Ambien belongs to the Sedative-Hypnotics class of medicines. Ambien works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which slows down the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Ambien is used to treat insomnia for short-term use.
While the medicine helps treat insomnia, it can also be abused. Ambien addiction is something that we should all be discussing.
Prescription medication misuse is a significant issue in the United States. Every day, 130 individuals die as a result of prescription painkiller misuse. Ambien abuse and addiction is a less prevalent but catastrophic prescription drug addiction.
Ambien is also an addictive substance, and persons who abuse it are in danger of overdosing if they do not seek help and intervention.
AMBIEN (Zolpidem) is a prescription drug for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It belongs to the class of sedative-hypnotics and is available in two forms.
Ambien is not recommended for children below 18 years. It was initially developed to provide an alternative to other sleep aids without the potential for addiction or abuse. It was initially created to provide an alternative to existing sleep aids that did not have the risk of addiction or abuse.
However, research has stated that Ambien can produce dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal, which are signs of a potentially addictive drug.
The common side effects of Ambien include dizziness, drowsiness, grogginess, diarrhea, or feeling as if you have been drugged. However, one of the most severe side effects of taking Ambien is the probability of getting dependent on this drug or needing Ambien to feel comfortable and function.
Zolpidem tartrate, the active ingredient in Ambien, increases the relaxing effects of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain, which is associated with insomnia, anxiety, relaxation, mood, and more. Although it is non-narcotic, it is a depressant that produces calming and relaxing effects on the body, because of which you can get high on Ambien if you abuse it.
If a person swallows Ambien, the high will set around 30 minutes after taking the drug and last for several hours. If someone snorts Ambien, the high may set in faster but last for a shorter period. Some people who are addicted to Ambien will abuse it by injecting it intravenously for an even stronger, more powerful high. Some Ambien addicts will abuse the drug by injecting it intravenously for a stronger, more potent high.
If anyone gets high on Ambien, he will feel exhausted, dizzy, euphoric, and rushed with energy or experience visual or auditory hallucinations.
According to FDA, by taking Ambien in higher doses than one should, the body will build up a tolerance to the point where one needs to take larger quantities to feel the effects. At the same time, increasing tolerance leads to physical dependence, where users experience withdrawal symptoms if they aren't taking the drug. Dependence and tolerance are two qualities that indicate an addiction.
Usually, it takes people longer to get addicted to Ambien, and the withdrawal symptoms tend to be less severe. Usually, it takes people longer to get addicted to Ambien, and the withdrawal symptoms tend to be less severe. Still, the drug is addictive, and physical dependence can develop in as little as two weeks. People who Abuse Ambien are more likely to get addicted to it; however, people who take it for insomnia for extended periods may also develop an addiction.
Ambien Abuse typically occurs in people who use the drug for insomnia but develop tolerance and underestimate how addictive the substance is. Unfortunately, once tolerance and dependence develop, it is sometimes too late. At this point, many users struggle to quit taking Ambien without professional help.
Ambien abuse occurs in many different forms. For example, taking the drug without a prescription, taking a higher dose than prescribed, on the streets, or snorting or injecting Ambien are all forms of drug abuse.
Ambien slows down breathing, heart rate, and other essential bodily functions when taken in large doses. If an ambien overdose occurs, it can lead to respiratory failure and death. If a person has taken Ambien and has seriously slowed or shallow breathing, they may be experiencing an overdose.
Another danger commonly associated with Ambien abuse is the potential for dangerous unconscious behavior. For example, memory problems, sleepwalking, sleep-driving, sleep eating, and changes in behavior are all common side effects of taking Ambien. Ambien is better known for its bizarre side effects rather than the high it can produce.
One method of abusing Ambien is to mix it with alcohol. When you drink alcohol while taking Ambien, the sedative effects of the medicine are amplified. This is exceedingly hazardous and increases the likelihood of overdose.
Mixing Ambien with benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, or Halcion is just as dangerous. Polydrug use such as this not only increases the risk of an overdose but the risk of damage to the brain, heart, lungs, and other bodily systems, as well.
Detox is the initial step in overcoming Ambien's addiction. Medical detox can help you taper off the substance so your withdrawal symptoms aren't too bad. Then, you can move on to inpatient or outpatient rehab, where clinicians will work with you to teach you the required skills you need to stay sober.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Ambien abuse or addiction and are ready to get started on a better life, reach out to one of our dedicated addiction specialists today.
AMBIEN (Zolpidem) is a prescription drug for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. The drug can produce hallucinogenic and euphoric effects when taken in higher doses.
Getting Ambien addiction therapy is crucial for one's health and safety. Fortunately, it is feasible to recover from Ambien addiction while efficiently treating insomnia. The initial stage in treating Ambien addiction is usually a medically aided detox. Patients can receive therapy for distressing symptoms by undergoing medically assisted detoxification.
