Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?

Millions of people suffer from temporary or long-term insomnia. There are several prescription medications to help insure a good night's sleep. However, sleeping pills used in abundance can be detrimental to one's health and state of being. They can even become addictive. The main prescription sleeping pills are well known: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (escopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon). These are commonly referred to as Z-drugs, or hypnotics. The attractive effect from these kinds of drugs is the way they dampen arousal, thereby allowing sleep to set in and stay for an extended period of time (usually 8 hours).

When used as directed (and prescribed by a certified physician), most sleep medications allow for a very safe way of relieving insomnia. When used correctly, there is an extremely rare possibility of a physical or chemical addiction. However, when used frequently and/or in excessive doses, this type of addiction can occur. Also, as with any kind of drug use, sleeping pills can be exceedingly habit-forming, causing a psychological addiction. The user may develop a dependence on the substance, and begin to crave the constant and continual use. However, this dependence is different than an actual impulse to keep taking the drug.

There are many different ways to work with a physical dependence. Much of the treatment for the dependence of sleeping pills resides in the possibility of other psychological or behavioral therapies. Also, a major factor in the want to continue with the medication is in the way that insomnia returns after stopping the usage. This will prompt the individual to want to keep taking the medication. Some people are at a higher risk for dependence and possible addiction than others, as it is with any type of medication/drug.

It is common knowledge that Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and possibly Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose on sleeping pills, sometimes mixed with other substances. It is extremely dangerous to mix these drugs with any other substances, especially and most often, alcohol. For some people, sleeping pills can open doors to more dangerous and lethal substances like the abuse of OxyContin, Vicodin, and even heroin.

Sleeping pills, when used correctly, are extremely beneficial and helpful. However, the potential for abuse does exist. Often times, people who tamper with other prescription medications will start to try sleeping pills, or vice versa. It is common for addicts of other substances to abuse sleeping pills along with their drug(s) of choice. Even if this is not your or a loved one's problem, it is necessary to get help with any kind of dependence on any type of substance abuse. With sleeping pills, behavioral and cognitive therapies are extremely necessary. That is what you should look for in the treatment center that will help you with your addiction to sleeping pills. It is tough to break such a strong psychological habit such as a sleeping pill dependency, but it is always possible. If you think you have a problem, don't wait. Get help today.