Identifying Ambien and Ambien Addiction in Loved Ones

As many as 50% of American adults experience insomnia symptoms, and up to 15% live with chronic insomnia disorder. 

Although there are several treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, doctors often prescribe medications as part of short-term treatment plans. Behavioral and lifestyle changes offer more long-term solutions. However, they take time. When prescribed, sleep aids are intended to be used infrequently according to the patient’s diagnosis. For example, some will take Ambien for 1-2 days but no longer than 1-2 weeks. 

Unfortunately, for some, Ambien use turns into physical dependence that becomes a full-blown addiction. 

If this sounds like something that may have happened to your loved one, help is available. If you are willing to support them through their journey, you can heal and encourage one another toward a healthier, happier life. So, what does Ambien look like, and how do you overcome addiction? Here is what you should know to help yourself and your loved one. 

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem, a medication prescribed primarily for sleeping problems, such as insomnia. It is intended to be used as a short-term treatment, as dependence and possible addiction are concerns. Addiction concerns are often linked to withdrawal symptoms, which can surface following rapid discontinuation. While Ambien is often considered less habit-forming than benzodiazepines, such as Ativan and Xanax, that doesn’t make misuse any less dangerous. 

Patients taking Ambien may do things they don’t remember, including driving. The other major concern is the effect of drug-drug interactions. For example, when Ambien is combined with other central nervous system depressants, it can lead to dangerous consequences. For those with a history of substance abuse, combining Ambien with alcohol, opiates, antidepressants, or benzodiazepines may be common — but the results could be deadly. 

If you think your loved one is using Ambien but are unsure and wondering “what does Ambien look like?” — here is what to look for:

• A 5 mg pink pill that has AMB 5 printed on one side and 5401 on the other 
• A 10 mg white pill with AMB 10 printed on one side and 5421 on the other

If you find these in your household or see a loved one taking these pills, either without a prescription or taking higher doses more often than prescribed, it may be time to consider the possibility of Ambien abuse and addiction. 

Physical Signs of Ambien Use & Addiction

If you have not seen your loved one physically take Ambien, you may wonder what their physical symptoms mean. 

While initial reports suggest minimal abuse potential, research shows that dose escalation and abuse of Ambien do occur. In most cases, physical signs of Ambien use and addiction relate to physical dependence and withdrawal. One review finds 53 case reports of chronic abuse, tolerance, misuse, and withdrawal symptoms. When considering dependence, 62% of these patients met the criteria. This physical dependence can lead to both physical and behavioral warning signs. 

Although these patients began taking Ambien for insomnia, 47% continued using it because of the stimulating and euphoric effects. So, loved ones may have noticed an increase in hyperactivity or an odd sense of extreme well-being. One case examines a patient who was also addicted to heroin. He began shooting Ambien to experience stronger stimulating effects, increasing his dose from 20 mg to 300-400 mg daily. In this case, physical signs were track marks alongside opioid-like withdrawal symptoms. 

Of course, physical symptoms of Ambien abuse will often overlap with other substance use disorders. The symptoms can be much more individualized and complex when a mental health disorder is involved. 

Some of the most common physical signs of Ambien addiction include:

• Fatigue 
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Poor coordination
• Lightheadedness

Following abrupt discontinuation, withdrawal symptoms can be distinct red flags, including:

• Muscle and stomach cramping
• Tremors and convulsions 
• Excessive sweating 
• Vomiting

Behavioral Signs of Ambien Use & Addiction

Sometimes, there are few physical symptoms, but behavioral signs are evident. For example, this case report highlights the effects on a 33-year-old male who took Ambien for five years because of the dependence he developed. Initially, he was taking 10mg/day. However, within months, he took anywhere between 700mg/day to a maximum dose of 1700 mg/day. He described the consumption of Ambien as giving him a high, which drove him to continue using it. 

This man did perform complex actions that he didn’t remember, such as driving. Relapses were high because of cravings, and although he remained abstinent for a month, following minor domestic issues with his wife, he began retaking Ambien. Interestingly, there was no family history of a substance use disorder, and he had never used any substances except nicotine. Others perceived him as more social and talkative when using, which loved ones noticed compared to his normal baseline behavior. 

Major changes in behavior associated with addiction may include:

• Loss of control over Ambien
• Disregard of the harm Ambien abuse leads to, including the physical and mental distress to themselves and loved ones
• Using Ambien instead of focusing on previous priorities, such as work, school, or family 
• Denial that there is any issue

How to Approach a Loved One About Their Ambien Use

It’s important to understand that anyone can develop an addiction to Ambien. Do not confront your loved one in a threatening or aggressive way — always approach them in a way that shows your concern. The best thing you can do is educate yourself about the progression of addictive behavior and the physical complications of taking Ambien for extended periods. That way, you can approach them with both of your perspectives in mind. 

Addiction is a family disease, so it’s completely normal to have strong emotions toward your loved one and their inability to quit. However, addiction is just that, a disease. Both parties likely feel helpless and hurt, but that can be repaired during recovery. So, approach your loved one in a way that shows your willingness to support them fully, playing an active role if that is what they wish. When you are actively involved in a family program, individuals from your care team will reach out to ensure everyone is doing well, including you, and to determine whether further help is desired. 

How to Get Help for Ambien Addiction 

Getting help for Ambien addiction begins with understanding the need for comprehensive, individualized care. For many, Ambien addiction is linked to other substance use or an underlying mental health condition, so it’s essential to approach the recovery process open to holistic healing. 

To receive professional treatment for your loved one, you’ll want to partner with a certified treatment center that offers evidence-based treatment options and therapies. You’ll need to contact these facilities to discuss your situation and begin the initial admissions process. An admissions staff member will guide you through the first steps, including insurance verification, reviewing the what to bring list, and securing transportation. 

The next step is treatment. This step introduces your loved one to a healthy, fulfilling life. To help guide them, a wide spectrum of treatment options are offered, ranging from medication-assisted treatment to specialty services. 

Treatment is individualized based on each person’s unique needs. For example, this recent case report examines an Ambien-dependent patient who had been taking a daily dose of 400-1400 mg for six years. Her diagnosis was Ambien dependence and a depressive episode caused by substance abuse. In this case, she participated in medication-assisted treatment, tapering her dose of a replacement drug during treatment. After five days, her withdrawal symptoms subsided. However, she was still experiencing depressive symptoms and insomnia. She then began an outpatient program. 

Whether your loved one is having a similar experience, or something entirely different, their treatment plan will be built based on their history, goals, and health considerations. This approach helps reduce the risk of relapse. When you partner with a professional treatment center, you and your loved one will develop a relapse prevention plan focusing on nutrition, mindfulness, therapy, family support, and other areas of holistic healing. 

Read more: How to Prevent Relapse While in Recovery

What Is Life Like After Ambien Addiction?

Life after Ambien addiction looks different for everyone. For most, it involves rebuilding varying aspects of their lives. Relationships often need mending, an area of focus within family therapy. Many need to start over concerning their finances or careers. So, depending on your scenario, aftercare programs and resources may interest you. This process can help you build a network of people who can relate to your recovery process, offering support and encouragement. 

As someone supporting a loved one post-recovery, don’t hesitate to get involved in therapy yourself if that’s something you think would benefit your journey. Work together to support one another, motivating one another to live a life that makes you happy and prioritizes positive well-being. 

Transformations Treatment Center Can Help

Ambien is a powerful medication; for some, it’s addictive when taken for extended periods. If you think your loved one is living with Ambien addiction, approach them lovingly and compassionately. Resources are available to help people from all backgrounds overcome Ambien addiction to live a happy, healthy life, including the help and support offered at Transformation Treatment Center facilities. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, helping your loved one begin the recovery process, please contact us today.