the drug for an extended time period, it will take longer to leave the system.
- How high was the dose? – If patients take more than the prescribed dose, they will build a tolerance to the drug. So, to feel the effects, they will keep increasing the doses. This exposes them to serious psychological and physical withdrawal issues.
- What was it taken with? – When patients are taking multiple medications, it becomes difficult for the system to metabolize the drug.
Based on a case report, taking Ambien after you’ve stopped taking other drugs, like heroin, can have serious repercussions.
A 32-year-old man who had been taking Ambien after quitting heroin experienced and euphoric mood boost. The euphoria reminded him of heroin use. To keep off heroin, the man took more Ambien doses with diphenoxylate and became addicted. This resulted in opioid-like withdrawals and numerous health complications.
How Long Does Ambien Remain in the Body?
Ambien is a fast-acting drug. Additionally, the body eliminates it pretty quickly. Based on clinical reports, the duration will vary.
The drug is also bound to protein. That means its concentration level will remain unchanged until it leaves the body. When the organs finish processing Ambien, the drug exit through the renal system and leave the bloodstream.
A Medical Detox for Ambien Addiction in Texas, followed by an Inpatient Rehab Center for Ambien Abuse, can provide patients with constant monitoring to ensure a healthy detox journey.
How to Stop Taking Ambien?
According to experts, the ideal way to stop taking these pills is to gradually decrease the dose. Although a home detox looks like a practical alternative, it’s not the best choice. It’s much safer to get a medical detox instead.
With social, psychological, and medical support, you can detox successfully. You can reduce your possibility of serious health complications and manage the cravings. That’s where proper treatment comes in handy.
For those who are having a hard time quitting the substance, it’s best to look for a proper detox facility. Have you searched for an “Ambien addiction treatment center near me?” With the Ambien Detox Center in Texas, you can get closer to a full recovery. Whatever center you choose, just make sure they have a specific protocol to help manage your withdrawal symptoms safely!
Treatment Possibilities
Recuperating from Ambien dependency can be a long and daunting process. But it’s crucial to start detoxifying your body as soon as you can.
This process is vital for removing any addictive substances from the body. It removes the Ambien from the system and frees people from their emotional and physical dependence. To stop taking Ambien, you will need adequate medications and therapy.
Medications
Even though doctors might suggest psychiatric drugs for anxiety or depression, only a few can treat withdrawal complications.
The most common choice is an anti-seizure medication. Some users might suffer from seizures after becoming addicted to Ambien. These drugs help keep the seizures under control and allow the patients to focus on their recovery.
For those who have trouble controlling their suicidal thoughts or extreme anxiety, it’s very likely that doctors recommend mood-stabilizing drugs. They are usually considered for short-term treatments. But, not a convenient choice for long-term cases.
In most situations, medical experts will pay close attention to a patient’s health. If a person might be vulnerable to seizures, they will prescribe the proper medication. But, if they are dealing with a minor problem, the drugs will be tailored towards solving that problem.
Therapy
After a successful detox with the right medications, Ambien users can start with the proper treatment. They should discuss their options with a medical team who can decide what’s the best treatment possible. The typical therapy options include:
- Outpatient treatment: This is a treatment option that offers plenty of flexibility. Patients get to attend individual or group sessions a couple of times a week and maintain their normal routine. It’s a beneficial opportunity for those dealing with mild Ambien addiction.
- Inpatient treatment: This is a treatment option designed for severe Ambien addiction cases as outlined in the DSM-V Patients get access to a closed facility and controlled environment. They will need to stay at the facility and focus on their therapy. With constant supervision, patients can avoid a relapse much easier.
Individuals who’ve become addicted to Ambien should speak to medical specialists about adequate treatment. An Inpatient Rehab for Ambien Addiction can provide the aid they need; and, we suggest you look into long-term programs, such as a 45-day, 60-day, or even a 90-day addiction treatment program – as those tend to have better results than short-term ones.
Are You Struggling With Ambien Addiction or Substance Abuse?
Beating any addiction can be a daunting challenge. But, with professional help, you will overcome all those challenges. The information listed here details the true impacts of Ambien addiction and the undeniable value of a proper medical detox.
At Stonegate Center, a faith-based and gender-separate treatment center located just west of Dallas-Fort Worth, we can help you attain lifelong sobriety! On our 125+ acre campus, we offer individualized treatment plans that focus on your mind, body, and spirit. Through individual therapy, group therapy, recreational and equine therapy you’ll be better able to understand the issues underlying your substance use disorder.
Moreover, we have a long-term addiction treatment program tailor-made for women as well as one for men. For a 100% confidential and free quote, please fill out our insurance verification form, and our Admissions Director will reach out to you with the results. Otherwise, give us a call at (817) 993-9733 or email us at admissions@stonegatecenter.com to learn more.
Until then, stay safe!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3077937/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229797/
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/717142
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=3878
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5479098/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2000636/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442008/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361010/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3906775/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121205200210.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140517085835.htm
Icon Credits
hallucination by Gan Khoon Lay from the Noun Project
depression by Marie Van den Broeck from the Noun Project
anxiety by Marco Fleseri from the Noun Project
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