Don't stop Ambien without help.
Ambien Detox
As pharmaceutical addictions do not carry the same social stigma as illicit drugs, and the user can more easily hide their addiction, often an ambient addiction can become quite severe before an addict becomes motivated enough to seek the treatment they need.
Ambien is a central nervous system depressant, and the abrupt stoppage of ambient can cause very uncomfortable and possibly life threatening reactions, such as panic, vomiting, suicidal thoughts and seizures. Ambien must be either slowly tapered off, or discontinued under medical supervision. Ambien detox is the first step to recovery.
Ambien Addiction Treatment
The psychological component to an ambien addiction must be dealt with during and after detoxification. Common therapeutic practices include individual counseling, group therapy, and often Narcotics Anonymous (NA) peer support meetings.
Additionally, behavioral or cognitive therapy can also be used to change the behavioral "triggers" that ultimately lead to relapse and further abuse. Ambien is often abused in conjunction with other drugs such as alcohol or other pharmaceuticals, and a poly-drug abuse therapy program may be required.
An addiction to ambien will require long term and intensive peer support and counseling for best results. As with any addiction, breaking free from ambien is easier with professional and peer support.
page last update Sep 16, 2010
