Is Ambien becoming a problem?
You are not alone. In fact, medical treatment for Ambien addiction can help. But, what is the right approach to treating Ambien addiction? Should you check into an inpatient rehab, or will outpatient treatment do?
In this article we outline the main differences between residential and outpatient drug programs. We invite you to continue reading before you make a final decision. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the designated section below. Or, call our hotline at 1-877-857-3559. We try respond to all real life questions as quickly as we can.
Why do you need Ambien addiction rehab?
Did you know that Ambien (zolpidem) is only recommended for short-term use? In fact, it should not be used for longer than two (2) consecutive weeks. However, many people quickly find it difficult to sleep without Ambien and may continue use for months and even years. With prolonged and chronic use, it may become difficult to quit Ambien without the help of medical professionals in a structured rehab treatment program.
Why is this?
Repetitive Ambien use leads to:
- Increased tolerance, which means you need more and more of Ambien to be able to get the wanted effects.
- Physical dependence, which means your body has adapted to the presence of Ambien in the system and cannot function normally without it. When you are physically dependent on this medication you experience withdrawal symptoms if you lower the dosage or stop taking it abruptly.
- Psychological dependence, which means you believe you cannot sleep or function without Ambien. In fact, psychological dependence on Ambien is frequently caused by insomnia.
- Addiction, which means you obsess over Ambien use and seek it compulsively. You may be aware of the harm it causes to your live and health, but cannot stop even though you want to.
Ambien rehab can help you attend to and manage all these conditions. Medical teams are specialized in addressing dependence by tapering Ambien doses slowly and gradually, minimizing withdrawal discomfort, and providing psychological therapies and support. In fact, the decision to seek help for Ambien addiction can be one of the best decisions you make in your life.
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Inpatient vs. outpatient Ambien rehabilitation
Before you commit to an inpatient or an outpatient rehab program, it’s best to have a general idea about what each type of treatment can offer. It is also important to be aware of the differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab, in order to select the one that best fits your needs. What can you expect from an Ambien rehab program?
The main differences to keep in mind include:
1. Duration of treatment
Inpatient Ambien rehab treatment can last from 30 days minimum, to 60 or 90 days, or more if needed. The 30 day stay usually allows enough time to safely remove all acute traces of Ambien from your body. But, during this time you can also start working on the psychological issues related to addiction. If your addiction condition is more severe and requires further stay in rehab, you may need to prolong your therapeutic stay. For example, some people stay in treatment for 6-9-12 months. Finally, inpatient rehab programs usually include aftercare services such as counseling and psychotherapy that can last for a year or two beyond initial treatment.
Outpatient Ambien rehab treatment provides counseling and therapy sessions daily or several days a week. Sessions last for anywhere from 2-4 hours each. The average duration of outpatient Ambien programs is 12 to 16 weeks, but they can last for months or even years depending on individual needs. When outpatient treatment is a continuation of an inpatient stay, your case will be assessed by professionals and a duration of treatment will be recommended to fit your needs.
2. Cost of inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab
Inpatient Ambien rehab is generally more expensive, since it includes extra fees for:
- room and boarding
- intensive daily treatment
- regular meals
- other in-house services
The average cost of inpatient Ambien rehab ranges between $10-19K per treatment episode. High quality residential rehabs usually cost anywhere from $18K up to $35K a month. But the average cost for inpatient treatment is around $700-800 a day.
Outpatient Ambien rehab is cheaper because it doesn’t feature any residential costs. On average, traditional outpatient Ambien rehab will cost you around $2K per treatment episode, while Intensive Outpatient (IOP) rehab costs about $4K per treatment episode. Average daily costs for outpatient programs are between $150-200.
3. Residence
Inpatient Ambien rehabs provide living quarters within the facility for the duration of your stay. The idea is that you can completely devote yourself to your addiction recovery. Getting out of your normal home environment may be extremely helpful. This is because everyday stressors, people you know, or familiar routines may trigger cravings for Ambien. When you are in a new environment, you can begin a new lifestyle!
Outpatient Ambien rehabs will require you to live home and find your own transportation to the treatment center. This treatment setting allows you continue your regular work, school, and family duties. However, outpatient treatment may require a strong willingness for change. In outpatient settings, you are granted more freedom. So you need a high level of commitment to work on your addiction issues. This is a positive opportunity for people who cannot find the time to drop all responsibilities in life, but need treatment.
4. Detox
Ambien detox is a process that you must go through if you are zolpidem dependent, regardless treatment center. Inpatient rehabs often provide detoxification care and services within the same facility where you will continue your treatment.
Outpatient rehabs usually send you to a detox clinic outside of the treatment place. After you detox from Ambien, you will be required to return to the outpatient facility for regular treatment meetings.
For more information on addiction treatment, please call us day or night at 1-877-857-3559. Our trained staff understand that addiction is a medical condition. We will listen and offer hope. Why struggle even one day more? Call and start your road to recovery today.
How can I decide between inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab?
When you want to stop using Ambien, your first point of contact should be a medical professional. Family doctors can provide a brief assessment of your health state and can refer you to a nearby inpatient or outpatient treatment clinic based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.
The decision about choosing inpatient or outpatient rehab for Ambien addiction should be made along with addiction professionals. Here is a list medical experts you can trust:
- A doctor specialized in addiction issues
- Licensed addiction counselor
- Psychiatrist or psychologist
- Your medical physician
NOTE: You should never attempt to quit Ambien cold turkey or on your own. Seek medical help.
What should Ambien rehab programs offer?
Despite their differences, there are several similarities and general conditions that any good rehab facility should provide. Here is a basic snapshot at the services that all reputable rehabs should offer:
- Assessment and evaluation – Both, inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehabs should include an intake process. You can expect the assessment and evaluation to last 1-3 hours. This is usually enough time for the treatment provider to learn more about you, your mental and emotional state, and your patterns of Ambien use. Assessment should include an interview or questionnaire, a physical exam, and drug testing.
- Progress reports – Your personal case file should be tracked throughout the rehab process. It is important to track your progress in case any adjustments and changes need to be made in your treatment plan.
- Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy – Also called ‘The Meat’ of any addiction treatment, psychotherapy and behavioral therapy sessions are a must for people attending outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation. You will be encouraged to adopt a new, positive lifestyle, and learn better coping skills, which don’t include Ambien use.
- Medications – Inpatient and outpatient rehabs should be able to provide medical referrals for medications. If necessary, prescribed medications to address underlying anxiety and/or depression may be prescribed. Additionally, look for a program that has experience and success in offering alternative sleep aids that can assist your recovery and help you increase chances of success.
Inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab questions
We hope to have answered the basic differences available for inpatient vs, outpatient rehab for Ambien addiction. Still have questions? Please post your questions in the comments section below. We try to respond to all legitimate inquiries personally and promptly. In case we don’t know the answer to your question, we will gladly refer you to someone who can help.
Reference Sources: FDA: Ambien Safety Guide
NIDA Prescription Drug Abuse Congressional Testimony
National Institute of Drug Abuse: Prescription Drug Facts: Depressants
DrugAbuse: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment
NCBI: Inpatient vs outpatient treatment for substance dependence revisited
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