The top sleeping aids prescribed by physicians can also turn into the most subtle yet profound addictions. We’ll look at which sleeping pills are particularly dangerous, why this matter is not to be taken lightly, and, crucially, the importance of seeking treatment if you find yourself or a loved one down this dangerous path.
Addiction counseling and treatment can help you overcome your dependence on prescription sleeping pills. It’s important to seek professional help to avoid withdrawal complications and relapse. Reach out for help today.
Which Sleeping Pill Is Dangerous and Addictive?
When we think of addictive drugs, our minds often first go to the illegal ones or those procured under shady circumstances. Yet, the slippery slide to dependency can just as easily occur with the happiest of intentions and from the most legitimate of sources—our prescription bottles. Here’s a list of some of the most commonly prescribed and/or abused sleeping pills:
- Zolpidem (Ambien) – A well-known sedative-hypnotic used for short-term sleep problems. It can cause users to become dependent and, in rarer cases, to even participate in activities like driving or eating while still sleeping.
- Trazodone (Desyrel) – Though not primarily a sleeping pill, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia. Its sedative properties can also be habit-forming.
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta) – Classified as a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic. It is less likely to be habit-forming than some others but can still lead to dependency with misuse.
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) – Not exclusively a sleeping aid, it is found in over-the-counter sleep medicines but can lead to drowsiness and, in some, dependency.
One of the key steps in the treatment of sleeping pill addiction is recognizing the problem. Here are some signs that your sleeping pill usage might have turned into an addiction:
- You can’t sleep without the drug
- You need higher doses to achieve the same effect
- You use the drug recreationally or without a prescription
- Your use leads to memory loss or bizarre nighttime behavior
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop
- You feel irritable, depressed, or anxious when you can’t get the drug
- You continue to use the drug despite negative consequences, such as relationship problems or financial strain
If you identify with any of these signs, it’s important to seek help and support from a substance abuse treatment center. You are not alone, and there is no shame in seeking assistance to overcome addiction.
The Importance of Treatment for Prescription Drug Abuse
Seeking treatment is crucial for anyone struggling with prescription drug abuse. The importance of treatment cannot be overstated, for it is the first step towards reclaiming a life that might feel increasingly foreign and out of control. It’s not a shameful act but a brave step toward a healthier future.
Benefits of sleeping pill rehab include:
- Regaining control – You will learn to manage your sleeping patterns without relying on drugs that can take control over your life.
- Rebuilding health – Sleeping pills, especially when abused, can wreak havoc on your body. In treatment, you can focus on the restoration of your health.
- Cultivating support – Treatment environments provide a supportive network that is crucial to the recovery process.
- Developing coping strategies – Therapy and support groups will equip you with alternative coping mechanisms for insomnia and other stressors.
- Preventing relapse – Treatment prepares you to identify triggers and gives you strategies to steer clear of relapse. This is not about a mere stop to sleeping pill use but about building a framework where pills don’t control your life.
The journey to recovery is not an easy one, but it’s a worthwhile one. It takes courage to seek help and determination to stay on the path of healing. It’s important to remember that addiction does not define you; it is only a temporary challenge that you can overcome with the right tools and support.
Begin Substance Abuse Treatment Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, know that you are not alone and that you have the strength within you to reclaim your life. There is no shame in seeking help; in fact, it is a courageous act of self-care and love. Take the first step today by reaching out to a rehab.