Zolpidem Addiction

Written by:

Nicki Hari

Last Updated:

May 7th, 2024

Zolpidem, also commonly known as Ambien, is often prescribed to help people deal with insomnia. It is an effective medication for helping you fall asleep, but becoming addicted to zolpidem is a serious risk, particularly if you start using it irresponsibly. You may find yourself taking more zolpidem than before to overcome insomnia or using zolpidem after your prescription has expired. Understanding zolpidem addiction symptoms and signs can help you seek early interventions and explore safer sleep solutions.

What is zolpidem?

Zolpidem is a medication designed to treat insomnia by helping you fall asleep more quickly. It is part of a group of drugs called sedative-hypnotics, which work by increasing the activity of GABA, a chemical that helps slow down your brain and nervous system.

Because of how quickly it acts, zolpidem is usually prescribed for short periods, typically no more than a few weeks. This is to prevent problems like dependence and tolerance, where your body gets so used to the drug that you need higher doses to experience its effects.

While zolpidem is highly effective when used correctly, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely to avoid developing a dependency or misuse.

What is zolpidem addiction?

Zolpidem addiction is a form of sleeping pill addiction which causes you to take zolpidem compulsively despite the problems it causes. This addiction usually means that you start to rely on zolpidem not just to sleep but as a crutch for dealing with stress or other issues. This reliance can sneak up on you, starting with maybe just taking an extra pill occasionally to ensure a good night’s sleep but, over time, becoming an uncontrollable urge.

At this point, zolpidem addiction can begin to cause serious damage in your life, from health issues to the breakdown of relationships with friends and family.

Some common zolpidem addiction symptoms include:

• Constantly worrying about how much zolpidem you have left and becoming preoccupied with obtaining more.
• Trying to cut down or stop using zolpidem but being unable to.
• Using zolpidem despite knowing it is causing problems in your life.
• Feeling withdrawal symptoms like shakiness, nausea or anxiety when you try to cut back or stop.
• Feeling like you can’t sleep at all without zolpidem, even when you are tired.
• Using zolpidem to handle anxiety, stress or other emotions.

It is easy to overlook these zolpidem addiction symptoms at first, but they can be a great early indicator of a growing problem. If you see these patterns in your own life, it may be time to take a step back and consider seeking help.

Why is zolpidem addictive?

Zolpidem can be inherently addictive because, over time, your brain can start to rely on the constant presence of zolpidem to feel “normal”. This physical dependency can make it harder to sleep or relax without zolpidem, causing repeat and often increased use.
However, not everyone who uses zolpidem becomes addicted, and that is because there are a number of risk factors which can make you more susceptible. These include:

• Genetic factors such as a family history of addiction
• Stress and other life difficulties that lead to zolpidem use to cope
• People around you using drugs regularly, normalising substance abuse
• Easy access to zolpidem, allowing you to take higher doses more regularly
• Misinformation about the dangers of zolpidem due to it being a legally prescribed drug
• Underlying mental health issues or unresolved trauma leading to self-medication with zolpidem

It is usually a combination of these risk factors that influence the development of zolpidem addiction. While some of these issues may not be solvable, understanding these factors can at least help you recognise the risks and take steps to manage your use of zolpidem responsibly.

The dangers of zolpidem addiction

Zolpidem addiction side-effects can cause both short- and long-term issues, which can disrupt and damage every part of your life. Some of the most serious dangers include:

• Respiratory depression: Zolpidem can significantly slow down breathing, especially when taken in higher doses or combined with other depressants. This can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening, particularly in people with pre-existing respiratory issues.
• Severe cognitive impairment: Long-term use of zolpidem can lead to memory problems, problems with making decisions and, in severe cases, dementia-like symptoms. This can affect your job, education and ability to function daily.
• Behavioural changes: Zolpidem is known for causing unusual behaviours while under its influence, such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving. These actions can lead to dangerous situations that can put yourself and others at risk and cause legal problems.
• Increased risk of accidents: Due to its sedative effects, zolpidem can increase the risk of falls and accidents around the home. For older adults, this is particularly concerning as it raises the likelihood of serious injuries and fractures.
• Overdose potential: There is a risk of overdose with zolpidem, especially when it is used in conjunction with other substances like alcohol or when taken in amounts exceeding the prescribed dosage. Zolpidem overdose can result in extreme sedation, coma or even death.
• Mental health issues: Extended use of zolpidem can lead to or worsen issues like depression and anxiety. Some people may then try to soothe symptoms of these conditions with more zolpidem, which locks them into the addiction cycle.
• Legal issues: Zolpidem is a Class-C drug in the UK so possession and supply without a prescription are both illegal. The erratic behaviours induced by zolpidem may also result in legal consequences, especially if they lead to accidents or unlawful activities such as driving under the influence.
• Financial problems: The cost of feeding a zolpidem addiction can be significant, while the potential for job loss due to cognitive issues or legal troubles can lead to serious financial instability.

If you recognise any of these zolpidem addiction side effects in yourself, reaching out for help as early as possible can help to reduce the risks.

Zolpidem addiction treatment

If you’re finding that zolpidem is taking over your life, it is crucial to understand that help is available and recovery is possible. At Sanctuary Lodge, zolpidem addiction treatment is provided through a three-phase programme, which includes:

1. Medical detox: The first step is often detoxing from zolpidem under medical supervision. This helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely and reduces the risk of relapse.
2. Rehab therapy: various forms of therapy can be extremely beneficial for anyone struggling with zolpidem addiction. These include traditional and holistic therapies, which can help modify behaviours and thoughts related to your zolpidem use and tackle underlying issues that are contributing to your sleep problems.
3. Aftercare: This involves ongoing group therapy after you complete sleeping pill addiction detox/rehab to prevent relapse and help you build on the foundations set during your time in treatment. It also means making changes to your lifestyle to improve both your sleep quality and your overall recovery journey.

Get help for zolpidem addiction today

Zolpidem addiction can be a life-destroying condition, and while reaching out for help can feel daunting, it is a critical step towards recovery. At Sanctuary Lodge, we understand the challenges of overcoming zolpidem addiction and offer compassionate support to help you through each stage of treatment and beyond. Don’t wait to reclaim your life from zolpidem – contact Sanctuary Lodge today and start on the path to a brighter future.

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