Ambien Sleeping Pill Addiction Treatment in California
Ambien is an addictive sleeping pill that is often prescribed to those who have a hard time falling asleep. The problem is that Ambien is habit forming and also sought out by men and women who are addicted to other drugs and prescription medications.
Ambien is one of many prescription drugs that have negatively
affected those who become physically and mentally 
addicted to it. For
most people, Ambien is a safe and useful medication that is prescribed
by their physician to remedy insomnia (sleeplessness). For others,
Ambien is a habit-forming, tolerance-building, and addictive drug that
can be potentially fatal.
There have been men and women who have come to our treatment center addicted to Ambien, but it is more commonly one of many substances abused by our polysubstance-addicted clients (those who are regularly abusing many substances). Other drugs that are commonly abused by users of Ambien include Klonopin, adderall, benzos, Vicodin, Oxycontin, opiates, and Percocet.
Our Treatment Plan for Ambien Addiction
In our 20-plus years of treating addiction, we have found that each person should have a personalized treatment program based on their age, gender, and drug of choice. That is why we have so many different rehab programs (or "tracks") available.
Men and women who have become dependent on Ambien, Lunesta, or other sleeping aides warrant special treatment to address their unique needs. We educate these clients about Ambien, have them participate in process groups that are focused on prescription drug abuse, and monitor them closely with the oversight of an addiction psychiatrist and other clinical staff.
Our rehab facility has counselors on staff who are intimately familiar with prescription drug addiction. These therapists and doctors have special training to provide individual counseling and therapy for users of Ambien as well as facilitate lectures, workshops, and group therapy process groups tailored to users of prescription drugs.
Denial is very common among abusers of Ambien (and other prescription drugs), and early recovery is often marked by insomnia, frustration, and hopelessness. We are able to help the men and women who have become addicted to Ambien become aware of the effect the drug use is having on them and their families and begin the journey toward long-term recovery.
All clients at Sober Living by the Sea also participate in daily outdoor rehab activities that build strength and self-esteem while showing them how to have fun and enjoy life in sobriety.
More About Ambien and Lunesta
Ambien is the brand name for Zolpidem, a prescription medication generally prescribed for sleeping problems. Lunesta is the brand name for a similar drug called Eszopiclone, which is prescribed for the same purpose. Both medications are non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics and are regarded as safe for most people to use in short cycles (generally about 1-2 weeks).
Some people are at higher risk than others for dependence on Ambien or Lunesta. If someone has a history of alcoholism (or a history of it in their family) or a tendency to abuse other drugs, they are not a good candidate for Ambien or Lunesta.
Ambien and Lunesta are generally taken orally in tablet form. It is very dangerous to mix these drugs with other substances (especially alcohol). In the rising occurrences of accidental drug overdose, there is almost always at least one sedative involved.
Once the user begins to build tolerance for the drug, he or she may increase the dosage to achieve the same effects. When the drug is not available, the user will experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- nausea and vomiting
- anxiety
- dizziness
- stomach and muscle cramps
- sweating
- shakiness
The user may begin using other prescription drugs (like Oxycontin or Vicodin) or even seek out illegal narcotics (like heroin) to combat these withdrawal symptoms. The physical symptoms of withdrawal, coupled with emotional and psychological dependence, can make withdrawal very unpleasant. For this reason, we always allow users of drugs like Ambien to undergo a lengthy and comfortable drug detox during which they will be administered medication that will allow them to titrate down (or taper off) the amount of drugs in their system.
If you or someone you care for has become addicted to Ambien, call 866.323.5609 to speak with a caring admissions expert who will be able to provide a free and confidential initial telephone assessment. If you have a family member who is in denial about their prescription drug use, you may want to read our pages titled "Advice To the Family" and "What to say..."
