What Is Ambien?

Ambien is a medication primarily prescribed for patients with sleep-related issues. This drug provides relief for people having difficulties getting either off to sleep or remaining asleep. The drug should not be used for longer than a few days or weeks, and its common brand name is Zolpidem. Its main use is as a sedative, and it takes effect by reducing brain activity, resulting in sleepiness in the individual. Studies have shown that it acts on certain of the brain’s chemical pathways that are involved in the initiation of sleep. As with many medications, if it’s taken as per the doctor’s instructions, it’s effective. On the other hand, abuse of the drug has repercussions.

Why Use Ambien In The First Place?

There is a tendency among drugs that once abused, it becomes a habit; Ambien is one such drug. Taking large doses or using the drug for extended periods increases the chance of feeling euphoria and relaxation. Due to these scenarios of drug misuse, many seek instant fulfillment to cope with stress or anxiety. The decision to take Ambien is, however, worth considering. In this case, it shows how readily “over-the-counter” drugs can involve addiction.

Risk Factors for an Ambien Addiction There are some people who absolutely will not develop a substance use disorder regardless of their usage of Ambien. But there are certain risk factors present that make an addiction highly likely. These include:

Ambien use way beyond the prescribed time: Country doctors do not prescribe the medicine for long periods of time. However, when the prescribed period is over and a patient continues to use the drug, it signals dependence on the drug

Positionality-taking more than required. Some believe that if a person takes one extra Ambien, their sleep time will increase. This might cause overuse and dependence of the drug.

Buy Ambien online without a prescription or using someone else’s prescription: Only patients who have received a prescription for the drug should use it. Using it without one increases the chances of misuse.

Combining Ambien and alcohol or drugs: This is very dangerous combination as it magnifies the overall drug, which is quite harmful.

Signs of Abuse of Ambien and Addiction The inability to detect the abusive practice and use of Ambien is quite hard. But here are some signs which are worth observing:

Physical Symptoms: Dizziness and confusion, especially during the post-drug interval, where certain people may experience these symptoms without any assignable cause.

Dementia or forgetfulness that manifests as short-term memory after the intake of Ambien.

Recurrent headache episodes.

Deciding and concentrating on something is not possible.

Dysarthric speech or difficulty with speech.

Behavioral Symptoms:

The craving for Ambien without any real requirements.

Obtain Ambien in a non-prescribed way, like snorting or crushing, etc.

Alienating relatives and creators or hobbies that used to be fun.

Not being responsible, be it for work, school, or home.

Psychological Symptoms:

Believing that it is impossible to fall asleep or feel at ease with no help from Ambien.

Mood fluctuations, for example, anxiety, depression, or irritability.

Ambien Dependency – The Hidden Risk

The abuse of Ambien has its consequences. People become vulnerable to many risks. Some of them include:

Risk in the short run:

People can be prone to events referred to as “blackouts” in which they undertake casual actions – walking, having meals, driving, while in a state of slumber, asleep and do not remember afterwards even a single episode.

Sleepwalking and sleep driving can result in catastrophic situations.

Some people may behave in a ludicrous manner hopefully not while under the influence of Ambien.

Long-term Risks:

With prolonged use, the patients’ bodies adapt to Ambien and the effects of the drug start to diminish. As a result, the patient requires an increased dosage ‘to feel the same effects of the drug’ or other drugs. Such developments are called as ‘tolerance’ and sometimes patients develop it with time usage of Ambien.

Prolonged use of Ambien can also lead to dependence or addiction, where the user cannot sleep without it.

Combining these tablets with substances like alcohol increases the chances of overdose.

How Do You Tell If One Is Ambien Addicts:-

If you have difficulty in naming several causes or methods which might lead to Ambien addiction, there are a few aspects which are commonly experienced by Ambien addicts or those intending to become addicted. For example, a patient once dependent on Ambien might begin to think that one pill will not do the job and therefore will want to take two or more to feel the drug’s effect. Alternatively, individuals can become addicted to Ambien and rely on it ‘as a sleep aid’ continually. Furthermore, they may take increasingly irresponsible approaches towards ambien and engage in unsafe practices like mixing other recreational drugs leading to greater underlying issues.

Should these actions or repertoire of animisms behavior present itself within the same context, then that Confrontation should take place or such actions within the same environment should stop. Addiction, as well as other compulsive disorders, is a disease that only grows stronger as time passes. It is inversely proportional to time, meaning that the more time passes, the greater the adverse effect.

Seeking Assistance in Overcoming Ambien Dependence

If there is some positive news for people who are addicted to Ambien, it is that treatment is available. Here are some treatment options:

Ambien Withdrawal: This is a staged process in which the consuming of Ambien by a person is controlled by a physician. With experienced chronic use of any substance, the human body has to adapt to life without it, and detachment cannot be pleasant in any circumstance. Having a professional withdraw one’s body from the substance makes things more bearable.

Behavioral Interventions: Outpatient care involves visiting rehabilitation programs during the day hours and returning back home every day. Inpatient programs normally require the patients to stay at the establishments for the stipulated duration.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: All therapeutic avenues can assist but the best in helping any sober individual understand their wrong behaviors and replace them with correct actions is located within the realm of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Self-Help Groups: Another notable organization is n/a, which allows individuals with addiction to speak about themselves and their peers which in most cases increases the chances of recovery rather than just using unfamiliar aides.

Tips & Strategies To Prevent Ambien Abuse

Your doctor should direct you to use Ambien. Understand the importance of taking it carefully if your doctor prescribes it Follow your physician’s instructions, and pay attention to how long they say you should take it. Do not self-medicate and exceed your dose, and never combine it with alcohol or any other substances.

In case you have persistent sickness or sleep issues, you may see your healthcare professional to discuss alternatives like sleep education or incorporating better routines into your everyday activities. Many ways exist which do not involve prolonged use of medicines to treat insomnia.

Conclusion

Though Ambien proves highly suitable for managing active insomnia in the short term, it carries significant health risks if misused. Please reach out for help if you realize that you or a loved one is struggling with Ambien addiction. Recovery is possible, but start as soon as possible to maximize your chances of getting clean and healthy again.