Top 3 Ways to Survive Ambien Withdrawals
Quitting Ambien abruptly can cause your body to go into withdrawal — especially if you’ve been taking Ambien in high doses, or for an extended period of time. Going through Ambien withdrawals can be painful and uncomfortable, and increase your risk for serious health problems if you quit on your own without help. However, there are steps you can take if you plan on quitting Ambien that can help you safely and comfortably overcome addiction.
Are you suffering from addiction and aren’t sure where to turn for help? Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?) to consult with a treatment specialist about local drug detox centers that can help you overcome Ambien addiction.
If you’ve already quit Ambien, or plan on quitting in the near future, here are three safe ways to survive withdrawal and lower your risk for health complications.
1. Taper Your Ambien Doses
Your doctor can set up a tapering schedule so you won’t experience Ambien withdrawal.
Instead of quitting cold turkey, inform your doctor that you want to stop taking Ambien. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose of Ambien over a set period of time so you can stop using the drug without going through withdrawal. This process is known as tapering.
If you don’t feel comfortable going to your doctor about Ambien addiction, visit a drug detox center or drug rehab center. These treatment centers can help you taper your doses so you can safely overcome Ambien dependency with little to no health risks.
2. Have a Medically Supervised Detox
If you’re set on quitting Ambien cold turkey, a medically supervised detox can help you safely get through withdrawal. With a medical detox, you experience withdrawal in a drug detox or rehab center surrounded by medical staff who can treat your withdrawal symptoms. Some Ambien withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, and increase your risk for coma or death.
For instance, seizures and rapid heart rate are two common Ambien withdrawal symptoms that can lead to hospitalization or death. But undergoing a medical detox puts you at lower risk for these complications.
3. Promote Sleep Naturally
Rebound insomnia is another common Ambien withdrawal symptom that can seriously interfere with your overall health and livelihood. After overcoming addiction to sleep aids, you must learn how to fall asleep naturally on your own without relying on drugs or alcohol.
Change your lifestyle as needed to improve your sleep habits and fall asleep naturally. For instance, start exercising in the early morning or afternoon to trigger feelings of sleepiness later in the evening. Additionally, avoid caffeine, or limit caffeine intake to the early morning hours so it leaves your bloodstream before bedtime.
Lastly, improve your sleep environment as needed to ensure you sleep better throughout the night. For example, buy more comfortable bedding, or hang blackout curtains to keep out light and noise when you’re trying to fall asleep.
Nobody should have to overcome addiction and withdrawal on their own, including you. If you’re suffering from Ambien addiction, call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-602-1971(Who Answers?). Our addiction specialists will help you find rehab and detox centers that treat Ambien withdrawals.
