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Ambien Addiction, Abuse and Treatment
What is Ambien?
Addiction to Ambien causes serious life changing problems in addicts and our rehab center in Florida has tremendous success treating abusers. Ambien is prescribed to patients who are suffering from severe insomnia. Because the drug is very habit-forming, most doctors will attempt behavior modification before they attempt to prescribe a sedative hypnotic. If prescribed, the user can take either a tablet or an extended-release tablet right before bedtime. It is recommended that users do not take the drug following a large meal and wait until right before they are ready to go to sleep to take the pill.
How does Ambien work?
This sedative hypnotic medication works by slowing the activity in the brain so that the user can fall into a restful sleep. Ambien binds to the same GABA receptors as benzodiazepines, meaning that is slows the neurotransmitters and releases additional dopamine into the body. It should be noted that it has not been adequately proven that Ambien is effective in keeping patients asleep, only that is effectively initiates sleep.
Ambien abuse
There are two different ways that Ambien is abused. Ambien abuse is suspected when patients develop a tolerance for the drug because they have been using the drug for too long. Ambien is only meant to be used for short amounts of time, but after long-term use, tolerance is developed and normal users will become abusers in order to achieve the same effects they once received with less medication.
The other way Ambien is abused is recreationally and it is typically used along with other drugs, such as opiates or stimulants. Addicts will use Ambien abuse in order to “come down” from their high so they can sleep or avoid withdrawal symptoms from the other drugs they are abusing.
What are the side effects and withdrawal symptoms of Ambien abuse and addiction?
Side effects from Ambien are varied and depend upon level and length of use, along with the body chemistry of the user. Moderate side effects may include unsteady walking, headache, gas, dizziness and more. More dangerous effects are pounding heartbeat, swelling of the eyes, face, lips tongue or throat, difficulty breathing among others.
Because of the physical dependence that users develop with Ambien, it is recommended that they quit slowly in steps. Abrupt cessation can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures or delirium.
Ambien Treatment for Addiction at Challenges Rehab Centers
At Challenges, we believe in a holistic approach to addiction recovery and therefore have a combination of treatment programs at our facility, including neurofeedback, massage, yoga, group sessions, full day/PHP Treatment, with or without structured living, extended care transitional treatment and intensive outpatient treatment.
Our motto is “Relapse Ends Here” and we provide support and assistance necessary to back that up. We want our patients to leave with the tools they need to help them identify their own particular warning signs and trigger mechanisms. We combine substance abuse treatment with mental health support to make flexible, accommodating plans for individuals that need help beating their Ambien abuse.
Challenges Can Help
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