Ambien is the brand name for zolpidem tartrate. This is a sleep aid prescribed by physicians to treat insomnia. When a person becomes dependent on this drug and uses it long-term, they are suffering from an Ambien addiction. Addiction may be hard to detect initially, but when the dependency is formed, serious side effects and consequences can occur. BetterAddictionCare is here to help you understand more about Ambien addiction and connect you with the Ambien addiction treatment that is the best fit for you.

Ambien was intended to be less addictive than benzodiazepine drugs, but it is addictive nonetheless. The addiction may go unnoticed until the individual realizes that they cannot sleep without using the medication. Ambien addiction can be psychological in nature because of its relation to sleep patterns. The drug is meant to be used for a brief period of time that allows the user to catch up on restorative sleep: Taking the drug for extended periods of time with no sobriety break can lead to dependence and addiction.

Some Ambien side effects are referred to as complex or unusual behaviors. These have included incidences of a person driving while asleep, with no memory of the action later on. Other symptoms users have experienced include eating and making phone calls while asleep, hallucinations, agitation, and suicidal thoughts. The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-V manual lists the following criteria that indicate an Ambien addiction:

• Compulsive need to obtain Ambien
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down on use
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Taking the drug longer than intended
• Loss of interest in old activities in favor of using the drug

Concerned parties can detect signs of addiction in their loved ones that might indicate the need for intervention and Ambien addiction treatment. Some signs to watch out for are:

• Seeing more than one doctor to obtain prescriptions
• Frequent instances of poor performance or absences at work
• Spending a lot of time or money acquiring Ambien
• Continuing to use Ambien despite dangerous situations such as sleep-driving

Ambien addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you recognize the signs of addiction in yourself or a loved one, contact BetterAddictionCare to find the Ambien addiction treatment you need. You can contact us to speak confidentially with a client care specialist who will create an individualized plan to help you find an affordable addiction treatment center near you. You can get help and start healing at one of our safe, comfortable, nationally recognized treatment centers. Call BetterAddictionCare today or fill out our contact form to take the next step in recovery.