How You Can Become Addicted to Ambien, a Drug Regarded as Less Addictive
Ambien is classified as a Sedative-Hypnotic drug. It works by stimulating the GABA neurotransmitter, which reduces activities of the brain and central nervous system. That’s why doctors often prescribe it to treat insomnia and anxiety. But, the prescription is for a short period. Addiction happens when the patient continues to take ambien after the prescription is over.
Ambien is available in two forms:
- Quick-release form that helps you fall asleep
- Extended-release form that helps you stay asleep
Both forms can be addictive if taken for too long.
According to Massachusetts drug rehab specialists, it takes longer for a person to develop an addiction to this drug than to benzos (benzodiazepine) and ambien withdrawal symptoms are less intense than that of benzos, yet ambien is addictive and may need a rehab program to De-addict.
An alternative to benzo, but addictive
Ambien is a Z-class drug, which is a non-benzodiazepine drug, formulated to create the same medical effects as that created by benzos. Ambien is supposed to be less addictive and dangerous than benzos.
Yet, there are cases of severe ambien addiction. Now, experts are of the view that ambien possesses the same addictive potential as benzos.
How does a person become addicted to ambien?
You can develop physiological dependence on ambien in around two weeks of regular usage. That’s why doctors prescribe it for a very short time, such as one week or less.
Tolerance for this drug is the first sign of physiological dependence, say doctors. Now the user may require larger doses to get the same effect. At this point, if you stop taking the drug, your body will show withdrawal symptoms.
It does not take long from this phase to enter the full-blown addiction phase. It is characterized by tolerance, no control over use, withdrawal symptoms if you don’t use, compulsive use, strong cravings, and continued use despite knowing or experiencing health complications.
Many people don’t realize they are addicted to ambien until they stop taking it and then find they can’t sleep without it and feel uneasy.
In this condition, please call the addiction hotline and enroll in a rehab program, which is the best option to De-addict from the drug.
Benzos or non-benzos – all are addictive!
The manufacturers of ambien claim that the drug is less addictive and a great alternative to benzos. However, the medical community does not buy this claim. They were suspicious of Ambien’s nature right from the start. In 2015, a well-known addiction specialist released a report on “Sedative Abuse.” He highlighted in the report that many non-benzo drugs could be as abuse-prone as benzos.
Signs of addiction to ambien
- A strong craving for the drug
- Taking larger than the prescribed dose or continuing to take it after the prescription is over
- Refilling prescriptions in abnormally fewer intervals (which means a person is taking a higher dose)
- Indulging in risky behaviors and not remembering what you did later
- Spending excessive money on ambien
- Secluding from friends and family
You must look for a reputable center for drug rehab in Massachusetts if you or anybody you know is showing the above signs.
For more information about ambien addiction in Massachusetts and how a drug rehab can help, visit https://www.daylightdetox.com/addiction/ambien-addiction/.
