Ending Ambien use begins with understanding addiction and the recovery process. Even if you take Ambien with a prescription, you can find yourself dependent on the drug. If you misuse or abuse it, addiction becomes more likely. No matter why you use Ambien or how long you’ve used it, you can find recovery. You can start with the withdrawal process. You can continue with treatment to find support for real and long-lasting healing.

Ambien Abuse

Each person experiences substance abuse and addiction differently. Genetics, personal history and environment all factor in, and all of those are uniquely individual. Simultaneously, those factors also have universal traits. CBS News shares a report that found that among adults in the United States, “8.3 percent reported filling prescriptions for anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics”1 such as Ambien. Zolpidem, the main ingredient in Ambien, is the fourth most commonly prescribed psychiatric drug. Many people receiving these prescriptions have been taking Ambien much longer than needed or in harmful ways. You may have your own addiction experience, but you can find understanding, support and an encouraging community for recovery.

“Life gets better every year,” says Debbie L., who has been Ambien and alcohol-free since September 4, 2000.

Ambien Withdrawal

Recovery begins with withdrawal. Don’t go through this process alone. It is uncomfortable, triggering, and potentially dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, fatigue, and nausea. You may not even realize these symptoms are connected to ending or reducing Ambien use. You may take more Ambien to combat the fatigue it is actually causing.

It is important to find medically supervised detox services to ensure you get the medical attention and care you need as Ambien leaves your system. They limit opportunities to relapse. Medical and recovery professionals are available 24 hours a day to help explain what you are experiencing, what you can expect and about how long it will last.

Choosing professional withdrawal support also helps you transition smoothly from the physical aspects of recovery to the psychological, emotional, and spiritual ones. While there is no such thing as a safe “rapid” detox, medically supervised detox services do ensure your withdrawal experience is as quick and comfortable as it can be while still being healthy and effective.

Ambien Treatment

Black Bear Lodge in the snowWithdrawal isn’t recovery. It is an important first step that should be followed by a comprehensive treatment program. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse explains, “Gaining the ability to stop abusing drugs is just one part of a long and complex recovery process…Because addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, treatment must address the needs of the whole person to be successful. This is why the best programs incorporate a variety of rehabilitative services into their comprehensive treatment regimens.”2

Like withdrawal, treatment can’t be rushed. Treatment needs to address physical recovery. It also needs to address psychological addiction, mental health, and life skills. You may focus on individual work with a counselor. You may incorporate family therapy or job skills training. Your individual treatment plan may integrate alternative therapies such as yoga or meditation. There is no wrong way to recover.

Find the path that works best for you by calling a holistic treatment provider such as Black Bear Lodge. We will help you assess your current situation, create a long-term treatment plan and begin immediate steps toward detox. You don’t have to wait to begin recovery, call us today at 706-914-2327!


Sources

1 Welch, Ashley. “Study Reveals How Many U.S. Adults Are Taking Psychiatric Drugs.” CBS News. 12 Dec. 2016. Accessed 27 Jun. 2017.

2 National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Treatment and Recovery.” Jul. 2014. Accessed 27 Jun. 2007.