Sleeping Pill Addiction Treatment

A Comprehensive Guide to Addiction Treatment. More on how people get addicted to sleeping pills here…AND how you can overcome it.

12
minute read

Sleeping Pills can become a Nightmare

Sleeping pills are usually prescribed to those diagnosed with acute or chronic insomnia. These meds are usually categorized in one of two groups:

  1. Pills that induce sleep.
  2. Pills that help a person stay asleep.

But over time, sleeping pills can cause you nightmares rather than helping you improve your sleep. How can you know if use has turned into abuse? What to do if you can’t live without them?

We review the signs of a problem here. We’ll also walk you through medical treatments for sleeping pill problems and what you can expect at each stage. Plus, we offer a section for loved ones and suggestions on how to help someone with a problem. Finally, we invite your questions at the end. In fact, we try to respond to all questions and comments with a personal reply.

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Are you ready to quit the nighttime habit?
We understand problems with sleeping pills – and can find you help.
Call US To Live Drug-Free Today!

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Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?

Yes.

Sleeping pills can be addictive when used for a prolonged period and/or when not used as directed by a doctor. At higher doses, sleeping pills produce a drowsy, feel-good effect similar to the high of benzodiazepines. How do you identify a problem? People who become addicted to sleeping pills can manifest the following symptoms:

  • Constantly being forgetful, confused or detached
  • Ignoring social, professional and family obligations
  • Not being able to quit after several attempts
  • Requiring larger doses to be able to sleep

People misuse sleeping pills for various reasons. Some people continue to take them in order to stay sedated. Others take sleeping pills recreationally to enhance alcohol effects. If you use sleeping pills in a way not prescribed by a doctor, it is considered abuse…and you can benefit from medical help.

If you recognize some of the following signs of addiction in yourself and you feel like your life has been thrown off course due to prescription sleeping pill addiction, don’t panic. Medical treatment offers solutions. Make the call to break free from sleeping pills today. Take back control of your life…and call us day or night!

How to Break Free From Sleeping Pills?

The only person who can decide to quit using sleeping pills is YOU. To be able to work on a possible addiction, you have to take two first steps:

1. Be honest with yourself about the problem.

2. Be ready to commit to recovery and do what it takes to get better.

The first part of any addiction recovery journey is establishing control over that little critical voice inside your head who’s repeating “I can’t”. Since our thoughts define our actions, you’ll have to find a way to motivate yourself and transform “I can’t” into “I’ll try”. Recovery is a process that brings opportunities rather than limitations. The only thing that can limit you is the destructive force of your addiction disease.

In order for a person to change a destructive habit, one must find a reason to quit. Here’s how you can motivate yourself to stop abusing sleeping pills:

  • Educate yourself about the harmful effects of sleeping pills and write them down on a piece of paper to be reminded of the dangers that can happen if you do not stop.
  • Make a list of all the reasons why you would like to overcome the problem and write down the benefits of quitting sleeping pills.
  • Make another list of all the fears and other limitations that are stopping you from quitting.

…. But what then? What do you do with all these information?

There is a quote that says: “You can’t do it completely on your own”. So, the next step you should take is REACH OUT FOR HELP.

You can start by advising your doctor, your psychiatrist, or call our helpline to find a suitable treatment program.

Fear Of Sleeping Pill Withdrawal

Sleeping pills carry the risk for physical and psychological dependence. These medications are very addictive and sometimes users develop dependence after taking them for only a few weeks. What happens when you lower doses or quit using them?

When you develop dependence on a sleeping pill, withdrawal symptoms occur as a result of the body’s adaptation to their presence. Once the pills are gone, the body seems to “amps up” its reactions as it adjusts to the new chemical state. But take hope! With medical management, withdrawal does not need to be scary or painful.

We understand that withdrawal from sleeping pills can be physically and emotionally challenging due to the dangers and complications which might occur. Because of this, it’s best to withdrawal from sleeping pills with the help of professionals in a licensed detox clinic. Detox supervision can help monitor and address symptoms AS THEY OCCUR. You can receive both medication and emotional support for overcoming withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • anxiety
  • confusion
  • cravings
  • delirium
  • depression
  • hallucinations
  • increased heart rate
  • insomnia
  • irritability
  • nausea and vomiting
  • seizures
  • sweating
  • tremors

Withdrawal from sleeping pills should be supervised by a medical professional. Call us to talk about your fears today. We’ll help walk you through the detox process.

Basic Choices in Addiction Treatment

Hearing the word “addiction” can be shocking for you. After all, sleeping pills are legitimately prescribed by doctors.

KNOW THIS: Addiction is a medical condition. It causes changes in the brain that can be addressed medically. You do not need to suffer alone. Instead, seek help from professionals who understand how to address the central nervous system depressant effects of sleeping pills…using a combination of medical interventions + talk therapy.

When you are ready for help, the basic choices which will determine appropriate treatment include:

  1. Treatment Setting
  2. Treatment Duration
  3. Treatment Type

1. TREATMENT SETTING

The selection of an inpatient or outpatient treatment setting is influenced significantly by YOUR current situation. Before choosing a treatment setting, carefully examine your:

Current employment status. Review your options and see if you are able to temporarily leave your job to get better or you are obligated to continue your work duties.

Home environment. If you have little kids you might not be able to leave them alone. Explore the option of bringing your kids in treatment with you, or find a close family member you can entrust them to.

Mental health history and severity of addiction. A long history of substance abuse, severe cases of addiction, or Co-Occuring mental health problems usually require long term residential treatment.

Support system. Addiction acts like a cancer in the family. When one family member is ill, then the whole system suffers the consequences. This is why it’s vital for your family members to also take an active part in treatment.

Inpatient (residential) treatment is a highly suitable option for those who live in a stressful environment and are constantly exposed to triggering situations. This type of treatment provides high level of support, safe and clean environment that is ideal for those who tried but realized they can’t quit on their own.

Outpatient treatment centers are suitable for individuals who need treatment for addiction but are unable to stop working or attending school to get it. The advantage of these programs is their level of flexibility. However, these programs might not be able to answer the needs of people who require intensive medical and psychological recovery services.

2. TREATMENT DURATION

You normally discuss treatment duration with an addiction specialist at the time of initial assessment. To first stabilize the condition, experts recommend at least 30 days in treatment. However, 60 and 90 day programs offer significantly higher success rates as they allow you more time for physical and psychological stabilization, therapy, and education. Some treatment programs extend to 6-9 month stays.

3. TREATMENT TYPE

Addiction programs usually offer different type of therapies helping you resolve all the reasons behind your addiction. A partial look into the long list of possible therapies includes:

  • Individual Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Trauma Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • 12-Step meetings and Group Work

…. and more

When applied together all of these therapies, can maximize your chances of successful recovery and long-lasting sobriety from sleeping pills. Medical treatment provides choice and opportunity to get better. Call now to identify those that are the most appropriate for you.

What next?

If you’re ready to seek help…what next?

When you call our supportive admissions will provide you with guidance and information on your concerns related to sleeping pill addiction. This 24/7 service offers you a non-judgmental space to explore your options. We’ll give you the space to talk about your situation and explore your recovery options.

What’s more: We listen. We understand sleeping pill problems are a medical issue. To help prepare you for the next step, we’ll ask you the following questions:

Are you in a safe place to talk?
What specific drug are you struggling with?
How long have you been using this sleeping pill(s)?
Why do you use?
Do you mix sleeping pills with other substances?
Are you struggling with any other mental health issues?
Are you ready and willing to start treatment?
Do you have any financial worries?
Does your family support you? Are they also willing to participate in your recovery?

Do not worry about the information you share with us. We are a CONFIDENTIAL service and you PRIVACY is guaranteed.

The Stages of Treatment

When attending a treatment center for sleeping pills, expect to go through the following standard stages of recovery:

STAGE 1: Evaluation and Assessment

A basic assessment consists of gathering key information related to your use patterns. Counselors also want to understand your readiness for change, problem areas, any diagnosis(es), disabilities, and strengths. The assessment process typically requires 1-2 hours and involved trained professionals to administer and interpret results, based on their experience and training. Assessment includes a mental health history, family history, physical exam, and drug screening. After evaluation, staff will set up a recommended treatment plan, which can be altered during the course of treatment, as needed. The treatment plan is a synthesis of what you need right now to get better.

STAGE 2: Medical detoxification

You’ll need to stabilize your immediate medical and psychiatric condition before you enter formal treatment. Therefore, medical detox monitors sleeping pill withdrawal 24-7 to ensure you safety and to set you up for ongoing addiction treatment. Medical detox can help you manage sleeping pill withdrawal symptoms in a safe and controlled environment.

STAGE 3: Talk Therapy + Pharmacological Treatment

A sober environment can go a long way to helping you recover. Additionally, treatment programs provide psychotherapy and behavioral therapies that can help you get to the bottom of your addiction. You’ll begin to explore the inner reasons for drug use. Why do you use? What do drugs do for you? These therapies will also help you explore new activities that do not involve sleeping pill abuse. Talk therapy may include:

  • Educational classes
  • Family therapy
  • Individual and group therapy sessions
  • Nutritional counseling and wellness activities
  • Psychotherapy and behavioral therapies

However, you may also benefit from pharmacological treatment in order to stabilize mood or brain chemistry. The combined use of talk therapy and prescription medications in the treatment of drug problems has show significant evidence for successful outcomes.

STAGE 4: Aftercare

Treatment for addiction continues to provide support and encouragement after you leave a facility. Aftercare and relapse prevention services are an essential part of the recovery process and can increase your chances of rehab success. Aftercare usually includes a combination of sober living options, counseling, and alumni activities. An aftercare plan will help segue you back into a normal life…and ensure your successful sobriety in the long-term.

Now after we’ve introduced you with the addiction treatment protocol, you are better prepared for what you can expect. Do you still have questions? Our hotline is a free and confidential line where you can determine the next steps to find treatment that suits your needs.

Luxury and Executive Treatment Centers

Nothing is more important than recovery from addiction.

However, obligations are non-negotiable for some hard working professionals, CEOs and/or executive businesspeople. We get this. This is why luxury or executive rehabs allow patients to do the necessary work during recovery and remain connected with the outside world. This allows clients to maintain responsibilities while working on a sleeping pill problem.

The purpose of luxury and executive rehabs is to provide comfortable and supportive environment during which you’ll work on your addiction without falling behind or missing your business duties. Most luxury and executive rehab centers include the following high-end amenities:

  • Individualized care
  • A high staff-to-client ratio
  • Internet and phone access
  • Private suites
  • A confidential environment with the highest privacy standards

For more on how we can help, call us to learn about CONFIDENTIAL, EXEC PROGRAMS.

6 Tips For Helping a Loved One With A Sleeping Pill Addiction

Addiction can either tear up families or make them stronger. The following tips may give you an idea about what to do when you have an addict in the family.

TIP #1. Accept your loved one for who he/she is without judgment.

Regardless of how hard it may be to watch your loved one destroy his life, try to understand that they don’t want to stay in that position. Addicted individuals need love, understanding, and compassion above anything else. Learn about addiction as a brain disease and stop judging your loved one’s “moral failure.” Instead, understand addiction as a medical condition that can be treated.

TIP #2. Create a sober environment.

You can protect your addicted loved one by removing your own sleeping pills, alcohol, and other substances which may be threatening to a drug-free life. This way, you’ll send a clear message that you will not provide them with anything that supports their use.

TIP #3. Actively listen to what your loved one has to say.

Psychologists believe that those who are hurt usually have the need to hurt others. People who reach for sleeping pills are usually emotionally disturbed or have experienced a trauma in the past. Listen to your loved ones struggles and concerns, they will tell you what’s bothering them. An open conversation can bring you closer and leave you space to rebuild your broken connection. YOU ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR, though. Seek professional help for underlying issues…and learn about treatment options in your community.

TIP #4. Encourage healthy habits.

Suggest your loved one alternative ways to relieve stress and anxiety. Offer them your company while cooking food, exercising, playing interactive games and all other kinds of substance-free activities. Give full attention to your loved one when they are sober, and remove yourself when they are under the influence. Look into the CRAFT Model of intervention for more ideas on how and when to intervene.

TIP #5. Suggest joining a support group.

Do a little research and locate groups where others are living drug-free and offer peer-to-peer support. 12 step groups like NA or AA can be helpful, as can SMART Recovery online meetings. In support groups, recovering addicts can interact with others while receiving encouragement.

TIP #6. Be patient and offer support during treatment.
Recovery is a long and complicated process, so it’s important for them to know that their family and friends will support them during their treatment struggles.

Ongoing Treatment and Relapse Prevention

As addiction treatment comes to an end, you’ll have to focus on maintaining sobriety. When formal treatment programs are complete, clients receive a comprehensive aftercare plan that can help you to:

  • Develop a healthy lifestyle.
  • Handle relapse slips.
  • Identify warning signs and high-risk situations.
  • Implement healthy coping and stress-management skills.
  • Manage high-risk situation(s) that might provoke relapse.

This aftercare plan may outline your participation in:

  1. Ongoing counseling
  2. Outpatient addiction treatment
  3. Sober housing
  4. Treatment center alumni activities

Aftercare services are usually not time limited and you can use them for as long as you need. Some people attend weekly support group meetings for the rest of their life, for example. It’s really up to you to determine how much time you’ll spend in aftercare, but keep this in mind: The outside world if full of temptations and you’ll have to learn to look at your addiction recovery as a lifelong commitment.

Stay involved with the sobriety community, and continue to work on your recovery! This will protect you from slipping back into destructive habits and sleeping pill abuse.

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We can help you find your way to recovery and start building a sober life today.
Don’t wait!
Dial TODAY.

Reference Sources: NCBI: Using medication: What can help when trying to stop taking sleeping pills and sedatives?
NCBI: Prescription Sedative Misuse and Abuse
Mass[dot]GOV: Sedatives and Tranquilizers
NIH: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
SAMHSA: Treatments for Substance Use Disorders
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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