An estimated 50 million American adults struggle with insomnia. Luckily, several medications are available to help a person get a restful night’s sleep. One of these medications is Ambien (zolpidem). This drug is highly effective at aiding in sleep. However, like many central nervous system (CNS) depressants, Ambien comes with the risk of use and dependence. When a person is dependent on Ambien, their body requires the drug to function correctly, especially when it comes to sleep. Stopping the medication abruptly when dependent on the drug can cause a number of withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to taper off Ambien slowly under a doctor’s supervision.
If you are unable to stop taking Ambien on your own, you may benefit from professional treatment. Vertava Health has several prescription drug addiction treatment options available for individuals struggling with Ambien use and addiction, all of which are catered to each person’s unique needs.
Can I Quit Ambien Cold Turkey?
Individuals who have taken Ambien for an extended period or who are physically dependent on Ambien ideally should not quit this drug on their own. The more severe the dependence on zolpidem, the more at risk a person is of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when quitting the drug. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be incredibly uncomfortable.
Common Ambien withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Rebound insomnia
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Tremors or shaking
Additionally, some people may be at risk of experiencing seizures if Ambien is stopped suddenly. While rare, these seizures can be severe and even fatal in some cases.
Tapering Off of Ambien
The safest way to stop taking Ambien is to taper off the drug slowly. Tapering off zolpidem can help prevent uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. The more slowly a person tapers off this medication, the less likely they are to experience symptoms of withdrawal.
The tapering process for each person will be different. However, many medical professionals will have the patient slowly reduce the amount of Ambien taken, usually every week. For example, someone may take the prescribed dose of Ambien for a week, then reduce the dose by half the following week. This process may continue until a person has successfully stopped taking Ambien entirely.
A medical professional may prescribe or suggest alternative sleep aids to replace Ambien. Melatonin or other natural remedies often provide relief for individuals who continue to struggle with insomnia.
Additionally, if a person is addicted to or physically and mentally dependent on Ambien, formal treatment may be recommended following a detox program. This treatment can be inpatient or outpatient, depending on the needs of the individual.
Treatment Options for Ambien Use Or Addiction
Individuals trying to quit Ambien should do so under medical supervision. Many people succeed in stopping zolpidem by participating in a medically supervised detox program. A detox program can provide a medically monitored tapering schedule specific to each person’s condition and needs. Detox programs also offer 24/7 support and medical care to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible throughout the withdrawal phase.
While typically safe for the treatment of insomnia, Ambien still comes with the risk of use and addiction. In fact, dependence on the drug can form in as little as two weeks. For people struggling with an addiction to Ambien, professional treatment is the best way to overcome addiction and live a substance-free life.
Vertava Health has several state-of-the-art treatment facilities throughout the country. Each facility offers several treatment options, all of which are customized to suit the needs and conditions of each patient.
Therapeutic Options for Ambien Addiction Treatment
When a person is addicted to Ambien, they often experience a number of negative consequences as a result of their drug use. These can include relationship problems, job loss or decreased work productivity, and financial instability
At Vertava Health, we recognize that addiction is a complex disease that requires comprehensive treatment. Therefore, we offer several therapeutic options for treating Ambien addiction, including:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Adventure and wilderness therapy
All of our programs are evidence-based and have been proven to be effective in helping people overcome addiction. Our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals will work with you to create a treatment program that is tailored specifically to your needs.
Seek Support at Vertava Health for Ambien Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you know is addicted to Ambien, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Vertava Health offers comprehensive treatment for addiction and can provide you with the support you need to overcome your addiction and live a healthy, substance-free life. To learn more about how to safely taper off Ambien, contact a Vertava Health treatment specialist today at 844.470.0410.