Prescription addiction is more common than many people think. Doctors will often prescribe medications that have a risk of addiction if they feel the benefits of these medications outweigh the risks.
One commonly abused prescription medication is Ambien. This drug is used to treat patients who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders.
What You Should Know About Ambien And Addiction
If you are prescribed this medication, here are a few things you should know.
Why Ambien Is Prescribed?
There are a variety of reasons a doctor may prescribe Ambien to their patient. Some of the most common reasons are difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, and night terrors in adults. These conditions are often caused by a traumatic experience or an underlying mental health condition. While the medication may help to treat the symptoms, they should only be used for a short period while you receive counseling and mental health treatments. Using Ambien as a long-term treatment for sleep disorders increases your risk of becoming addicted.
Signs Of Ambien Addiction
If you are concerned your loved one is suffering from an Ambien addiction, there are few signs you should look for:
The first one is the dosage the person is taking. If you notice them taking a higher dose than an average person of the same size, taking multiple pills at one time or taking pills more often, you may want to address the issue with them.
Another red flag of Ambien addiction is frequent doctor changes. This is because many doctors will not continuously prescribe the drug for a long time as it is only meant for the temporary relief of sleep disorders.
Signs Of Ambien Withdrawal
People who attempt to quit taking the medication after prolonged use of an elevated dosage may notice physical withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Panic Attacks
- Insomnia
Recovering From Ambien Prescription Drug Addiction
If you or a loved one is suffering from Ambien prescription drug addiction, we are here to help you. Many people may attempt to overcome their addiction on their own. Withdrawal from Ambien can have life threatening risks and should always be done in the care of a trained professional. At Avalon Malibu, our recovery program is designed to safely and comfortably help you to overcome your prescription drug addiction.
