Sedatives and sleeping pills are some of the most frequently abused pills. Of these pills, Ambien is perhaps one of the most popular choices. Recognizing Ambien abuse can be a bit tricky. However, there’s a few things to watch for which can help clue you in…
Ambien Abuse: What It Looks Like
Long-term use
One apparent sign of Ambien abuse is long-term abuse. Ambien is more of a short-term solution for those suffering from insomnia and other sleeping problems. The drug’s purpose is that it’s helps a person get their sleep back on track. After that, then they can stop taking it.
The danger is similar to that of other addictive prescription pills. It’s very easy for a person to develop a habit and take them for longer than they should, and in larger amounts. If you notice that you’re taking these pills for longer than you should be, even if you don’t need them anymore, it may be because of an addiction.
Returning insomnia
Another sign of Ambien abuse is when you find you can’t sleep at all without it. Effectively, Ambien will help you “break past” your insomnia and fix your sleeping schedule. From there, you can stop taking it and get back to sleeping as you should.
However, it could be the case that your insomnia keeps coming back whenever you’re trying to stop taking the pills. What’s happened is your body has developed a dependency on the drug in order to sleep. It’s best to seek some additional specialist help when this happens, so you don’t end up with a deeper addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms
Like with any drug, Ambien abuse can be recognized when you experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms tend to first pop up 48 hours after you stop taking the pills. However, they can last anywhere from around 1 to 2 weeks. It’s those first 3-5 days, though, where they’ll be at their most intense.
For Ambien, things such as anxiety, irritability, and depression are common. So are feelings of nausea, fatigue, and constant sweating. In very rare cases, even seizures can occur because of withdrawal. At that point, it’s crucial to seek out medical assistance to ensure you stay safe.
