Can You Get Addicted to Sleeping Pills?

Many people ask if they can get addicted to sleeping pills. The short answer is yes, dependence on these medications is possible, and it often requires professional intervention to prevent symptoms from worsening and prevent devastating impacts. Understanding what sleeping pills are, and how they can affect the brain is crucial to overcoming dependence and addiction to them.

Understanding Sleeping Pills: How Do They Work?

Sleeping pills are also known as hypnotics. They work by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain to help with sleep issues by promoting it. The main type of sleeping pills are benzodiazepines. They enhance the effects of GABA in the brain, resulting in a calming, sedative effect. Other non-benzodiazepine hypnotics also have this effect on GABA, but they are designed to be short-acting, minimizing the effects the next day. Either form can carry a risk of becoming addicted to sleeping pills.

Types of Sleeping Pills: Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter

Sleeping pills can be both prescribed and over-the-counter, making them easily accessible. Prescribed sleep aids are recommended by a medical professional to help with anxiety or insomnia. They can be either benzodiazepine or non-benzodiazepine, as well as antidepressants with sedative effects. While these medications are typically more helpful and potent, they carry a risk of potential side effects, dependence, and tolerance making it necessary for medical monitoring. Over-the-counter sleep aids are available without a prescription. They usually contain antihistamines or natural ingredients like melatonin. They are considered safe for short-term use, however, they can cause drowsiness the next day and are less effective when it comes to chronic sleep disorders.

Can You Get Addicted to Sleeping Pills?

When taking both prescription and non-prescription sleep aids, one runs the risk of becoming addicted to sleeping pills. This can apply to both benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine sleep medications. Medications like these can produce a sense of euphoria or relaxation that could contribute to the misuse of these medications. Over time, using medications for sleep can result in tolerance, resulting in needing higher doses to achieve the desired effects. With the higher doses, the body can become dependent on them to initiate or maintain sleep. If the dosage is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms may present themselves.

How Sleeping Pill Addiction Develops

As previously stated, someone can become with continued use due to tolerance building and higher doses being needed. Medications such as Ambien can raise the risk of addiction due to the effects. Its sedative nature and relaxing effects contribute to misuse that results in dependence and addiction. As tolerance builds, and the dosage is increased, the body becomes dependent on it for sleep. When the dosage is changed or stopped abruptly, the individual may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and in more severe cases, seizures.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleeping Pill Addiction

Identifying signs that someone is struggling with sleeping pills can be crucial to getting help. These signs can be physical and psychological, and if identified, they should be addressed with a professional. Potential signs of sleeping pill addiction can include:

• Increased tolerance
• Loss of control
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Cravings
• Doctor shopping
• Using for non-medical purposes
• Withdrawal symptoms

Risks and Side Effects of Long-Term Sleeping Pill Use

The risks associated with long-term sleeping pill use can affect both physical and mental health. One of the biggest risks associated is building a tolerance that can result in addiction. Much like alcohol addiction, continued use of these medications can result in physical dependence that can result in withdrawal symptoms. Sleeping pills, particularly those with benzodiazepine properties, have also been linked to increased fall risk, resulting in fractures and other injuries. Chronic use can result in cognitive impairments that can include memory issues, confusion, and difficulty with concentration.

Who Is Most at Risk for Sleeping Pill Addiction?

Those with a history of substance abuse have a higher risk of becoming addicted to sleeping pills. This is due to the increased likelihood of misusing these medications. Others at higher risk for addiction include those who struggle with chronic insomnia or anxiety disorders. The sedative, relaxing, and euphoric effects that can occur with these medications contribute to their misuse and those with anxiety disorders can turn to these medications as a means of coping with anxiety symptoms. Older adults face sensitivity to medications, increasing their risk of addiction.

The Dangers of Mixing Sleeping Pills with Other Substances

Most medications come with a warning label. These labels explicitly state to not mix them with other substances like alcohol or other medications. Mixing these substances can have devastating results. The interactions between sleeping medications and other substances can be unpredictable, resulting in dangerous side effects. For example, the sedative effects of sleeping pills mixed with the effects of alcohol, another sedative substance, can result in slowed breathing, lower heart rate, and low blood pressure. Mixing them with opposing substances like cocaine or amphetamines can result in unpredictable effects that could be harmful to vital organs and overall health.

Preventing Sleeping Pill Addiction: Tips for Responsible Use

When it comes to preventing sleeping pill addiction, it is crucial to use them as prescribed by a medical professional or written on the label. Adhering to recommended dosages and duration of use can be crucial. Regularly assessing sleep patterns can help identify if the medications are effective, and if not other options may be more effective.

Safe Alternatives to Sleeping Pills for Insomnia

For those seeking non-pharmacological alternatives to sleeping pills, there are options available. Using therapeutic techniques such as CBT can be beneficial. This along with mindfulness practices that promote relaxation can help someone learn to self-regulate emotions and thoughts that interfere with sleep. Establishing a consistent sleep pattern can help promote healthy sleep and relaxation. Regular exercise could also be a beneficial alternative to sleeping pills, however, it is important to avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime. Dietary changes and things like yoga and meditation could help promote rest, resulting in healthier sleep patterns.

Getting Help for Sleeping Pill Addiction

Sleeping pill addiction is a real thing, and continuing down this path can lead to devastating results. Without proper care and support these individuals can continue down a path of self-destruction leading to broken relationships, chronic unemployment, and major health impacts. If you or a loved one are struggling with sleeping pills, we can help. At Virginia Recovery Center we offer comprehensive care for these individuals to learn a way to live without these substances. Call us today and begin your healing journey.