Ambien Substance Abuse Treatment
What is Ambien?
One of the brand names that the drug Zolpidem is marketed under is Ambien, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that doctors prescribe for short-term insomnia. It is occasionally prescribed to treat certain brain disorders as well. Although it its effectiveness at helping an individual maintain their sleep, it is immediately effective and the person typically falls asleep rapidly when they haven’t been able to do so in the past. As with many other benzodiazepine medications, it is characterized by its hypnotic nature.
The primary benefit that Ambien offers is its quick onset which only takes about 15 minutes. Additionally, it leaves the body within 8 hours while diminishing effects are witnessed within as little as 2 to 3 hours. In most cases, the individual does not experience any after-effects when waking up the following morning. Ambien does not usually interact with other substances other than alcohol and anti-depressants.
The warning signs of abuse and addiction
Ambien addiction typically results in one of two ways. The first occurs if the individual takes the medication on a regular basis for up to 6 months or longer. The second typically occurs when the drug is used recreationally in order to get high. The recreational user will find other ways to ingest the drug such as crushing it so they can inhale (“snort”) it or dissolving it and then injecting it with a syringe. Additionally, alcohol is used in conjunction with the drug in order to intensify the effect.
There are a number of different symptoms that eventually arise when taking Ambien for recreational purposes and when an addiction is present including:
- an inability to sleep without taking the drug
- doctor-shopping and other drug-seeking behavior
- long periods of activity that follow long sleeping periods
- mood swings from aggression to euphoria and vice-versa
- periods of confusion starting when the individual wakes us and that last for more than a short period of time
Just remember that tolerances to Ambien build up rapidly and when you take it regularly you are at high risk of becoming dependant on the drug.
The Delray Recovery Center’s programs
Our residential addiction treatment and recovery facility offers a wide range of alcohol and drug rehab programs including Ambien substance abuse treatment. We can customize an intensive in-patient program that will effectively address your personal needs so that recover from your addiction and return home substance-free. We alter our group schedule of activities and classes so that the client is exposed to something new and exciting as often as possible.
If you or a loved one is suffering with an addiction and want information on our Ambien substance abuse treatment program, please contact the Delray Recovery Center.
