Do I have a sleeping pill addiction? That is one of the most critical questions you should ask yourself if you believe you may be relying too much on sleeping pills. If you do, it’s time to consider substance use treatment.
Sleeping pills rank among the most commonly prescribed medications in today’s society. Many people believe do not consider them addictive. However, a sleeping pill addiction can easily develop into a serious problem. These drugs often aid in a prescription drug addiction.
Sleeping pill addictions are fairly common and can cause a range of health problems. In fact, sleeping pill addiction is seen as a public health concern as it often leads to more dangerous drug use. It is thought that many people who use street drugs first became addicted to prescription pills such as sleeping pills.
The American Psychiatric Association does not list any specific criteria for addiction to sleeping pills. As a result, it’s difficult for doctors and law enforcement personnel to tell whether or not someone is truly addicted or simply misusing the drug.
Some users realize they may have an addiction when they find themselves needing to take a sleeping pill every night. For other people, consistently increasing their dosage level is a major warning sign.
Identifying a Sleeping Pill Addiction
Some of the most obvious signs that you may have an addiction to sleeping pills include:
Memory Loss
You may notice significant gaps in your recollection of events or struggle to remember important details. This can affect your daily life and relationships.
Constantly Craving the Drug
You find yourself constantly thinking about and desiring sleeping pills, even when you don’t necessarily need them for sleep.
Visiting Multiple Doctors to Obtain Prescriptions
You may engage in “doctor shopping” to obtain multiple prescriptions for sleeping pills, which is a red flag for potential addiction.
Increasing Your Typical Dosage Against Your Doctor’s Advice
Over time, you may find that your usual dosage of sleeping pills no longer produces the desired effect, leading you to increase the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
Other Signs of a Sleeping Pill Addiction
If you ingest a sleeping pill but resist the urge to sleep in order to feel the drug’s effects more vividly, you could be developing a problem. This behavior indicates a growing tolerance and potential dependence on the drug.
Another reliable sign of addiction is trying but failing several times to quit. Despite your best efforts, you find it challenging to stop taking sleeping pills, experiencing withdrawal symptoms or intense cravings when attempting to quit.
Experiencing an ongoing commitment to getting more of the drug despite negative consequences is another sign of addiction. This commitment may manifest as prioritizing obtaining sleeping pills over other responsibilities, such as financial or familial obligations. It can also lead to health issues or even legal problems.
If you’re experiencing any one of these signs, it’s crucial to recognize that you may have a problem. Therefore, seeking help for your addiction is imperative before it causes stronger and more long-term effects on your well-being and overall quality of life.
Powerful Side Effects
Sleeping pills are specifically formulated to induce drowsiness and assist individuals who struggle with sleep-related issues in achieving a restful night’s sleep. They can be particularly beneficial for frequent travelers, those enduring high levels of stress, or individuals with irregular sleep patterns.
It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects associated with sleeping pills, which may include:
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Memory impairment
Additionally, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of Ambien, one of the most popular sleeping pills, tends to diminish rapidly. Consequently, individuals may find themselves developing a dependency on Ambien within a mere two weeks of usage.
If you are consistently experiencing any of the aforementioned effects, it is possible that you may be on the path to developing an addiction to sleeping pills.
Sleeping Pill Addiction Treatment
If you are struggling with a sleeping pill addiction or another type of substance abuse problem, San Antonio Recovery Center may have the solution. Established in 2010, San Antonio Recovery Center offers one of the most effective and most affordable Texas addiction rehab programs. Moreover, clients will discover a wide array of recovery treatment services, including:
- Ambien addiction rehab program
- Narcotics Anonymous meetings
- Dual diagnosis
- Inpatient drug rehab
- Intensive outpatient care
- 12-step program
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we take special pride in forming a synergistic relationship with every patient who visits our facility. Many of our clinical staff members are in recovery and devoting themselves to a 12-step program. We know what it takes to help our clients heal.
Do not let a sleeping pill addiction ruin your life. Help is available, and there is always hope to create a better future. Enrolling in a first-rate drug and alcohol rehab center is a crucial step in overcoming your addiction. Give us a call at 866.957.7885 to start on your path to recovery.
