Written by:
Medically Reviewed by:
Last Updated:
September 25th, 2024
Sleeping pill addiction
Sleep is an integral part of our daily routine and essential to maintaining overall well-being, and when it seems unattainable, people look to sleeping pills.
While these medications can temporarily relieve those grappling with sleep disorders, a significant concern surrounds their potential for addiction. We will explore the relationship between sleeping pills and addiction, the varying medications available and how to get the help you or a loved one need if battling a sleeping pill addiction.
Are sleeping pills addictive?
Sleeping pills can be addictive, especially if misused or for an extended period. Most sleeping pills belong to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics, which work by slowing down brain activity to induce sleep.
Common types of sleeping pill addictions include:
Sonata addiction
Sonata is used for short-term insomnia relief, but prolonged use can lead to dependence and tolerance, requiring higher doses. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, rebound insomnia, and difficulty concentrating, making it hard to quit.
Zolpidem addiction
Zolpidem, commonly prescribed for insomnia, can quickly lead to dependence if misused. Long-term use can cause tolerance, leading to withdrawal symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and irritability.
Zopiclone addiction
Zopiclone is prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to dependency, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, mood swings, rebound insomnia, and cognitive impairment.
Sedative addiction
Sedatives, used to calm anxiety or induce sleep, carry a high risk of dependence if used for long periods. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses, and cause withdrawal symptoms.
While these medications can be effective in the short term for treating insomnia or sleep disturbances, they can also lead to a sleeping pill addiction when misused.
Some factors that contribute to the addictive potential of sleeping pills include:
- Tolerance: Over time, the body may develop tolerance to the effects of sleeping pills, requiring higher doses to achieve the same sleep-inducing effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Abruptly stopping or reducing the dosage of sleeping pills after extended use can result in withdrawal symptoms. The unpleasant symptoms can reinforce the desire to continue using sleeping pills.
- Misuse: Some people mistakenly believe that sleeping pills are prescribed for safety and are less likely to be addictive. This misconception can encourage individuals to misuse and take them for non-medical reasons.
It is important to use sleeping pills strictly as prescribed by a healthcare professional and for the shortest duration necessary to avoid developing a sleeping pill addiction.
How do I know if a loved one is addicted to sleeping pills?
Recognising signs of addiction in a loved one can be challenging, but certain indications may suggest a possible addiction to sleeping pills.
Here are some signs of sleeping pill addiction you should look out for:
- Increased consumption: It could be a sign of addiction if your loved one takes higher doses of sleeping pills than prescribed or uses them more frequently without medical advice.
- Continued use: If your loved one continues to use sleeping pills despite experiencing negative effects, such as relationship problems or health issues, it may indicate addiction.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Abruptly stopping or reducing the dosage of sleeping pills can result in withdrawal symptoms. It may indicate addiction if your loved one experiences anxiety, irritability, or other withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Sleeping pill addiction can cause a person to neglect their obligations, such as work or school, as they prioritise using sleeping pills.
- Changes in behaviour: Look for significant changes in your loved one’s behaviour. They may appear tired, disoriented or become unnecessarily moody.
- Doctor shopping: If you notice your loved one obtaining sleeping pills from different doctors, it suggests a potential addiction.
Physical symptoms can also provide valuable indicators for identifying a sleeping pill addiction.
Some common examples of these symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Itching
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness during waking hours
- Hallucinations
If you suspect your loved one is addicted to sleeping pills, it’s crucial to encourage them to seek professional help. Approach the topic with empathy, express your concerns, and offer support in finding a suitable rehab facility for them.
Can I overcome my sleeping pill addiction?
With the right support, treatment, and dedication, you can recover from sleeping pill addiction and regain control over your life.
Oasis Bradford offers detox and rehab programmes allowing you to recover from your sleeping pill addiction and achieve long-term sobriety.
Sleeping Pill Rehab
At Oasis Bradford, our primary goal is to offer comprehensive support, therapy, and effective tools for individuals seeking to overcome sleeping pill addiction. We understand the underlying factors contributing to this addiction and strive to help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to recover from sleeping pills addiction.
Detox: The first step towards recovery
Detox, a crucial initial step in sleeping pill addiction treatment, focuses on eliminating the toxic substances caused by sleeping pill abuse from your body. Our experienced professionals at Oasis Bradford are dedicated to ensuring that you comfortably withdraw from the drug while minimising any discomfort or withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
Some examples of withdrawal symptoms you can experience are as follows:
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pains
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
Therapy: Addressing psychological and emotional aspects
Through individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic therapy sessions, Oasis Bradford creates a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore the psychological and emotional aspects of your sleeping pill addiction. Our therapy sessions address underlying trauma that may contribute to your addiction, and you can understand the like-minded experiences of your fellow peers throughout group therapy. Overall, rehab is a safe environment where you will learn healthier coping mechanisms to replace the reliance on sleeping pills.
Some examples of the sleeping pill addiction therapies at Oasis Bradford include:
Aftercare: Life after rehab for sleeping pills
Completing your rehab programme at Oasis Bradford is just the beginning of your recovery journey. We are committed to providing ongoing support to help you maintain long-term recovery from sleeping pill addiction. Oasis Bradford provides one year’s free aftercare for all our clients who have completed their rehab programme. Our aftercare programme includes various components such as weekly online therapy sessions, the opportunity to join our Alumni community for additional support, and staggered check-up calls to monitor your progress and offer guidance whenever needed.
Our dedicated team at Oasis Bradford is here to support you every step of the way, providing the tools and resources necessary for a successful recovery journey from addiction to sleeping pills.
What are the next steps?
If you or a loved one is grappling with concerns related to sleeping pill addiction, we recommend contacting our dedicated admissions team at Oasis Bradford. Our team will provide detailed information about the treatment options available and address any questions or concerns you may have. Your well-being and recovery are our top priorities, and we are here to assist you towards healing.
