Ambien Addiction and Recovery Facts

What Is Ambien?

Ambien is a brand name for the drug zolpidem, which is a type of sedative-hypnotic medication.^{1, 2} It is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat insomnia. Ambien is a central nervous system depressant and can impair functioning even when taken as prescribed.

Ambien Effects

Ambien is a type of sedative-hypnotic medication that depresses the central nervous system. ^{2, 3} As with other medications, people taking Ambien feel mild side effects. Since it is a sedative medication, Ambien may also impair functioning in daily activities, such as driving.

Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Ambien users are at high risk for developing tolerance and dependence. Medical practitioners should be aware of signs of abuse in their patients when prescribing Ambien to manage insomnia.

Treatment Types and Paying for Rehab

Types of recovery for Ambien addiction include:

• Inpatient or residential rehab. These are programs where you live at the treatment facility while completing a rehabilitation program. They offer detox, therapy, education programs about addiction and medical treatment.
• Outpatient rehab. Outpatient treatment programs require you to attend group or individual therapy at a treatment center a few days a week for a few hours a time. People may transition into outpatient from a residential program or receive treatment exclusively through outpatient.
• 12-Step programs. A sponsor helps guide you through a series of 12 Steps to recovery. Pills Anonymous is a 12-Step program that helps people who have a prescription drug addiction.
• Dual diagnosis treatment facilities. Dual diagnosis programs can treat any mental health or medical problems you may be dealing with in addition to Ambien dependence.