Evie Summers
Sleeping pills are a common solution for those who struggle with sleep. However, they can be incredibly addictive, with physical and psychological dependence developing within weeks of use. Withdrawal symptoms can include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and dizziness. As such, it is important to be aware of the signs of addiction, such as increasing one's dosage, experiencing cravings, and being unable to quit. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to sleeping pills, seeking professional help is crucial. Treatment options include inpatient detox programs, rehab, and outpatient programs, which can provide support and skills for recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Increasing dosage | The more you take, the more your brain becomes dependent on sleeping pills. |
| Tolerance | You need more of the sleeping pill to fall asleep and stay asleep than you did when you first started taking it. |
| Dependence | Dependence can develop in as little as a few weeks. |
| Withdrawal symptoms | When you stop taking sleeping pills, your mind may react by having uncomfortable physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms. |
| Addiction | Addiction can occur after continuous use over a short period of time, such as seven days. |
| Abuse | When sleep medicines are used in a way not prescribed by a doctor, it is considered abuse. |
| Inability to quit | Despite trying to quit, you are unable to. |
| Shopping around for prescriptions | You look for new doctors to write you a prescription. |
| Mixing with other substances | You mix sleeping pills with other sedatives or alcohol. |
| Impact on daily life | You are unable to fulfill duties at work, home, school, or socially due to use. |
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What You'll Learn
Withdrawal symptoms
Sleeping pill withdrawal symptoms can be intense, and some can even be dangerous or life-threatening if not treated by a medical professional. The severity and length of addiction influence how individuals experience withdrawal, which can vary from person to person.
Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Shivering
- Circulation problems
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Fainting
The best way to stop taking sleeping pills is to gradually reduce the dosage over several weeks with the guidance of a doctor. This strategy can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and facilitate a smoother transition to natural sleep patterns. Medical detox is always the safest way to detox from sleeping pills or any other addictive drug. Doctors can monitor the patient's vital signs and address any potential health concerns that may arise during this process.
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Increasing dosage
One of the most common signs of sleeping pill addiction is the need to increase the dosage over time. This is because, as the brain becomes more accustomed to the drug, higher doses are required to achieve the same effect. This phenomenon is known as tolerance. As the body adapts to the presence of the drug, it may respond physiologically if you stop or reduce the dosage, leading to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and dizziness.
The development of tolerance and the subsequent increase in dosage can occur within a short period. For some, it may take just seven days of continuous use or taking higher doses than prescribed to develop an addiction. Over time, the prescribed amount may no longer be effective, leading to a belief that more pills are needed to fall asleep. This belief, coupled with the actual physiological changes in the brain, can fuel the cycle of increasing dosage.
The increase in dosage can have significant consequences. Firstly, it enhances the risk of adverse side effects, including memory and concentration problems, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and parasomnia (sleepwalking, eating, or even driving while asleep). Secondly, it reinforces the emotional and psychological reliance on the drug, making it harder to quit. The brain becomes convinced that it needs the medicine to fall asleep, leading to a vicious cycle of dependence and addiction.
It is important to note that not everyone who increases their dosage is addicted, but it is a significant risk factor. If you find yourself taking more pills than prescribed or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing the dosage, it may indicate the development of dependence or addiction. Seeking professional help is crucial in these situations, as breaking the cycle of increasing dosage and achieving a successful detox often requires medical assistance and support.
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Psychological addiction
Sleeping pills can be highly addictive, and while physical addiction is rare, psychological addiction is a significant risk. This is especially true of the older types of sleeping pills, known as benzodiazepines, which include Valium and Xanax. Newer sleeping pills, such as Ambien and Sonata, are less physically addictive but may foster psychological addiction.
Other signs of psychological addiction to sleeping pills include experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking them, such as trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and dizziness. You may also find yourself seeking out new doctors to write you a prescription or avoiding social activities to spend more time using sleeping pills.
If you think you may be psychologically addicted to sleeping pills, it is important to seek help. Overcoming an addiction to sleeping pills can be difficult and dangerous without professional assistance. Many people with severe addictions enter inpatient detox and rehab programs to address both the physical and psychological sides of the addiction.
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Physical addiction
Sleeping pills are categorised as sedative-hypnotics, a class of drugs that also includes benzodiazepines and barbiturates like Xanax. Sleeping pills are commonly known as "Z-drugs" due to their ability to induce sleep. Z-drugs include zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). While Z-drugs are less likely to cause physical addiction than benzodiazepines, they can still lead to dependence and addiction.
The risk of physical addiction to sleeping pills increases with long-term use. Over time, the amount of medication you've been prescribed stops working, and you need more and more to get the same effect. This is known as tolerance, a sign of dependence that can lead to addiction. The more medicine you take, the more your brain becomes convinced it must have the medicine to fall asleep.
Withdrawal symptoms of sleeping pills include trouble sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, shivering, and feeling dizzy and faint. These symptoms can start within a few hours or even weeks after stopping the medication. To avoid relapses, it's crucial to keep withdrawal symptoms to a minimum when stopping the medication.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a physical addiction to sleeping pills, it's important to seek professional help. Treatment options include inpatient detox and rehab programs, outpatient programs, and support groups at treatment centres.
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Treatment and rehab
- Recognize the problem: The first step is to acknowledge that you or your loved one may have a sleeping pill addiction or dependence. This self-realization is crucial in seeking help and committing to recovery.
- Seek professional help: Consult a doctor or healthcare provider about your concerns. They can assess your situation, provide guidance, and refer you to appropriate treatment options. Be honest about your sleeping pill usage and any symptoms you are experiencing.
- Detox and withdrawal management: Under medical supervision, a gradual detoxification process can help manage withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing sleeping pills. Medical professionals can monitor your vital signs and may prescribe alternative medications to ease discomfort during this challenging phase.
- Inpatient rehab: For severe sleeping pill addiction or polydrug abuse, inpatient rehab facilities offer a structured and intensive treatment approach. During a stay of 30 to 90 days, individuals receive medical care, therapy, and 24-hour support to overcome their addiction.
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common therapeutic approach used in treating sleeping pill addiction. CBT helps individuals address underlying issues that led to substance use, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and prevent relapse. Therapy can be accessed through inpatient rehab or as an outpatient treatment option.
- Alternative sleep aids and medications: In conjunction with therapy and detox, non-addictive sleep aids such as melatonin can be used to promote natural sleep. Additionally, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to address underlying mental health issues that contribute to sleep disturbances.
- Long-term support: Recovery from sleeping pill addiction is an ongoing process. It is essential to maintain a strong support system and continue accessing resources that promote long-term abstinence and relapse prevention. This may include support groups, ongoing therapy, or other aftercare services provided by rehab facilities.
Remember, it is important to seek help as soon as you recognize signs of addiction or dependence. With the right treatment and support, recovery from sleeping pill addiction is achievable.
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Frequently asked questions
Signs of addiction include increasing your dosage, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and being unable to quit despite trying. Addiction can develop in as little as a few weeks and can cause social and personal problems, as well as worsen physical and psychological issues.
If you think you may be addicted to sleeping pills, it's important to seek help as soon as possible. Talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider about adjusting your dosage or stopping altogether. There are also addiction counselling centres and inpatient rehab programs that can help.
Sleeping pills should not be used long-term and are typically only prescribed for short-term relief. If you need help sleeping, consider non-addictive alternatives such as melatonin or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
