What to Know About Ambien and Addiction to Sleeping Pills

What to Know About Ambien and Addiction to Sleeping Pills

Published July 2011

Addiction to Ambien and various other sleeping medications has drastically increased. Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic drug with effects similar to Valium or Xanax that is frequently prescribed to people as a temporary solution for insomnia.

Although many physicians frequently prescribe Ambien, they often urge patients to seek other more permanent, long-term treatment for insomnia that lasts longer than the quick fix of a sleeping pill.  Ambien does not heal insomnia, but rather, it masks the problem, which is often caused by some other physical or mental problem and underlying condition that disrupts normal sleep patterns. Long-term use of Ambien can lead to physical or psychological dependency, eventually requiring drug detox and inpatient drug rehab.

Unfortunately, Ambien has several characteristics that make it potentially very addictive. Ambien has a quick onset, and individuals can use the drug to fall asleep but typically do not have any after-effects the following day.  Ambien can have dangerous side effects when taken with other substances, especially with other central nervous system depressants and alcohol.  Individuals who continually take Ambien build up a physical tolerance, eventually increasing their doses and eventually rebound insomnia if taken off the drug.  Unfortunately, Ambien is also frequently used in suicide attempts and severe and unhealthy sedation attempts.  If you or someone you know has a problem with Ambien or other sleep-inducing drugs, Passages can help.