Ambien Addiction Treatment

Oftentimes, Ambien addiction was once a simple desire for a better night’s sleep. But Ambien users who take it longer than its intended short-term use can get addicted. If you’re ready to beat the Ambien addiction that’s causing problems for you or your loved one, call American Addiction Centers today at .

What is Ambien?

Ambien, also known by the pharmaceutical name Zolpidem, is a prescription medication within the sedative-hypnotics class of drugs. According to the National Institutes of Health, it works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.

Ambien is available in pills of several different strengths: 5 mg pink capsule-shaped and film-coated tablets, 10mg white tablets and 6.25 mg pink controlled-release tablets.

Street names for Ambien include A-minus, Zombie Pills and No-Go Pills.

Ambien addiction?

Ambien abusers can use a variety of methods to achieve a high or feeling of euphoria. Ambien pills may be taken, contrary to doctor’s instructions, with alcohol, which intensifies the effects. Ambien addicts may also crush, snort or cook the drug for intravenous injection — achieving a rush by rapidly consuming a large amount of medicine meant to be slowly ingested over several hours.

Ambien abusers sometimes may fight the sleeping urge the drug creates, to achieve visual effects and/or hallucinations, or a more-intense high. If you know anyone doing this, you might be looking at Ambien addiction.

How widespread is Ambien Addiction?

The 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately 621,000 Americans aged 12 or older reported non-medical abuse of prescription sedatives, a category that includes Ambien. Though that figure represents only 0.2% of the U.S. adult population, Ambien addiction is particularly a problem among teens and young adults.

American Addiction Centers has helped Ambien addicts of all ages. Call us today at .

What are Ambien’s short-term effects?

According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, short-term effects of Ambien can include:

1. Intense drowsiness
2. Weakness
3. “Drugged” feeling
4. Unsteady walking
5. Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
6. Slowed breathing or heartbeat

These symptoms are most likely to occur when the drug is abused. When taken properly, most users simply get a better night’s sleep.

What are Ambien’s long-term effects?

Ambien is designed specifically for short-term use. Those who abuse the drug for long-term periods may experience some of the following side effects:

1. Increased delusions, or false beliefs strongly held in spite of invalidating evidence
2. Impaired judgment and reasoning
3. Decreased libido
4. Dependence
5. Over-usage: Ambien abusers may not remember every time they have taken the drug, or how much they ingested, leading to increased risk of overdose.

The Drug Abuse Warning Network estimates that in 2006. Ambien was involved in 17,257 U.S. emergency room visits.

What are the risks of Ambien addiction during pregnancy?

Ambien’s effects on pregnant women are not completely known. The drug has not been studied enough in pregnant women to determine any risks, so therefore it should only be used when necessary.

The medical journal Pharmacotherapy in 2007 found traces of Ambien in a newborn baby’s umbilical cord, suggesting that Ambien can cross the placenta. This means it’s possible that the drug can reach the unborn baby when taken by the mother. Tests in pregnant rats have also indicated problems with fetal development when high doses of Ambien are ingested.

Why is Ambien addiction so hard to overcome?

After continued Ambien abuse, addicts begin to believe they can’t live without the drug. When an Ambien addict tries to quit, he or she often gives up because of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms experienced by those who stop “cold turkey.” Those withdrawal symptoms include:

1. Confusion
2. Insomnia
3. Anxiety
4. Suicidal thoughts
5. Aggressive behavior

Ambien addiction treatment makes quitting easier.

American Addiction Centers can provide you or your loved one with the right Ambien addiction treatment program. From detox, to holistic drug treatment, to relapse prevention strategies, you’ll find the essential phases of treatment at our high-quality substance abuse rehab facilities. Call us today at .

No matter your insurance, be it Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross / Blue Shield (BCBS), Assurant, Unicare, United Health Care, Anthem, Carefirst, Asuris Northwest Health, Golden Rule, Celtic Insurance, Fortis, Health Net, Kaiser, Vista, Shelter, Wellpoint, Tri Care, Accordia or even Medicare, and state insurance — we can help you find Ambien® addiction treatment. We also offer many affordable self pay options as well as luxury Ambien® addiction treatment. Dial our prescription drug addiction hotline now.

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