Understanding Ambien Abuse

Learn about Ambien abuse

Ambien is a prescription medication that is used to treat insomnia. This sedative can be consumed safely under the care of your doctor. But if used outside of recommended guidelines or illicitly, Ambien can become habit-forming.

Taking Ambien in greater amounts or more frequently than intended can lead to tolerance and addiction. Over time, this can cause a chemical dependence that will require professional treatment to overcome.

Due to the addictive nature of Ambien, trying to limit your use on your own can result in painful withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, with the help of a specialized Ambien addiction treatment program, you can gain the support you need to achieve lasting sobriety.

Statistics

Ambien abuse statistics

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), between 2005 and 2010, the number of emergency room visits that were related to the use of Ambien increased 220%.
According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), 0.2% of individuals age 18 and older suffer from sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder, which includes an addiction to Ambien.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for Ambien abuse

Several factors can influence your risk for becoming addicted to Ambien or another substance:

Associating with peers who abuse substances
Having a family history of substance abuse and addiction
Early exposure to substance abuse
Having an impulsive temperament
Having a novelty-seeking temperament
Beginning to use drugs recreationally at an early age

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Ambien abuse

The following signs and symptoms of Ambien abuse may indicate that you need professional help:

Behavioral symptoms:

Taking larger doses of Ambien than prescribed
Continuing to take Ambien despite having the desire to stop
Isolating yourself from friends and family
No longer participating in activities that you once enjoyed
Spending a great deal of time participating in activities that revolve around obtaining, consuming, or recovering from the use of Ambien
No longer performing at the expected level at work
No longer adhering to daily tasks and responsibilities
Engaging in reckless behavior

Physical symptoms:

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded
Dry mouth
Nose irritation
Throat irritation
Nausea
Upset stomach
Muscle pain
No longer being able to fall asleep without taking Ambien

Mental symptoms:

Experiencing cravings for Ambien
Having a compulsive desire to acquire Ambien
Experiencing delusions and/or hallucinations
Memory loss
Suicidal ideation

Effects

Effects of Ambien abuse

If you become dependent upon Ambien, you may experience the following effects of Ambien abuse:

Demotion or job loss due to being unable to meet expectations
Familial conflict
Relationship disturbances
Financial strife
Onset of physical and cognitive ailments

Dual Diagnosis

Ambien abuse and dual diagnosis

People who abuse Ambien may have an increased risk for other mental or behavioral health disorders. Clinicians refer to the simultaneous presence of multiple disorders as dual diagnosis. Ambien abuse is associated with the following disorders:

Tobacco use disorder
Alcohol use disorder
Other substance use disorders
Antisocial personality disorder
Bipolar disorders
Anxiety disorders
Depressive disorders

The risk of dual diagnosis is one of the reasons why it’s so important to get comprehensive help for Ambien abuse. Many people don’t realize they need care for dual diagnosis until they enter a program. Properly identifying and addressing dual diagnosis concerns will help you achieve successful long-term recovery.

Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Ambien withdrawal and overdose

Effects of withdrawal: Limiting or ceasing your use of Ambien can cause:

Worsened insomnia
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Irritability
Anxiety
Sweating
Tremors
Confusion
Panic attacks

Effects of overdose: A person who experiences the following symptoms after using Ambien may have overdosed, and should seek immediate medical attention: