for Ambien addiction are available but have no specific protocol other than the withdrawl/detox phase. Because there is a risk of seizure (possibly fatal) if Ambien is stopped suddenly in patients who are physically dependent on the drug, medical supervision is warranted.
On an out-patient basis, Ambien is withdrawn in a stepwise fashion with doses decreased over a week or two until it is safe to completely remove someone from the drug. In an in-patient
setting, the drug can be withdrawn more quickly (one or two days) because there is medical treatment available and patients can be observed directly.
During and after Ambien detox
As the drug clears someone’s system, they will be evaluated for withdrawal symptoms. Concurrently, patients will be evaluated for underlying medical conditions which might cause insomnia. Since so many people who become dependent on Ambien first started taking it to treat sleep disorders, these problems will likely reemerge again and another, non-habit forming
needs to be found.
Patients will also receive information about the drug and explore any psychological issues that led to the addictive behavior. Modern treatments, called Cogintive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), have shown good results. The premise is to train people to react in positive ways to their problems, rather than relying on their addiction. This therapy may also address family and work issues.
Group therapy (Narcotics Anonymous and others) may be helpful for those who have become addicted as the result of illegal drug-seeking. Having others to both listen to and share experiences is quite helpful. Group sessions usually augment direct counseling activities.
Can Ambien addiction be cured?
Because there is no specific diagnosis of Ambien addiction, there is also no officially recognized ‘cure’. Addicts are said to be ‘in recovery’ instead. The bottom line for those having trouble with Ambien however is whether they get their normal life back. This is certainly an achievable goal.
photo by Foxumon
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