INSOMNIA AND AMBIEN ADDICTION

Many sufferers of insomnia find themselves addicted to Ambien and a class of similar drugs called nonbenzodiazepines (also known as "Z-drugs."). While it has become popular--even within the addiction recovery field--to embrace the notion of Ambien addiction as an incurable "disease," this oversimplified view simply doesn't account for the real, complex reasons behind Ambien addiction. At Passages, we have learned that while each addiction is highly personal, causes for addiction generally fall into one of four categories:

1. Chemical imbalances in the brain
2. Unresolved traumatic events from the past.
3. Inaccurate self beliefs or world views.
4. An inability to cope with current conditions.

While many addiction recovery programs believe that genetics alone causes addiction, at Passages we take a compassionate, holistic viewpoint of addiction as a complex condition that can be cured. In the United States alone, millions of individuals--even those with parents or grandparents who have battled addiction--never develop addictions of their own. Rather than the narrow viewpoint of addiction as an "incurable disease" that cannot be overcome, Passages empowers the individual to find and resolve the reasons that addiction occurred in the first place. Once these underlying causes of addiction have been identified and treated, dependency can be cured.

THE FACTS ABOUT INSOMNIA

Nearly all adults have battled insomnia at some point over the course of their lives--with some estimates suggesting that one out of every three adults worldwide have suffered from insomnia. Those suffering from insomnia can encounter extreme difficulty falling asleep, as well as trouble sleeping without interruption. Insomnia can also include symptoms such as hallucinations, muscle weakness, mental fatigue or hyperalertness. When insomnia persists for longer than a month, the condition is considered chronic in nature.

Curing insomnia begins by identifying the cause of the sleep disorder. For some, mental factors such as stress (worsened by anxiety over sleep difficulties), depression, unresolved grief, or panic disorders may contribute to the development of insomnia. For others, very real medical conditions such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or neurological conditions can create insomnia in individuals. Some sufferers of insomnia also encounter sleep difficulties due to environmental factors such as noise or light--while others have disrupted natural circadian rhythms that once normalized, can eliminate insomnia. Lifestyle can also contribute to or worsen the condition, as insomnia can be aggravated by napping, caffeine intake, alcohol or drug consumption, or even smoking. In some cases, medications such as antibiotics or psychoactive drugs can create symptoms of insomnia--even sometimes in response to medications such as Ambien aimed at resolving the condition.

SELF-MEDICATING INSOMNIA WITH AMBIEN

Insomnia can have a debilitating effect on daily living, causing daytime sleepiness, lethargy and irritability, as well as cognitive and memory difficulties. For these reasons, many sufferers of insomnia turn to prescription drugs to alleviate insomnia. Most drugs prescribed for insomnia are known as hypnotics--one of the most popular being Ambien (zolpidem). Nonbenzodiazepines such as Ambien (known popularly as "Z-drugs") tend to induce sleep within 15-20 minutes, aimed at providing a full night's sleep for those suffering from insomnia. However, in many insomniacs, dependence on Ambien persists beyond its recommended treatment course of several weeks, leaving patients dependent on the drug.

For some, the prescribed dose of Ambien simply doesn't cure the underlying reasons for insomnia. By treating the only the symptom of insomnia, sufferers find they need an increasing dose--often more than prescribed--in order to achieve the level of sedation conducive to sleep. As Ambien use continues, tolerance can develop, requiring higher dosages to achieve the same sedating effects. Additionally, Ambien acts on specific neurotransmitters in the brain--particularly GABA--potentially causing a shift in brain chemistry with continued or high dosage. These chemical alterations in the brain can foster dependency--especially in those who have encountered past issues with drug or alcohol dependency.

When some Ambien users cease use, they can encounter withdrawal symptoms that can include cognitive difficulties, anxiety attacks, nightmares, chest pains, psychiatric disturbances--and even insomnia and sleep disturbances that become worse than than those Ambien was meant to treat. Even in those using Ambien as directed, some users will experience dangerous side effects such as anterograde amnesia, lowered libido, appetite problems, severe headaches and cognitive difficulties. Ambien dependency can also lead to overdose--which, if left untreated, can be fatal.

RECREATIONAL ABUSE OF AMBIEN IS ON THE RISE

Like many prescription drugs, Ambien has become widely used recreationally--even among those who do not suffer from insomnia, but use Ambien for its sedative and hypnotic effects. Recreational use of Ambien has risen in recent years due to the widespread availability of the drug, euphoric effects associated with the drug, and its ability to create sensory disturbances (such as hallucinations) and altered thinking during the drug's "high." When used recreationally, Ambien often is not used to induce sleep--in fact, many users combine the drug with other drugs (such as stimulants) or caffeine in order to stay awake and experience the drug's hypnotic effects.

Recreational users of Ambien have a variety of methods of ingestion--ranging from pill-taking, to insufflation (snorting), or even injection. When used illegally, Ambien can lead to a host of dangerous effects, such as sleepwalking, "sleep-driving," dangerous drug interactions, and has even been used to facilitate episodes of sexual assault by incapacitating victims.

If you suspect recreational or prescription Ambien drug abuse in yourself or a loved one, we invite you to speak with one of our intake counselors at Passages by calling (888) 777-8525. At Passages, we have targeted experience in providing a cure for Ambien addiction, as well as successfully treating the underlying condition of insomnia.

You are also welcome to learn more about the proven methodology of Passages Malibu Addiction Cure Center by exploring co-founder Chris Prentiss's breakthrough book, The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure.

TOTAL AMBIEN REHAB WITH PASSAGES MALIBU

Regardless of whether Ambien addiction has occurred through prescription abuse, doctor-directed administration, or recreational drug use, Zolpidem addiction can be cured when properly treated. At Passages Malibu Addiction Cure Center, we take a holistic approach to Ambien addiction, ensuring treatment of underlying causes of addiction and insomnia, to create freedom from physical and psychological dependence on Ambien.

At Passages, our Ambien addiction treatment begins with comprehensive diagnostic testing, to uncover physical conditions that may contribute to your insomnia and Ambien addiction. We also offer holistic drug detox, ensuring that detoxing individuals are supervised by medical staff around the clock. Under the care of attentive medical staff, you or your loved one can find relief from Ambien withdrawal symptoms as you break your physical dependency, while vitals are monitored 24/7 to ensure against medical complications during the withdrawal phase. Our scenic Passages Malibu treatment facility offers state-of-the-art technology, collaborative staff, and a low patient-to-staff ratio--with three staff members for every client we treat. At Passages, you receive individualized attention, ensuring that your care is of the highest standard and that your personal needs are met, assessed and treated in full.