Ambien is a widely used prescription sleep aid, but it can be habit-forming and addictive. Though many people use zolpidem safely, people with a predisposition to addiction or a history of substance abuse or substance use disorders are more likely to develop an addiction from Ambien use.
Ambien use can cause physical dependence over time, which is when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of a drug and needs it to function. If you stop suddenly or drastically reduce your dose, you could experience withdrawal symptoms like:[6]
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hand tremors
- Hallucination
- Nervousness
- Delirium
- Panic attacks
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Flushing
- Stomach cramps
- In rare cases, seizures
Physical dependence may occur with addictive drugs or non-addictive drugs, so developing dependence isn’t necessarily a substance use disorder by itself. However, it can be part of an addiction. If you struggle with Ambien use or want to stop taking it, don’t do it on your own. Talk to your doctor about your options. They may want to taper you off the drug to wean it out of your system and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms – as well as the potential risks.
Ambien and Other Substance Use Disorders
It’s possible to become addicted to Ambien on its own. Using Ambien can also trigger addiction to other drugs. Some people experience sleep problems if they abuse substances or during withdrawal and addiction treatment, leading them to use Ambien or similar sleep aids. This can cause an addiction to a secondary substance or a need to use other depressant drugs like opioids or benzodiazepines.
The use or abuse of two or more substances together is known as polydrug abuse or polysubstance use. It’s possible to become addicted to multiple substances, which is known as a polysubstance use disorder. The risk of addiction is significantly increased if you use Ambien and alcohol together.
Treatment for Polysubstance Use Disorder
It’s not safe to stop taking Ambien suddenly or stop drinking alcohol abruptly if you’ve developed dependence. Both of these drugs can have potentially dangerous withdrawal syndromes, including potential seizures. If you’re struggling with Ambien dependence or addiction, alcohol addiction, or polysubstance use disorder involving both drugs, it’s best to enter a professional addiction treatment program.
Usually, the first step is medical detox to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible while the drug clears your system. This is important with drugs that have dangerous withdrawal syndromes, like alcohol and Ambien. A medical team can supervise your taper schedule, administer medications as necessary to help with symptoms like cravings or rebound insomnia, and monitor your health to prevent complications.
Detox is helpful to start recovery, but it’s not a treatment on its own. It’s crucial to start an addiction treatment program to manage the emotional and social causes of addiction and learn healthier habits. Though treatment programs are individualized, you may undergo individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy, peer support, and behavioral therapies.
Never Mix Ambien and Alcohol
Ambien is a widely prescribed sleep medication to help with insomnia. While it can be effective, it’s a potent sedative that can be habit-forming. Combining Ambien with other depressants like alcohol can have dangerous consequences, including a higher risk of addiction, overdose, and other effects.
