5 Effective Ways to Overcome Zolpidem Withdrawal and Addiction
Quitting zolpidem abruptly can send your body into withdrawal as it tries to rebalance without this drug. Health experts do not recommend quitting zolpidem cold turkey, since doing so can trigger side effects that increase your risk for serious health problems. But there are several ways to overcome zolpidem withdrawal and addiction safely so you can get back to living a healthier, energetic, and drug-free life.
If you’re struggling with addiction to zolpidem, Ambien, or another sleep aid, understand that help is available and nearby. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to speak with an addiction counselor about your local rehab and detox options.
Here are five safe, effective ways to overcome addiction to zolpidem.
1. Reduce Doses Gradually
Quitting zolpidem abruptly causes a series of side effects known as withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms may include drug cravings, vomiting, and worsened insomnia. Many zolpidem users who quit cold turkey often relapse and start using again to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Instead of quitting zolpidem abruptly, reduce your doses gradually over time — a process also known as tapering. This allows your body to adjust to lower doses of zolpidem until it’s no longer physically dependent on the drug. Don’t taper doses on your own; instead, work with a doctor or drug rehab center to lower your risk for complications.
2. Do a Medical Detox
Attending a medical detox will reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms.
Another way to overcome zolpidem withdrawal safely is to undergo a medical detox. A medical detox is a drug detox performed under constant medical supervision. This is beneficial when you suffer one or more health conditions that can be worsened by certain withdrawal symptoms.
Many times, a medical detox involves the use of medications that can reduce or eliminate certain withdrawal symptoms. For example, if you experience nausea and vomiting, you may be prescribed medications that eliminate these side effects.
3. Get Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy addresses the underlying causes of your addiction, such as co-occurring mental illnesses or traumatic events. For instance, if you started using zolpidem to escape insomnia caused by bipolar disorder, your therapist will treat you for bipolar disorder so you can also overcome addiction.
Behavioral therapies are offered at many drug rehab centers, and can help you avoid triggers and future relapse.
4. Learn to Sleep Better
Since zolpidem is prescribed to treat insomnia, quitting the drug can cause insomnia to resurface and worsen. If you don’t take steps to address your sleep problems in a healthy manner, you might struggle with overcoming addiction to zolpidem.
Work with your doctor on addressing underlying health causes that contribute to poor sleep. For instance, if you’re experiencing night sweats or sleep apnea, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Additionally, take steps at home to improve your sleep environment so you can get a better night’s sleep.
5. Join Support Groups
Today, support groups exist for nearly everything, including addiction, insomnia, and more specifically — addiction to sleep aids like zolpidem. Consider joining one or more support groups that can teach you how to avoid relapse and addiction. When you’re trying to stay healthy and clean, you need all the help you can get, and support groups are a great source.
Are you suffering from addiction and aren’t sure where to turn for help? Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) immediately to speak with a caring addiction counselor about how to safely overcome zolpidem withdrawal and addiction at nearby rehab centers.
