Since Americans currently spend more than $234 billion a year on prescription medications – which is more than double the amount from a decade ago – it is no wonder addiction to drugs, such as Ambien, have been on a dramatic rise in recent years. Adding to the increase in Ambien abuse is the ease with which it can be obtained. Ambien is readily available without a prescription in the medicine cabinets of family and friends, over the Internet and from street dealers who charge high prices for the drug.
An addiction to Ambien can happen extremely quickly. In fact, the prescription medication was never intended for long-term use. Ambien should only be used for a period of two weeks or less. Anything over the recommended 10 mg dose for a couple of weeks leads to physical dependence. Within as little as a month, even a person with a prescription from their doctor, can find themselves in the midst of a full-scale Ambien addiction.
Dangerous Facts and Statistics About Ambien Addiction
- When Ambien is combined with other depressants, such as alcohol or cold medications, a lethal decrease in heart and breathing rates may occur.
- The drug company responsible for the production of Ambien coated the pill to prevent snorting and crushing, but individual’s addicted to Ambien have found ways to do it anyway.
- After taking Ambien, a person’s memory and cognition are impaired to such an extent they may forget having taken the pill. If they do not remember the first dose and ingest more, they are at risk for an overdose.
- People taking Ambien have reported engaging in daily tasks while asleep such as walking, talking, binge eating and driving.
- Ambien users often appear completely in control. This is especially dangerous behind the wheel. Driving under the influence of Ambien is considered far more dangerous than drunk driving due to severely impaired motor control and perceptual hallucinations.
- Some individuals choose to get high by resisting Ambien’s sedative effects. Through sleep resistance, they experience euphoria, perceptual changes and visual hallucinations.
The Need for Ambien Addiction Rehab
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found well over half a million people are currently abusing Ambien and other prescription sedatives, and a huge portion of these individuals are under the age of 18. Over 17,000 emergency room visits in a single year are attributed to the misuse and/or overdose of Ambien.
Whether you use Ambien in a way other than prescribed by a doctor once or whether you do it a thousand times, it is considered drug abuse. Currently, according to The National Institute of Health, approximately 20 percent of Americans have admitted to using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. When one-fifth of the population is engaging in potentially life-threatening behavior with prescription medications, there is an overwhelming need for safe and effective rehabilitation programs.
Finding High-Quality Ambien Addiction Rehab
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an Ambien addiction, there is help available. Let us assist you in finding the Ambien addiction rehab program that best fits your individual needs. Give us a call and discuss your treatment options with one of our professional counselors; they are standing by for you 24 hours a day.
