About one in three people in the US struggles with insomnia and other sleep-related issues. Many take prescription and over-the-counter medications to fall asleep or enhance sleep quality.
Ambien is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat insomnia. Ambien may help users fall asleep and remain asleep for longer periods, allowing them to get the rest they need.
Ambien can have unwanted side effects and has a risk for abuse and addiction. People who abuse Ambien may have dangerous health complications and other consequences. It is critical to take Ambien exactly as prescribed and seek treatment if you misuse it.
It can be challenging to overcome Ambien addiction. Many people with Ambien addiction require comprehensive treatment to quit taking it and avoid relapse.
This article will explore Ambien addiction, withdrawal, and recovery. You will learn:
- How Ambien abuse and addiction occur
- Factors that affect how quickly the body metabolizes Ambien
- How long Ambien stays in your system
- How long Ambien might show up on a drug test
- How to get Ambien out of your system faster
- How to identify and treat Ambien addiction
- Where to find comprehensive substance abuse treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find comprehensive, compassionate treatment at First Step Behavioral Health. Our holistic approach to treatment empowers people during their recovery journeys.
Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting the First Step Behavioral Health specialists today. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
Understanding Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. It causes sleep disruptions, including:
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up too early
- Waking frequently throughout the night
- Non-restorative sleep
People must experience these symptoms for at least three nights per week for at least three months to receive a diagnosis of insomnia.
People may experience a period of insomnia related to:
- Stress
- Medical conditions
- Mental health symptoms
- Significant life events
These and other factors can keep people from getting the sleep they need. Most people will experience at least one period of insomnia in their lifetime. Some struggle with chronic insomnia that lasts months or years.
Insomnia can affect a person’s mood and ability to function. Potential side effects of insomnia include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Memory and concentration issues
- Mood swings
In some cases, prolonged insomnia symptoms may affect a person’s immunity and long-term mental health. Insomnia typically responds to treatment that may include:
- Medications
- Education
- Lifestyle changes
- Counseling
- Behavioral therapies
If you or a loved one struggles with insomnia, reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialists for support.
What is Ambien?
Ambien is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of insomnia. It is a sedative-hypnotic drug that slows central nervous system (CNS) activity. Slower activity in the brain can make it easier for people to fall asleep and remain asleep throughout the night.
Before Ambien, many people relied on addictive benzodiazepine drugs to sleep. However, many of these medications had the potential for abuse and addiction. Medical experts believed that Ambien would be a safer alternative to these highly addictive medications.
However, research shows that people may abuse Ambien and become addicted to it. Users may also experience other complications and side effects. Some users struggle to stop using Ambien when they want to.
It is essential to take Ambien and other prescription drugs exactly as prescribed. If you or someone you love struggles with Ambien abuse or addiction, seek treatment right away.
Understanding Ambien Abuse and Addiction
Ambien is a prescription drug. People must receive a prescription for Ambien from a medical provider. Misusing it can lead to serious health conditions and complications.
Medical professionals may prescribe Ambien only for short-term use. This can reduce the risk of abuse and addiction and other long-term health risks, including:
- Reflux
- Respiratory conditions
- Chronic sinus infections
However, people may like the way they feel when taking Ambien or develop dependence on it. Some may abuse it by:
- Taking higher doses of Ambien than prescribed
- Taking Ambien longer than prescribed
- Ingesting Ambien differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting it
- Taking Ambien recreationally (without a prescription)
Over time, people who abuse Ambien may develop tolerance. Tolerance occurs when the body adjusts to a specific dose of a drug. People with tolerance may need to take higher and higher doses of Ambien to get the effects they want. This increases the risk of a life-threatening overdose.
After long periods of abuse, people may develop symptoms of physical dependence. It can be very challenging for people to stop taking Ambien when they choose. They may continue to take Ambien, even when it causes serious problems.
If you or someone you love struggles to stop taking Ambien, contact First Step Behavioral Health to explore your treatment options.
How Long Does Ambien Stay in Your System? Half-Life and Factors Affecting Elimination
The half-life of Ambien is about 2.5 to 3 hours. A drug’s half-life is the amount of time it takes for the body to clear half of the drug from the body. Half-lives for a drug can determine how long the effects last and how long detox may take.
Many factors can affect how long Ambien stays in the body. Some of these include:
A person’s age
As people age, their metabolism tends to slow down. This means older adults may process and eliminate Ambien more slowly than younger individuals, causing the drug to stay in their system longer.
General health
Overall physical health, especially liver and kidney function, can impact how quickly Ambien is broken down and removed from the body. Poor liver function, in particular, can significantly slow the drug’s elimination.
The amount of Ambien they take
Higher doses of Ambien take longer to metabolize and leave the system than smaller doses. The body needs more time to process larger quantities of the drug.
If they took regular or extended-release Ambien
Extended-release Ambien (Ambien CR) is designed to release the drug slowly over time, so it stays in the body longer than the immediate-release version, which acts quickly and is eliminated faster.
Other substances they used at the same time
Using other medications or substances, especially those that affect the liver or central nervous system, can interfere with how Ambien is processed. For example, alcohol or certain antidepressants can slow down its metabolism.
Mental and physical health conditions
Conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, or mental health disorders can influence how the body handles Ambien. Some health issues may delay the drug’s breakdown, while others may affect how it’s absorbed or excreted.
These and other factors may affect how effectively the body can clear Ambien. Generally, older adults and those with certain medical conditions may metabolize Ambien more slowly.
People may experience withdrawal symptoms long after the body clears Ambien from the system. Ambien may also show up on a drug test for longer periods.
Medical detox programs include support, supervision, and treatment throughout the detox process. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our holistic detox programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
How is Ambien Metabolized?
After swallowing Ambien, it’s quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching peak levels in about 1.5 hours (longer for extended-release versions).
Ambien (zolpidem) is primarily metabolized in the liver through a process involving specific enzymes. Once in the liver, these enzymes break down zolpidem into inactive byproducts. These inactive compounds are excreted primarily through the urine and can be detected by various types of drug tests. Only a small amount of the original drug is excreted unchanged.
How Long Does Ambien Show Up on a Drug Test?
The body metabolizes Ambien quickly. Detection times for Ambien drug testing are typically short. Here is an overview of detection times for different types of drug testing.
Certain factors can cause Ambien to remain in your system for longer or shorter periods. Age, body composition, metabolism, health conditions, and other things may affect how long it takes for the body to eliminate Ambien.
Urine testing
Urine testing is the most common form of drug screening in the United States. It is common in healthcare and employment settings.
This type of testing may detect Ambien in urine for up to 72 hours after your last dose.
Blood testing
Blood testing has a similar detection window as urine screenings. Blood testing may detect Ambien for up to 48 hours.
Saliva testing
Saliva testing typically has the shortest detection window among all types of screenings. Ambien may be detectable in saliva for up to 8 hours after your last dose.
Hair testing
Hair testing has the longest detection window for Ambien. However, it is the least common form of drug screening. Hair follicle testing may detect Ambien for up to 90 days after your final dose.
Worrying about passing a drug test may be a sign of substance abuse or addiction. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about drug testing, addiction, or available treatment programs.
How to Get Ambien Out of Your System Faster
Ultimately, there’s no way to get Ambien out of your system overnight–you have to let the medication run its course and give the body time to eliminate it. However, since the liver is mainly responsible for breaking down Ambien, and the kidneys filter it out through your urine, supporting these organs can slightly speed up the process.
Here are several ways you can help your body flush out Ambien more efficiently:
- Stay hydrated to help your kidneys process and eliminate waste.
- Exercise regularly to boost overall metabolism.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and antioxidants to support liver function.
- Avoid alcohol or other drugs that could interfere with Ambien’s breakdown.
Time and patience are key. Your body needs time to naturally process and eliminate Ambien. Most people clear it from their systems within 12 to 24 hours, but traces may remain detectable for longer periods of time.
It’s important to avoid any attempt to “detox” quickly using unverified or extreme methods. Some online remedies or commercial detox products claim to flush medications from your system rapidly, but these often lack scientific backing and may even be harmful.
Additionally, tampering with drug tests can be risky and in some cases, illegal. If you’re taking Ambien with a valid prescription, simply be honest with the person administering the test, and let them know what you’re taking.
The Effects and Risks of Ambien Abuse
Like all medications, Ambien has the potential to cause unwanted side effects. Some of the potential side effects of Ambien include:
- Daytime drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Diarrhea
In some cases, Ambien users may experience severe side effects, including:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aggression
- Nightmares
- Delayed reaction times
- Behavioral changes
- Anxiety
People who abuse Ambien or take it for long periods are more likely to experience unwanted side effects.
Ambien abuse can also have other risks, including complex sleep behaviors. People who use Ambien as prescribed and those who abuse it may engage in complex behaviors while sleeping. They may drive, cook, or walk without being aware of their actions.
Complex sleep behaviors put people at risk of life-threatening injuries, such as drowning and car accidents. They may hurt themselves or others while performing these behaviors.
Anyone who takes Ambien may have unwanted side effects or develop dependence. It is essential to watch for the signs of Ambien abuse and seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem.
Ambien Overdose: Understanding the Signs and Risks
People who abuse Ambien face a risk of overdose. Taking higher doses of Ambien or combining it with other sedative medications increases this risk.
An overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. Signs of an Ambien overdose include:
- Headache
- Excessive drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Tremors
- Dangerously slow heart rate
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
- Neck, joint, or back pain
- Pain or burning in the limbs
- Confusion
- Stomach pain
- Impaired judgment
- Hallucinations
- Lightheadedness
Combining Ambien with alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives can increase the risk of overdose. Using it differently than prescribed, such as injecting a liquid form of the drug, can also raise the risk of an overdose.
If you or someone nearby exhibits the signs of an overdose, take action immediately. Call 911 and wait with the person until EMS arrives.
Understanding Ambien Withdrawal: Symptoms and Timeline
People who abuse Ambien can develop symptoms of dependence, including:
- Cravings
- Tolerance (needing higher doses to get the desired effects)
- Spending a lot of time and energy to get, use, and recover from using Ambien
- Doing risky things while using Ambien
- Feeling anxious if they run out of Ambien
- Using Ambien every night
People may also experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking Ambien. These symptoms include:
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Uncontrollable crying
- Panic attacks
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Stomach cramps
- Rebound insomnia
- Faster breathing
- Delirium
In rare cases, people may develop more serious withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. It is crucial to have medical supervision and treatment throughout detox to remain safe and on track in recovery.
The Ambien Withdrawal Timeline
Many factors can affect the severity and duration of a person’s withdrawal symptoms. However, symptoms tend to follow a typical pattern.
Here is a quick overview of the Ambien withdrawal timeline.
6 to 8 hours
Because Ambien has a short half-life, withdrawal symptoms may begin quickly. People may experience acute withdrawal symptoms within the first six to eight hours of their last dose. Common early symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Shaking
- Anxiety
These symptoms may make people very uncomfortable. Many people relapse (take Ambien again) to get relief from these symptoms.
Supervision, treatment, and support are essential at every stage of the Ambien detox process.
Day one
Ambien withdrawal symptoms will intensify over the next 24 hours. People may experience worsening mental and physical symptoms that challenge their resolve. Continued treatment and support are essential.
Day five
Withdrawal symptoms usually peak between days three and five of detox. Comprehensive detox treatment programs can help people navigate the process without relapsing.
A medical detox program may include:
- 24/7 supervision and access to treatment
- A secure environment
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health support, including individual and group counseling
- Medical care
- Holistic therapies
- Assessments and screenings
Comprehensive treatment and support can help people safely manage symptoms and prevent a relapse.
Week one
By the end of the first week, many people will notice improvements in their symptoms. However, lingering symptoms require ongoing support. People may move from an inpatient medical detox program to an outpatient program if they are ready. Outpatient levels of care include partial programs and intensive outpatient programs.
Week two
Most people experience a significant improvement in their symptoms by the end of their second week of detox. However, continued treatment and support are critical, as the risk of relapse remains high.
Many factors can affect how long it takes for the body to clear Ambien from the system. For most people, symptoms begin within the first six to eight hours after their last dose of Ambien.
Symptoms may continue to develop and worsen over the first week. After that time, people may begin to feel better. However, symptoms may last for two weeks or more.
First Step Behavioral Health offers comprehensive detox and treatment programs to support long-term SUD recovery. Contact our intake team to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Recognizing Ambien Abuse and Addiction
Ambien is an FDA-approved hypnotic-sedative medication. This common prescription sleep aid can help users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Doctors may prescribe Ambien for short-term or occasional use.
However, some people misuse Ambien. They may use it every night, take higher doses, or ingest it differently. This may lead to physical dependence.
Some people do not experience sedation or sleepiness while taking Ambien. Instead, they may experience intense pleasure, relaxation, or a sense of well-being called euphoria. People may like these effects and want to take Ambien differently than prescribed. Some may also use it recreationally (without a prescription).
Ambien abuse can lead to addiction. It is important to seek treatment for Ambien abuse and addiction as quickly as possible.
Some signs of Ambien abuse or addiction include:
- Running out of their prescription early
- Ingesting Ambien differently than prescribed
- Taking larger doses of Ambien or taking it more often
- Buying Ambien illegally or stealing it
- Taking Ambien without a prescription
- Driving after taking Ambien
- Combining Ambien and other substances, such as illicit drugs or alcohol
- “Doctor shopping” for Ambien (having more than one prescription from multiple doctors or clinics)
- Doing illegal or dishonest things to get more Ambien
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it
People may begin to neglect their responsibilities, isolate, or experience unwanted side effects from Ambien abuse. People who develop an addiction to Ambien are likely to keep using it, even when it causes significant harm.
If you or someone in your life exhibits signs of Ambien abuse, seek treatment right away. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about the signs of Ambien abuse. You may also reach out with questions or to explore your treatment options.
What to Expect in Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment
It can be challenging to overcome Ambien abuse and addiction. Prolonged periods of substance use can change how the brain and body function. These changes may make it very hard to stop using Ambien when you choose.
Prescription drug addiction is a complex condition. Many people require medical detox services, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support to stop safely. People may also need to find alternative treatment options for medical or mental health conditions.
Here is an overview of what to expect during Ambien addiction treatment.
Assessment
In most cases, recovery begins with a substance abuse evaluation. This evaluation will assess:
- Past and current substance use
- Mental health and medical history
- Family history of SUD or mental health conditions
- Current support systems
It may also include a physical exam and lab testing. This evaluation allows the treatment professionals to create the most effective treatment plan for each person.
Detox
A medical detox program ensures safety throughout the detox process. A detox program may include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Round-the-clock supervision
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support, including counseling and support groups
- Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body, like mindfulness, nutrition support, and acupuncture
Comprehensive care in a supportive environment can help people manage withdrawal safely. It can also help them progress toward their early recovery goals.
Treatment
After detox, it is important to continue treatment. Comprehensive addiction treatment programs address the physical, behavioral, and psychological roots of substance abuse.
Comprehensive treatment programs may include:
- Assessments
- Medication management
- Psychoeducation groups
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Behavioral therapies
- Mental health treatment
- Medical care
- Holistic therapies, including creative expression, animal therapy, exercise, mindfulness, and more
A treatment team of medical and mental health professionals works with each person. This ensures tailored care at every step. People may attend inpatient or outpatient programs, depending on their needs. Many people begin treatment in a residential setting before transitioning into outpatient care.
Aftercare
Treatment programs may last days, weeks, months, or longer. The length and level of care a person requires depend on their unique needs and goals.
After completing a treatment program, people must remain active and engaged in recovery. It isn’t possible to “cure” addiction, so people must develop an aftercare plan to maintain sobriety after rehab.
An aftercare plan can include resources, activities, and sources of support, including:
- Additional forms of addiction treatment
- 12-step meetings or support groups
- Outpatient mental health and medical care
- Individual therapy
- Sober living
- Community mental health resources
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about creating an aftercare plan. You may also contact us to schedule an intake appointment.
Do I Need Substance Abuse Treatment?
It can sometimes be difficult to determine when someone requires substance abuse treatment. It can be even more challenging to recognize prescription drug abuse.
You may need prescription drug abuse treatment if:
- You take a prescription medication differently than prescribed (taking it more often or taking higher doses)
- You buy or steal a prescription medication
- You use a prescription drug recreationally (without a prescription from a doctor)
- You run out of your prescription early
- You worry about running out of your prescription
- You need to take higher doses of the medication to get the desired effects
- You crave your medication or spend a lot of time thinking about it
Prescription drug abuse can quickly spiral into a life-threatening addiction. Or, addiction may develop slowly over weeks, months, or years.
It is important to understand the risk of Ambien addiction. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take it. Do not take a prescription drug that hasn’t been prescribed for you.
Ambien abuse can cause serious short and long-term health risks. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of abuse. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health team to learn more or schedule your first appointment.
Find Treatment Now
Ambien addiction can impact every aspect of your well-being. It can be challenging to overcome Ambien addiction, but having support and evidence-based treatment makes it possible.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our holistic approach to recovery. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake by reaching out today.
References:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Insomnia
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Zolpidem
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ambien Label
- NIH: Zolpidem: Efficacy and Side Effects for Insomnia
- Oxford Academic: Determining Zolpidem Compliance: Urinary Metabolite Detection and Prevalence in Chronic Pain Patients Get access Arrow
- NIH: A case of suicide attempt with Zolpidem – will Zolpidem show up on standard urine toxicology screening?
