Are Sleeping Pills Addictive
Contents
- 1 Are Sleeping Pills Addictive
- 1.1 Understanding Sleeping Pills
- 1.2 Sleeping Pill Effects And Abuse
- 1.3 Common Drug Combinations
- 1.4 Medical Professionals Substance Abuse Statistics
- 1.5 How can I avoid sleeping pills?
- 1.6 Sleep pills and older adults
- 1.7 Addiction to sleeping pills
- 1.8 What are side effects of sleeping pills?
- 1.9 Three of the most commonly used and addictive types of sleeping pills
- 1.10 Signs of Sleeping Pill Addiction
- 1.11 Get Help Today
- 1.12 Make a Call
- 1.13 - or -
- 1.14 Request a Call
Although people successfully treat short-term insomnia with Sleeping Pills, many become dependent on them. The numbers aren’t in their favor. Approximately 38 million prescriptions for Ambien (a common Sleeping Pill) were written between 2006 and 2011.
With such rampant accessibility, and a perceived blessing from medical professionals, it’s no wonder so many people fall prey to the power of Sleeping Pills.
Many people wrongly assume they can’t get addicted to Sleeping Pills, and some people even claim to have gotten this information from their doctor. Yet some people find themselves unable to sleep without the help of a sleeping pill. As tolerance increases, many find that they need to take larger dosages to obtain the desired effect.
A lot of people don’t realize they’ve become dependent, or possibly addicted, until they stop taking their medication. They may then begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms, a telltale sign of both dependence and addiction.
Other signs that Sleeping Pill use has gotten out of control include:
- Having several failed attempts to quit.
- Getting cravings.
- Seeing more than one doctor for prescription refills.
- Continuing to take the pills despite negative consequences.
Addiction can develop and then manifest in various behaviors, such as when an individual increases their dose without consulting a physician or exhibits consistent cravings and desires to use their drug of choice.
When sleep does not come easily or is interrupted, patients may take more of their [sleep] medication than is prescribed. This may occur even though the medication guides… contain clear instructions to the patient to take the product exactly as prescribed.
Understanding Sleeping Pills
Sleeping Pills fall into a category of drugs known as Sedative-Hypnotics. This category also includes Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines, like Xanax. Unlike other drugs in this category, Sleeping Pills are non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics. They are commonly known as “Z-Drugs” since they induce sleep.
Some of the most common Sleeping Pills include:
- Ambien (Zolpidem)
- Sonata (Zaleplon)
- Lunesta (Eszopiclone)
- Edluar (Zolpidem)
Although most non-Benzodiazepine Sleeping Pills have different molecular makeups, they all have similar effects. Sleeping Pills bind to the same GABA receptors in the brain as Benzodiazepines, but they are believed to have fewer side effects.
Sleeping Pill Effects And Abuse
Most doctors only prescribe Sleeping Pills for short-term use. Doctors prescribe them for cases of severe insomnia and not necessarily on a strict dosage schedule. These drugs are fast-acting and can often be used on an as-needed (PRN) basis.
Unfortunately, many people begin using Sleeping Pills anytime they have trouble sleeping or face something in life that makes them feel anxious.
When Sedatives are used in a way not prescribed by a doctor, it is considered abuse. At higher doses, Sleeping Pills produce the same drowsy, feel-good effect as their highly addictive counterparts, Benzodiazepines. Sleeping Pills can also produce hallucinatory effects when an individual takes the drug but fights the urge to sleep.
Other effects of Sleeping Pills include:
- Reduced anxiety
- Dreamless sleep
- Lack of coordination
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Hallucinations
Sleeping Pill abuse has also escalated among high school and college students just looking to have a good time. The drugs can exacerbate the effects of an alcohol buzz or cause a similar feeling on their own. Among young people still living at home, access to a prescription (of their own or belonging to their parents) is often all too easy.
The effects of Sleeping Pills on brain function can manifest as early as the first time the drug is taken.
Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the effects and recovery gets harder. Often, recovering Sleeping Pill addicts will suffer from “rebound insomnia,” or a compounded insomnia that is even worse than it was before they started taking Sleeping Pills. This is a common side effect and should not be used as a reason to continue taking Sleeping Pills. Fortunately, medically assisted detox can help minimize this and other symptoms of withdrawal.
Common Drug Combinations
Many people don’t heed the warning labels on their pill bottles that advise against mixing Sleeping Pills with alcohol. Taking Sleeping Pills like Ambien with alcohol can be a deadly combination.
The Sedative effects of Sleeping Pills are amplified by alcohol, increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose. Yet those who have a severe addiction (and a concurrent tolerance) may use alcohol to bump up the potency of their Sleeping Pills.
Other drugs often taken with Sleeping Pills include:
- Painkillers
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
- Cannabis
Medical Professionals Substance Abuse Statistics
21
percent
In 2012, 21% of those abusing Sleeping Pills had thoughts of suicide related to their drug use.
30,149
hospitalized
In 2011, there were 30,149 emergency room visits due to nonmedical use of the Sleeping Pill Ambien.
9
million
In 2013, nearly 9 million Americans regularly used Sleeping Pills to help them sleep at night.
How can I avoid sleeping pills?
If a person experiences difficulty sleeping pills are often recommended. They also help people that get up during the night to stay asleep and are useful in preventing sleep problems. The main drawbacks of sleeping pills are their dependence on their effects. The most common reason is the prolonged use or high dose.
This Guide will explore how sleeping aids may cause sleeplessness. Find the life you deserve to live Get Help Finding Treatment For Sleeping Pill Addiction Treatment for Sleeping Pill addiction is effective and can help you recover faster than you ever imagined. You may have never meant to abuse your prescriptions, but these drugs are addicting. Get help now, and reverse your addiction.
Sleep pills and older adults
Unless your age has increased, it’s recommended for seniors to avoid sleep aids. These include over-the-counter drug products and the newer “z” medications such as the drug Etszopiclone (Launesta), Zoleplon (Sonata), and Zeptimien (Ambien). Compared to younger individuals, elderly adults are at risk for serious side effects with sleep medications and are less sensitive to stress and fatigue. As a teenager sleeping medication stays in our body longer if we’re older. Drowsiness may be present within hours.
Confusion and memory issues have been found as well as other side effects in some cases. It can lead to falls, broken hips, and accidents. Other symptoms associated with sleep medications are particularly difficult on older individuals. Possibly your lips are dry.
Addiction to sleeping pills
How does someone sleep? What is it like for someone who tries to fall asleep at night without sleep at all? This issue spawned Sleep Pills. This medication is only prescribed for temporary relief from sleep difficulties. Many people do not understand how to use sleeping pills correctly. Users usually take more than usual dosages to get more sleep, which increases the likelihood of dependence and addiction as well the tolerance.
Sleep pills are difficult to detect if you are addicted to them. People that abuse sleeping pills will typically run out faster than the average person because of their persistent use. Z drugs can also cause next-day drowsiness and have on occasion been linked to dangerous sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking, sleep eating, and sleep driving.
What are side effects of sleeping pills?
Sleep pills have some effects. If you take sleeping pills, then it is impossible to tell. Depending on whether or not you suffer from asthma, it can cause serious health problems. Sleep pills can inhibit normal breathing and can become dangerous for people suffering chronic lung diseases such as pneumonia or emphysema as well as chronic OBD (COPD).
Three of the most commonly used and addictive types of sleeping pills
Sleep pills are widely accessible drugs on the present market. Most people think sleeping pills don’t make a bad mood but they also complain about not getting enough sleep. Sleep pills have many side effects such as withdrawals and difficulty in taking them. Many patients take Sleep Pill if they feel like it is legitimate and then gradually begin to use it for recreational purposes.
Signs of Sleeping Pill Addiction
In people who take benzodiazepines for prolonged periods, dependence is possible. Dependences can occur physiologically or psychologically. A symptom of psychological dependency can be seen after the medication stops. Psychological dependence refers to an apparent need which is impossible to deal with without medication. The increased concentration may be indicative of tolerance to drugs resulting from physiologic dependence. Misusing this drug is different.
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