Ambien Abuse – What You Should Know. DARA Drug Rehab Thailand

Ambien Was Introduced As A Remedy For Insomnia

Ambien (also called Zolpidem) is a medication prescribed by doctors to treat insomnia. It comes in a tablet form. If you have ever had insomnia, you know how disruptive it can be to your quality of life. Not being able to sleep is a miserable experience. This is why so many people consider Ambien a miracle drug.

Ambien was introduced to the world in the 1990’s and insomniacs everywhere thought they finally had a miracle cure for their condition. The problem was that people reported doing strange things in their sleep and not remembering them the next day including eating, sleepwalking and even driving. This is a strange side effect of Ambien. Incredibly, one man even killed eight people while under the influence of Ambien and had no recollection of doing so.

As a result, Ambien has gotten a reputation for being a dangerous drug with bizarre side effects. However, that hasn’t stopped doctors around the world from writing millions of prescriptions for Ambien so people can get a good night’s sleep.

Many People Use Ambien To Catch A Buzz

Although Ambien is prescribed by a doctor for insomnia, many people have discovered that if they have taken Ambien and stay awake, they will experience a buzz. Many people abuse Ambien and take it to experience what is called the “Ambien high.”

Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic. It is not a benzodiazepine like Xanax and Valium, but it produces the same kind of effect. Those who take the drug recreationaly say it makes them feel relaxed, calm, and somewhat intoxicated.

Although Ambien is not as addictive as other prescription drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines, it is habit-forming. Many people who take the drug find that they crave more of the drug and abuse it because they like the way it makes them feel.

Signs Of Ambien Abuse

Ambien addiction is a condition that can creep up on you. Many people are guilty of misusing the drug and not even knowing it. Keep in mind that you should only take Ambien if it has been prescribed to you by a doctor and you should only take it as prescribed.

Here are some signs of Ambien abuse:

Taking more of the medication than you are supposed to.

Taking it earlier and earlier than bedtime and staying awake instead of going to sleep.

Taking it during the day.

Taking someone else’s prescription.

Buying Ambien on the street.

Ambien Abuse Produces Withdrawal

If you have taken Ambien for an extended period of time, and you stop taking the drug, you will go through the painful process of withdrawal. Withdrawal is what happens when you have been abusing Ambien and you abruptly stop using it. Here’s what you can expect for the first two to four weeks after quitting Ambien:

Insomnia

Cravings for more Ambien

Nausea or vomiting

Abdominal cramps

Irritability

Mood swings

Depression and uncontrollable crying

Chills

Difficulty with memory

Sweating

Anxiety and panic attacks

Tremors

Fatigue

Seizures (in extreme cases)

DARA Thailand Can Help With An Ambien Addiction

Many people admit themselves for treatment when they have been abusing Ambien because it is a powerful drug that brings about negative consequences. If you have a problem with Ambien, talk to one of our addiction experts here at DARA Thailand to find out what your treatment options are.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Ambien Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.