Approximately 25 to 30 million Americans experience insomnia at any given moment, whether it’s a short-term issue or a long-lasting condition, according to the American Medical Association. Insomnia can significantly impact both mental and physical well-being, leading to slower reaction times, a heightened risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and decreased performance in work or academic settings. Furthermore, it can contribute to serious long-term health problems, including hypertension and heart disease. Many individuals facing insomnia often resort to medications like Ambien for relief, but these drugs can come with a host of serious side effects, such as addiction, memory impairment, and reduced motor skills. Ambien drug abuse involves taking higher doses of Ambien than prescribed, mixing them with other substances, or using them in ways not intended by a healthcare provider, which can result in dependence and addiction.
Ambien is frequently prescribed to treat insomnia, as it can help individuals fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. However, it carries the risk of various side effects, some of which are quite alarming, including slow or shallow breathing, hallucinations, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, depression, and unusual behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking, eating, or even driving.
While Ambien is generally considered less addictive than other sleep aids like benzodiazepines, extended use can lead to physical dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication. Users may also develop a psychological reliance on Ambien, feeling unable to sleep or relax without it, which can lead to compulsive use despite its dangers. Additionally, exceeding the prescribed dosage can heighten the risk of overdose, which can be life-threatening and may manifest through symptoms like extreme drowsiness, breathing difficulties, and even coma.
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Is Ambien More Addictive Than Xanax?
Both Xanax and Ambien are controlled substances that carry a risk of abuse and dependence; however, Ambien is typically considered to have a lower potential for addiction. While Ambien dependence is uncommon at standard prescription levels, it can occur with higher doses or frequent use. In contrast, Xanax is known for its high addictive potential, particularly when taken over extended periods or in large amounts, as users may develop tolerance and dependence within just a few weeks of regular use.
Ambien misuse often happens when people combine it with alcohol or other drugs, such as opioids and benzodiazepines like Xanax. Some individuals may also misuse Ambien to seek a sedative effect or to experience euphoria, especially at doses exceeding the prescribed amount, which is more prevalent among those with a history of substance abuse. Similarly, Xanax is frequently abused in comparable ways, and due to its significant risk of tolerance and dependence, it is more likely to lead to addiction.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Ambien Suddenly?
Ambien is often viewed as a safer alternative to some other sedatives; however, prolonged use can result in tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal issues. When taken consistently over a long period, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly discontinue its use. Ambien works on the central nervous system (CNS) by targeting GABA receptors in the brain. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a key role in promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and helping with sleep. By enhancing GABA’s effects, Ambien induces sedative and calming sensations, which can lead the brain to rely on the medication for GABA regulation and normal sleep cycles.
Over time as the brain adapts to the presence of Ambien, it may require higher doses to achieve the same sedative effects, which can lead to physical and psychological dependence. With chronic use, the brain’s chemistry may change, making it difficult to function normally without the drug. When trying to quit Ambien suddenly, the brain may have difficulty maintaining a balanced state, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
Furthermore, individuals might face rebound effects upon stopping the medication, such as intensified insomnia and anxiety that can surpass the original symptoms experienced before treatment. Ambien drug misuse can heighten the risk of developing tolerance, dependence, addiction, and even overdose. Common withdrawal symptoms that may arise from abruptly halting Ambien include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Mood changes such as irritability and depression
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion and memory problems
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Is Ambien Considered an Opioid?
While it is a central nervous system depressant and can produce effects akin to those of opioids, it is not an opioid itself. Opioids encompass a range of pain-relieving medications, such as morphine, oxycodone, and heroin, which function by activating opioid receptors in the brain, resulting in sensations of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. Some opioids are potent enough that even small doses can trigger these effects.
In contrast, Ambien targets GABA receptors in the brain to induce calming effects, and certain studies indicate it may offer mild pain relief. Euphoria from Ambien is typically not experienced unless taken in larger doses, snorted, or injected. Both Ambien and opioids carry risks of abuse, dependence, and overdose; however, opioids present a greater risk of addiction and dependence, even when used as directed by a healthcare professional. Unlike Ambien, opioids are not prescribed for insomnia, and they exert significantly stronger CNS depressant effects, which increases the likelihood of overdose.
What Does Ambien Do to the Brain?
Ambien, also known under the generic name zolpidem, is designed to reduce brain activity, aiding users in both falling asleep and maintaining sleep throughout the night. It operates by influencing the brain’s neurotransmitter system, particularly GABA, which slows down the central nervous system, leading to sensations of relaxation and drowsiness. With a short half-life, Ambien is quickly metabolized and eliminated from the body, allowing for sleep induction without residual effects the following day. However, while it enhances GABA activity to facilitate entry into the sleep cycle, it doesn’t necessarily enhance sleep quality, as it may not sustain the deeper stages of restorative sleep. Furthermore, the brain can adapt to its presence, potentially leading to tolerance and dependence, which raises the risk of misuse and addiction to Ambien.
The Sleep Foundation emphasizes that medications for insomnia, including Ambien, are meant for short-term use due to the potential for dependence and addiction with extended use. They suggest that the most effective solutions for insomnia may not involve medication at all. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and the cultivation of healthy sleep habits, can significantly improve the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and achieve deep, restorative rest. These strategies can be integrated with medications as part of a comprehensive plan for long-term sleep improvement without over-reliance on sleep aids.
Get Help for Ambien Drug Abuse at Muse Treatment
For many individuals, quitting Ambien can be a challenging journey, not just because of withdrawal symptoms but also the psychological dependence that can develop out of fear of not being able to sleep without it. At Muse Treatment, we recognize the profound impact that insomnia can have on your mental well-being and overall quality of life. However, we are also aware of the harmful consequences associated with Ambien misuse. Our all-encompassing treatment programs are designed to help you safely overcome Ambien dependence through detoxification and tackle the root causes of your insomnia with a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Our dual diagnosis programs treat mental health issues alongside addiction to help patients achieve long-term addiction recovery and a better, fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Ambien drug abuse or dependence, contact Muse Treatment today at 800-426-1818 to explore your treatment options.
External Sources
- American Medical Association – What doctors wish patients knew about insomnia
- StatPearls – Zolpidem
- Sleep Foundation – Sleeping Pills: Medications & Prescription Sleep Aids
