Are you wondering if Ambien is a controlled substance? Well, simply put, yes, Ambien is a controlled substance.
This is because Ambien (zolpidem) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that can slow down brain activity. Ambien is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). What does this mean? This means that it has a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III or Schedule II drugs, but it is still possible to abuse Ambien. Some people may crush and snort the drug or mix it with alcohol to intensify its effects. This can lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death.
That being said, let’s talk about Ambien in more detail, discussing what it is, how it is addictive, the signs of addiction and abuse, and more:
How Is Ambien Addictive?
Ambien is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It is a sedative-hypnotic medication that works by slowing down the brain and nervous system. As mentioned in the introduction, Ambien is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a potential for abuse and addiction.
While Ambien is not considered to be as addictive as other substances, it can still be habit-forming. People who abuse Ambien may take it more often than prescribed, take higher doses than prescribed, or take it for reasons other than insomnia (such as to get high).
Abusing Ambien can lead to tolerance, meaning that the person needs to take larger and larger doses to get the same effect. This, of course, is one of the starting – points of addiction and can lead to reliance.
What Are the Signs of Ambien Addiction and Abuse?
If you or someone you know is taking Ambien, it’s important to be aware of the signs of Ambien addiction and abuse. Ambien is a powerful sleep aid that has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Again, while it is not as addictive as other substances, it is still a prescription medication that should be used with caution.
The most common signs of Ambien addiction and abuse include:
1. Taking more Ambien than prescribed or taking it for longer than prescribed.
2. Taking Ambien for reasons other than to treat insomnia, such as to get high or to help with anxiety or depression.
3. Taking Ambien without a prescription.
4. Crushing or breaking Ambien tablets in order to snort or inject them.
5. Mixing Ambien with other drugs or alcohol.
6. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping Ambien use, such as insomnia, anxiety, sweating, shaking, and nausea.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Ambien addiction is a serious problem that can lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and death.
What Are the Dangers of Ambien Addiction?
When taken as directed, Ambien can cause drowsiness and dizziness. However, when taken in larger doses or more often than prescribed, Ambien can cause hallucinations, delusions, and erratic behavior. People who abuse Ambien may also experience memory problems, mood swings, and impaired judgment.
Ambien addiction can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, respiratory depression, and coma. Ambien addiction can also lead to death.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an Ambien addiction, it is important to seek professional help. There are many treatment options available that can help people recover from Ambien addiction and live a healthy, productive life.
Are There Withdrawal Symptoms of Ambien Addiction?
As with any medication, there is always the potential for side effects and withdrawal symptoms when Ambien is taken. However, Ambien addiction is rare, and most people who take the medication do not experience any problems.
That said, there have been reports of people becoming addicted to Ambien and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the medication. These symptoms can include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and dizziness. These symptoms can worsen and, especially if not under the guidance of a professional, can lead to a relapse.
If you are concerned that you may be addicted to Ambien, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you taper off the medication safely and provide support during withdrawal.
How Do I Safely Withdraw from Ambien Addiction?
There’s a reason we keep repeating that you should reach out to your doctor to help combat Ambien addiction. It can be potentially dangerous and, if left to worsen, can be seriously detrimental to your life.
Once again, if you or someone you love is struggling with an Ambien addiction, it’s important to know that there is help available. Withdrawing from Ambien can be a difficult and dangerous process, so it’s important to seek professional help to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
The first step in safely withdrawing from Ambien is to detox. This is best done in a medical setting where trained professionals can monitor your vital signs and provide any necessary medical care. Detox can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it’s important to get through it as safely as possible.
Once you’ve detoxed, you can begin the process of recovering from your addiction. This will likely involve some form of therapy, whether it’s an individual, group, or family counseling. You may also need to participate in a multistep program or some other form of support group. The important thing is to find an approach that works for you and stick with it.
Recovery from addiction is a lifelong process, but it is possible to overcome your Ambien addiction and live a healthy, happy life. With the right help and support, you can get through this and come out the other side stronger than ever.
What Exactly Is Ambien?
Ambien is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. Ambien works by slowing down activity in the brain to allow sleep.
Ambien is available in two forms: an immediate-release tablet and an extended-release tablet. The extended-release tablet is designed to help people who have trouble falling asleep stay asleep.
Ambien is typically taken once a day at bedtime, and it should be taken on an empty stomach with at least eight hours remaining before the next morning. If you take Ambien too close to waking up, you may feel drowsy during the day.
Common side effects of Ambien include headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. Ambien can also cause sleepwalking and sleep eating. These activities can be dangerous and sometimes lead to injury.
Conclusion
All in all, Ambien is a good medication when used appropriately. However, the risk of addiction is still there. So, if you are relying on the drug or know someone who uses it, always be sure to keep an eye out for symptoms of addiction. This can immediately let you know to take action, which is to reach out to a doctor for professional assistance about the prescription to ensure addiction doesn’t occur. If addiction does come, please do reach out to professional help groups to overcome the addiction. Doing it alone is not only much riskier for your health, but the chances of success are slim. With a professional’s help, your actions can be closely monitored and tracked to give you the best chance to finally live a life free from the clutches of addiction!