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Medically Assisted Ambien Detox

The initial step on every journey of addiction recovery is admission to a medically assisted detoxification center. Those who have been abusing drugs or alcohol for any period of time almost always undergo some degree of withdrawal upon abrupt cessation of use. More often than not, the symptoms of withdrawal will lead a person back to substance use before the detoxification process is over. This is part of the reason why entering into an inpatient detox program is so important. At Immersion Recovery Center we provide a comprehensive detox program; one that focuses on more than a safe, pain-free drug and alcohol withdrawal. In addition to providing around the clock medical care, we actively prepare our clients for the next appropriate stage of their personal recovery journeys. During detox, we conduct an individualized, in-depth evaluation, which helps us determine the length of our clients stay, what kind of medical intervention is necessary, and the next step for each client once they become physically stabilized.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from an Ambien use disorder, detox is an important initial step, and we are available to help. At Immersion Recovery Center we effectively treat the physical and psychological symptoms associated with Ambien withdrawal, making the entire detox process as comfortable as possible from start to finish. We utilize a combination of evidence-based medications, therapeutic practices and holistic treatment methods to provide the most integrated and effective care available. To learn more about our program of Ambien detox or to learn more about our multi-staged addiction treatment program as a whole, contact us today.

What is Ambien?

Ambien is the brand name for the medication zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic medication most commonly used for the treatment of insomnia and other sleep-related issues. The medication is typically taken orally in a tablet form, though it is sometimes prescribed in an oral spray form. When taken exactly as prescribed by a medical professional, Ambien is effective in treating sleeplessness. However, Ambien is widely prescribed and habit-forming, making it one of the most frequently misused prescription medications in circulation. The effects of Ambien typically last for between 7 and 8 hours, and it is recommended to be taken directly before bedtime. People who misuse this medication often combine it with other chemical substances like alcohol or opioids, and ingest it during waking hours, which can lead to a host of serious side effects including memory loss and an increase in risk-taking behaviors. If you or someone you love has been misusing Ambien, help is available and recovery is possible. In order for long-term sobriety to be achieved, medical detox always comes as a recommended first step.

Ambien Addiction Facts & Statistics

The 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that roughly 900,000 Americans over the age of 12 are currently misusing Ambien or another prescription sedative. A report issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration stated emergency room visits directly related to Ambien and other sleep medications were up 220 percent between 2005 and 2010. In the year 2010, there were a reported 19,487 emergency room visits directly linked to Ambien. The high rates of Ambien misuse and related injury are due in large part to increasingly high prescription rates. As it stands, this medication is one of the most commonly prescribed throughout the U.S. It was reported that over 38 million zolpidem prescriptions are written on an annual basis. If you were prescribed Ambien for a legitimate sleep disorder, you are still at risk of developing a substance use disorder over time. Many people who are prescribed this specific medication develop a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved. As a result, they tend to up their dose on their own — without physician approval. Doing so can easily lead to the development of a physical and psychological dependency.

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Signs & Symptoms of Ambien Addiction

If you believe you or someone you love has been suffering from a diagnosable Ambien use disorder, there are several signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines a list of diagnostic criteria used to identify the presence of an Ambien use disorder. If you answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, seeking professional help from a medical detox center is likely a good idea.

  • Do you sometimes end up using a higher dose of Ambien than you originally intended, or do you use Ambien more frequently than you intend to?
  • Have you wanted to cut back on your dose or quit entirely, only to find you were unable to do so for any significant period of time?
  • Do you spend a significant amount of time obtaining Ambien, using Ambien and recovering from its effects?
  • Do you often think of using Ambien/do you ever experience intense cravings?
  • Has your drug use interfered with your ability to fulfill personal obligations or negatively impacted your performance at work or at school?
  • Have you experienced interpersonal problems as a direct result of your Ambien use?
  • Have you given up activities which were once interesting or important to you in order to engage in Ambien use?
  • Have you been engaging in risk-taking activities more often than normal, like driving while under the influence of Ambien or combining Ambien with other substances like alcohol or opioid narcotics?
  • Do you continue to use Ambien despite physical or psychological health concerns directly related to the prescription medication?
  • Have you developed a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved?
  • Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when Ambien use is stopped abruptly?

Ambien Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms

Even taking Ambien for a few weeks can lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms when use is suddenly stopped. According to the drug manufacturer, only around 1 percent of those who take the drug as prescribed will experience any degree of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms predominantly affect those who have been taking large doses of Ambien on a regular basis and those who have been using the drug recreationally.

The Physical Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal

The most common physical symptoms of Ambien withdrawal include:

  • General feelings of physical discomfort.
  • Muscle aches and joint pain.
  • Hand tremors/uncontrollable shaking.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Difficulty speaking coherently/speech issues.
  • Hyperventilation.
  • Increased heart rate/racing pulse.
  • Profuse sweating.
  • Restlessness/an inability to sit still.

The Psychological Symptoms of Ambien Withdrawal

The most common psychological symptoms of Ambien withdrawal include:

  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks.
  • Depressed mood and suicidal ideation.
  • Insomnia.
  • Extreme confusion.
  • Delirium.

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Length of Ambien Withdrawal

The length of time it takes Ambien withdrawal symptoms to subside depends on several factors, including what amount was being taken, the duration of use and the presence of any underlying health concerns. Ambien withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 to 48 hours after the final dose, and completely resolve within 7 days to two full weeks. The duration of withdrawal can be minimized significantly by entering into a medical detox program. While in medical detox a person has access to around the clock medical care and a range of other addiction services, helping facilitate physical stabilization while actively preparing the person for the next step in their journey of recovery.

How long does it take to detox off of Ambien?

What Causes Ambien Withdrawal?

Why do Ambien withdrawal symptoms develop, and is there any way for these symptoms to be avoided? Ambien works by increasing GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) activity within the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps us fall asleep by actively reducing the effects of other chemicals within the brain. Over time, the central nervous system becomes accustomed to the presence of Ambien. A person who has been taking Ambien will be unable to fall asleep without the help of the medication. If a person stops taking the medication abruptly they are liable to experience what is known as a “GABA crash” — brain activity goes haywire, and a host of uncomfortable symptoms develop.

Is Ambien Detox Always Necessary?

If you or someone you love has been misusing Ambien, you might be tempted to try detoxing in an at-home setting. Not only is detoxing at home dangerous because withdrawal symptoms can be unpredictable, but the cravings that go hand in hand with withdrawal often lead a person back to substance use before the detox process has come to an end. A safe, pain-free withdrawal is not the only benefit of entering into a detox program like that offered by Immersion Recovery Center. Other benefits of medical detox include:

  • 24/7 access to professional medical care.
  • Therapeutic intervention, including individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy sessions, all facilitated by a licensed psychotherapist.
  • Case management services and aftercare planning, which help prepare a client to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journey.
  • Professional psychiatric care, ideal for those with dual diagnosis disorders.
  • Medication assisted treatment options whenever necessary.

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Treatment Options for Ambien Withdrawal

In the majority of cases, the most effective treatment option for Ambien withdrawal is a combination of rest and over-the-counter medications (like pain relievers and fever reducers). At Immersion Recovery Center we prioritize client comfort, treating all symptoms of Ambien withdrawal as soon as they develop.

Medications Used to Treat Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms

In most cases, the symptoms associated with Ambien withdrawal can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, bed rest, and some degree of therapeutic intervention. However, in severe cases of Ambien withdrawal, certain medications might be utilized. The medications most commonly prescribed for the treatment of severe Ambien withdrawal include:

  • Anticonvulsant medications like gabapentin (Neurontin). Anticonvulsant medications might be necessary if the client has a history of seizures or if the substance use disorder was particularly severe.
  • Antipsychotic medications. If the psychological symptoms of withdrawal are particularly severe, an antipsychotic medication like Seroquel (used to treat several mental health concerns including depression) might be necessary.
  • In some cases, benzodiazepine medications like Klonopin can be used to control seizures and reduce the severity and duration of additional withdrawal symptoms.

Long-Term Ambien Addiction Recovery

At Immersion Recovery Center we break our medical detox program down into three distinct stages: evaluation, stabilization and preparation. Upon admission to our detox program each client undergoes a detailed and in-depth addiction assessment, or evaluation. We ask a series of pertinent questions, including:

  • What type of substance/substances were being used, and for how long?
  • Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for an underlying mental or physical condition, such as a mental illness or chronic health concern?
  • Have you undergone treatment for a substance use disorder in the past?
  • What dose of Ambien were you consuming on a daily basis?

The questions we ask during the initial assessment help our clinical and medical team determine which detox methods are the most appropriate for each unique case. Next, we focus our attention on physical stabilization. Clients are able to relax in their private or semi-private bedrooms, and they have the opportunity to participate in group workshops and behavioral therapy sessions if they are feeling up to doing so. The physical and psychological symptoms of Ambien withdrawal are treated as soon as they develop, seeing as our team of licensed medical professionals are available 24-hours a day. Our main priority is making the Ambien detox process as comfortable as possible. Once physical stabilization has been achieved, clients make a smooth transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care. In most cases, this means transitioning into a residential inpatient treatment center. At Immersion Recovery Center we offer a multi-staged program of recovery, which includes:

Long-term Ambien addiction recovery is possible. With an individualized and effective treatment program in place, even the most severe cases of addiction can be overcome. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with our simple and straightforward admissions process.

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Immersion Recovery Center provides a licensed, individualized and integrated detox program to people of all ages who have been struggling with addictive disorders of all types and severities. We offer a step-down curriculum of clinical care, designed to help our clients make a smooth and seamless transition from medical detox into the next level of care, and eventually back into independent living. We understand how difficult it might seem to choose the best drug and alcohol detox in Florida for your unique personal needs. Fortunately, we are available to help make the decision easier. The moment you contact us, either directly through our website or over the phone, you are put in touch with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors. They ask a short series of questions, ultimately helping you determine which level of care is the most appropriate for your unique case. If we believe our program is a good fit we conduct a free, no obligation insurance benefit check and facilitate local travel to our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center. Contact us today to begin.

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