Do You Need Ambien Addiction Treatment?

While technically a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medication, Ambien was designed to reproduce the effects of benzodiazepines without the high risk of dependency. Yet Ambien misuse is growing, and the drug is linked to some troubling side effects.

Needing Ambien to go to sleep doesn’t necessarily mean you are addicted, but signs and symptoms of Ambien addiction include:

  • Needing more and more Ambien to get the same “high”
  • Using and craving Ambien frequently
  • Neglecting relationships and responsibilities to use Ambien
  • Having multiple prescriptions
  • Doing dangerous or illegal things to obtain Ambien
  • Spending money you don’t have on Ambien
  • Always having Ambien on hand
  • Taking more Ambien than you mean to
  • Engaging in risky behaviors while on Ambien
  • Continuing to use Ambien despite negative consequences
  • Inability to cut back on or stop using Ambien

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, recovery starts with a simple phone call. One conversation can be the turning point.

Ambien Rehab at North Georgia Recovery Center

If you’re worried about Ambien use for yourself or a loved one, North Georgia Recovery Center can help. After completing detox, you can visit our facility to develop lasting sobriety and get connected with a support group that becomes like a second family.

Our Ambien rehab program is designed to deliver the level of care you need through a few different treatment options:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

An intensive treatment option where you’re fully immersed in the program throughout the day, then return to the comfort of your home each night.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

A treatment program for those who need a flexible therapy schedule that doesn’t interfere with work, school, or other daily responsibilities.

Alumni Program

Continued check-ins and occasional events for treatment alumni that provide a safe space for sharing recovery milestones and setbacks with peers and clinical staff.

Ambien Addiction Treatment May Be Covered By Insurance

Ambien rehab should be the turning point in your path to healing, not another obstacle. That’s why we make the admissions process as easy as possible at North Georgia Recovery Center.

When you call our team and provide your insurance details, we’ll verify your benefits for you and give you a clear picture of what your plan covers. You’ll know exactly what to expect before starting treatment, and all you’ll have to do is schedule your arrival at our facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Ambien and the effects of misuse, call our team. We can help you determine whether addiction treatment is right for you and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Ambien is the #1 best-selling prescription sleep medicine in the United States and the brand-name for the drug, zolpidem. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, and is a federally controlled substance.

Ambien is a Schedule IV drug, meaning it has accepted medical use and a potential for abuse, physical dependence, and psychological dependence. However, the risks are considered milder than many other drugs.

Many people start taking Ambien to treat insomnia, and in the process, realize they like the anxiety-easing effects associated with the drug. Others develop a tolerance for the drug and take higher doses to get to sleep, only to experience a noticeable “high” when they increase their dosage. Others still mix Ambien with alcohol or other substances, which can be particularly dangerous.

Like benzodiazepines, Ambien interacts with receptors in the brain that bind with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a chemical that influences sleep. Sanofi, Ambien’s manufacturer, warns users of “abnormal thinking” and “strange behavior” when taking the drug. Other side effects include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Memory loss
  • Behavioral changes
  • Sleepwalking
  • Hallucinations
  • Suicidal thoughts

After seeking treatment for Ambien addiction, getting back to a normal, healthy sleep routine is essential to preventing relapse. Some effective ways to reset your sleep schedule include:

  • Going to sleep at a consistent time
  • Participating in continual therapy after treatment
  • Reducing stress through meditation, regular exercise, and other relaxation techniques
  • Eliminating distractions by hanging dark curtains, using a fan for ambient noise, and avoiding smartphone or television use before bedtime
  • Abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine