Sleeping pills, sedatives, and other benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat insomnia. In 2022, around 8 percent of adults in the United States reported that they used prescription sleep medicine to help them sleep. Most adults report good results in finding slumber, but it comes with a consequence – dependence and addiction. Sleeping pills are easily attained, and doctors usually prescribe without uncovering the underlying issues of the sleep problem. Moreover, the recent Covid-19 pandemic has put extra strain and stress on most adult Americans, and this includes proper sleep.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Sleep Aids?
With such easy access, it’s not hard for people to become dependent or addicted. In fact, most adult Americans don’t appreciate their dependence until they attempt to stop taking the pills cold turkey. They will typically feel worse than when they experienced insomnia in the first place. This is call rebound insomnia and carries many unpleasant physical and psychological side effects. They include stomach pain, nausea, sweating, increased heat rate and (of course) sleep deprivation.
Prescription sleep aids have been around for decades and all carry risk of dependence and addiction. The most common one’s prescribed include:
- Lunesta
- Valium
- Ambien
- Xanax
- Ativan
- Restoril
- Halcion
- Sonata
Indications of sleeping pill addiction look comparable to alcohol use and include slurred speech, problems focusing, dizziness, drowsiness, shallow breathing, taking more than prescribed, doctor shopping or taking someone else’s script.
Sleeping Pill Detox and Treatment
Because most of these medicines affect the central nervous system and many are benzodiazepines, detox and treatment should be performed at inpatient rehab. Patients admitted into treatment are given a full health assessment so the medical team can design a tapering or detox protocol that is individualized. Patients have 24/7 medical supervision.
Patients can relax during this process and are kept comfortable throughout the withdrawal process. After detox, patients can continue onto residential care and work with counselors, therapists, and case managers to address their behavioral health needs. Individualized treatment plans are created for sleeping pill recovery and any co-occurring mental health disorders. In addition, a strong sleeping pill addiction treatment center will offer alternative wellness programs that support overall health and wellbeing.
Like any other chronic disease, substance use disorder can be handled effectively. Addiction is a disease, and without professional addiction treatment, sufferers will continue to struggle. Call our Hilton Head, SC treatment center at 866-470-2187 to find out if BriteLife can help with a sleeping pill addiction.
About BriteLife Recovery
BriteLife Recovery is a national provider of addiction treatment for adult men and women. With a focus on total health and wellness, BriteLife offers individualized substance use disorder programs that are centered on client choice and collaboration. The company operates luxury treatment centers in Hanover, PA and Hilton Head, SC.
About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.