Ambien addiction is insidious.
This is the case with any prescription drug that has a legitimate medical use. The addict may start by using it for its intended purpose. They end up abusing it and threatening to destroy their life.
There is a way to stop this process. Ambien treatment exists, and we can show you what it looks like.
In this guide, we will layout the options when it comes to treatment for Ambien addiction. There is no one way to treat this addiction, so you should research these options thoroughly. That way, you will find the treatment that is the best fit for yourself or the Ambien addict in your life.
Read on to learn more about Ambien addiction treatment and rehab.
Ambien Inpatient
Inpatient treatment is the most in-depth form of treatment for any drug addiction. We tend to think of inpatient treatment centers only for addictions to drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Ambien addiction can be just as dangerous, if not more severe, than heroin addiction. In cases where it is, inpatient treatment is undoubtedly appropriate.
Doctors prescribe Ambien as a sleep aid. The use of the drug turns into abuse when patients need to keep taking more and more Ambien to achieve the same effects.
There are other signs of Ambien abuse. They are the same signs of any other dangerous drug addiction. When the use of Ambien is affecting someone’s finances, personal relationships, work performance, or mental health, that person may be an addict.
There are health effects that come with Ambien addiction. They include the following:
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Unexpected or abrupt changes in behavior
- Nausea
- Sleepwalking
- Sleep driving
- Depression
- Irritability
- Suicidal ideation
If your loved one is experiencing these symptoms of Ambien addiction, they may need Ambien inpatient treatment. Here is what it looks like.
What Is Inpatient Treatment?
In inpatient treatment, the Ambien addict lives at the treatment facility. They receive medical and psychological attention from the doctors, nurses, and therapists at the facility.
These professionals monitor the Ambien addict while they are going through detox. This is important because there are reports of seizure activity when addicts suddenly cease taking the drug. These cases require focused medical attention.
Other negative symptoms come with withdrawal from Ambien. Many of them have to do with the fact that Ambien is a sleep aid. Sleep becomes complicated when an addict stops taking Ambien.
Here are some of the other withdrawal symptoms an Ambien addict may experience during detox from the drug.
- Sweating
- Abdominal cramps
- Feeling flushed
- Anxiety
- Heightened insomnia
Standard Length of Ambien Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment programs vary in length. Many factors go into determining how long an addict can stay. These may include family resources, outside obligations, and even the requirements of the addict’s insurance company.
A course of inpatient treatment for an Ambien addict may last as few as 30 days. Others can last months. The latter is more likely if the Ambien addict is co-addicted or has other psychological issues that need to be addressed.
Ambien inpatient treatment is usually shorter than inpatient treatment for other addictions. This is because the detox period is often the most harrowing part of the treatment. With the help of a strong support team, Ambien addicts can avoid the relapses that plague other addicts.
Ambien Outpatient
Many Ambien addicts go the route of outpatient treatment. This is a less intense form of therapy that allows the addict to interface with their life outside the treatment center. Depending on the severity of the addiction, this can be an excellent option for Ambien addicts.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment for an Ambien addict still involves a treatment center and a support team. Rather than sticking to the treatment center’s residential schedule, the addict sets their plan. Part of the outpatient treatment involves honoring this schedule, but the addict does this while going about their healthy daily life.
Outpatient treatment gives Ambien addicts the tools to address their addictions and the consequences. They use these tools every day as they honor their regular commitments to their families, jobs, and communities by living at home during treatment and attending regular treatment sessions.
Ambien addicts need to honor their outpatient treatment schedule as much as they would if they were undergoing inpatient treatment. If they do not, they are at risk of relapsing.
Standard Length of Ambien Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is as variable as inpatient treatment. Again, insurance companies have a great deal of sway in determining how long addicts may partake in outpatient treatment.
If an Ambien addict thrives in outpatient treatment, they may only need the treatment for a few weeks to return to their lives outside of any treatment program. It is rare but not unheard of that they will also need sober living.
Ambien Treatment Sober Living
Sober living is for addicts who have done considerable damage to their lives. They rebuild their lives in a safe-haven of structure and support.
What Is Ambien Sober Living?
Sober living is a residential treatment program. It resembles the outside world more than inpatient treatment. But it involves more structure and accountability than outpatient treatment.
What to Expect
If an Ambien addict chooses sober living, they will live with other recovering addicts in a shared house. There are very few sober living spaces dedicated solely to Ambien addicts. Most Ambien addicts in sober living live and work alongside addicts of all different backgrounds.
Sober living involves regular responsibilities, like chores, curfew, and job hunting. These responsibilities create habits that help the Ambien addict in their recovery when they transition to independent living.
Ongoing Recovery
Aftercare is arguably an essential part of treatment for an Ambien addict. Since Ambien is so normalized, the addict must receive explicit support to stay sober and not fall into the trap of thinking they can use the drug for its medical purpose again.
Aftercare involves individual supports, self-care, and less structured treatment. These things address the psychological issues that underpin the addiction. They also teach the addict excellent coping skills.
There are several branches of aftercare, including individual therapy, support groups, and even proper diet and exercise.
There are several recovery groups an Ambien addict may find helpful, including Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. Ambien addiction does not fall neatly under either of these umbrellas, but all kinds of addicts find help staying sober in both of these groups. SMART Recovery is another option for those who don’t find 12-step recovery effective.
Get the Help You Need
If you or someone you love is an Ambien addict, treatment is available. Help is on the horizon.
Addiction Treatment Services can help you find a treatment program for Ambien addiction. We will also work with insurance companies to make recovery less burdensome.
If you need more information about Ambien treatment and rehab, we are here to help. Contact us today.
