Ambien and Alcohol. Ambien Addiction and Abuse
Ambien is the brand name of the medication zolpidem, which is a sedative-hypnotic sleep aid, which does not force the individual to fall asleep, but helps put the person’s brain into an “in-between” sleep and waking state, which should help lull the person to sleep. Many people who suffer from sleep disorders, like insomnia, have difficulty getting into this brain state.
Mixing alcohol and various drugs can be fatal. A combination of Ambien and alcohol is an addictive one that risks overdose or death. Medical professionals will strictly advise patients on Ambien not to consume any alcohol. In case you find yourself addicted to either or both, you should get help at a top treatment center like Novo Detox.
What is Ambien?
Ambien is a brand name. The name of the drug is zolpidem. Zolpidem/ Ambien is a central nervous depressant. It is usually prescribed to treat insomnia. Zolpidem changes the chemicals in the brain to cause the brain and the Central Nervous System (CNS) to relax. A consumer is more likely to fall asleep once the brain and the CNS are relaxed.
Ambien is a powerful medication, and physicians only prescribe it on a short term basis. The prescriptions usually last 1 to 2 weeks as it has a high potential for abuse. Ambien abuse is the consumption of the drug outside of or without a doctor’s instructions.
What is Ambien and Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol and Ambien abuse is a case of Polydrug use. Polydrug use is a case where an individual uses or abuses multiple drugs concurrently. It often leads to multiple substance use disorders, which is a common occurrence.
Alcohol and Ambien are both Central Nervous System Depressants. A polydrug use mix of Alcohol and Ambien is very dangerous and often fatal. Ambien abuse has been associated with bizarre sleep-related behaviors.
Individuals often do the following when they are semi-awake:
- Walking
- Talking
- Driving
- Having sex
- Talking on the phone
- Making or eating food
Signs and Symptoms of Ambien and Alcohol Abuse
Risks of alcohol abuse and Ambien abuse increase when an individual uses them concurrently.
People often experience signs like:
- Amnesia
- Dizziness
- Severe drowsiness
- Impaired motor skills
- Coma or stupor
- Slurred speech
- Unsteady gait
- Slowed respiratory rate
- Memory or attention impairment
Someone who abuses alcohol and Ambien concurrently often experiences the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Hand tremors
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Seizures
Effects of Ambien and Alcohol Abuse
Ambien is a brand, and the manufacturer warns individuals who have a history of drug and alcohol abuse. They indicate that they are at a higher risk and call for extreme care and attention for these individuals.
Individuals will undergo the short-term signs and long-term effects for concurrent abuse of alcohol and Ambien. The polydrug abuse will lead to damage to the kidneys, brain, heart, liver, and pancreas.
Some users will experience a change in cognition and behavior. For example, there will be increased irritability, aggression, and more. Individuals may also experience:
- Stroke
- Liver Cancer
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Weakened or enlarged heart
- Confusion
- Aggressive behavior
- Respiratory arrest
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Coma
- Death
Long-term abuse of Ambien can also lead to Ambien overdose. The symptoms of an Ambien overdose include:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slurred speech
- Trouble staying conscious or waking up
- Coma
- Death
Treatment for Ambien and Alcohol Abuse
It is essential to visit a treatment center for the treatment of a co-occurring Ambien and alcohol use disorder. Self Detox and treatment is hard and dangerous. The treatment approaches to polydrug alcohol and Ambien abuse include:
1. Medically-Assisted Detox
Medical professionals will use a long-acting drug to detox for Ambien abuse. However, you should know that medical intervention is hard because Ambien is similar to benzodiazepines.
2. Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment provides a safe environment for patients to detox and recovers from alcohol and Ambien abuse disorder. You will be away from triggers and stressors. Moreover, you will live in a drug and alcohol-free environment with access to 24/7 medical supervision.
3. Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs are usually prescribed for individuals with a case of mild addiction or after inpatient treatment. You can live at home, go to work, or school while going to therapy.
4. 12-step Programs
Alcoholics Anonymous is an example of a 12-step program. 12 step programs provide a set of steps that individuals can use for substance abuse recovery.
5. Counseling and Therapy
Counseling and therapy will provide positive coping and communication skills. They also help patients to address underlying problems caused by Ambien and Alcohol Abuse.
Treatment at Novo Detox
Novo detox is a treatment center that offers quality detox services in a supportive and comfortable environment. Our treatment center is located in Los Angeles, California. We provide comprehensive treatment to help individuals to achieve long-term recovery.
Our team of medical professionals usually implement this form of treatment through personalized toxicology testing, pharmacogenomic testing, social & psychological assessment, and physical & history exam.
We offer detox services for various substances, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, Ambien, and more. Our services also cover co-occurring disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, codependency, and more.
