Sleeping pills can be both physically and psychologically addictive, and individuals who abuse these medications can become dependent on them, experiencing withdrawal when they attempt to quit. If you or someone you know is struggling with sleeping pill addiction and considering detoxification, today’s guide highlights issues that include:
- Can you have withdrawals from sleeping pills?
- How to stop sleeping pill addiction.
- Addiction to sleeping pills withdrawal symptoms: how to cope.
- How to connect with sleeping pill addiction treatment in Southern California.
Symptoms of Sleeping Pill Withdrawal
The symptoms of sleeping pill withdrawal can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as the severity and duration of the addiction and the type of sleeping pill used. Common sleeping pills withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia or difficulty falling and staying asleep is one of the hallmark withdrawal symptoms of sleeping pills. Rebound insomnia, where sleep problems worsen after stopping the medication, is also common.
- Restlessness: People may experience a sense of restlessness and an inability to feel calm or relaxed.
- Anxiety: Feelings of anxiety and nervousness may intensify during withdrawal from sleeping pills.
- Shivering: Some individuals may experience shivering or trembling, which can be distressing.
- Circulation problems: Withdrawal from sleeping pills can sometimes lead to circulation problems, causing sensations of coldness in the extremities.
- Drug cravings: Cravings for the sleeping pill can arise during withdrawal, making it challenging to resist the temptation to use the drug again.
- Irritability: People going through withdrawal may become easily irritable and may experience mood swings.
- Depression: Feelings of sadness or depression are not uncommon during sleeping pill withdrawal.
- Confusion: Individuals may feel mentally foggy or confused as they adjust to the absence of the drug.
- Hallucinations: In severe cases, hallucinations or perceptual disturbances can occur during withdrawal.
- Sweating: Profuse sweating or night sweats can be a symptom of sleeping pill withdrawal.
- Increased heart rate: Some individuals may experience a rapid heart rate or palpitations during withdrawal.
- Nausea or vomiting: Digestive disturbances like nausea or vomiting often accompany sleeping pill withdrawal.
- Hand tremors: Trembling or shaking in the hands is another possible symptom.
- Seizures: In severe cases of withdrawal, seizures may occur, highlighting the importance of medical supervision during the detoxification process.
Seek medical assistance during withdrawal from sleeping pills, especially for those who have used these medications for an extended period or in high doses. Suddenly stopping the use of sleeping pills can lead to withdrawal symptoms, and medical professionals may gradually reduce the dosage to help prevent severe withdrawal effects. Additionally, healthcare providers can provide support and guidance to manage the discomfort associated with sleeping pill withdrawal effectively.
Sleeping Pill Withdrawal Side Effects
When individuals stop using sleeping pills, they may experience a range of withdrawal side effects due to their physical dependence on the medication. Sleeping pills are both physically and psychologically addictive, and abruptly discontinuing their use can lead to various withdrawal symptoms.
Common sleeping pill withdrawal side effects include:
- Increased feelings of anxiety and restlessness
- Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Digestive disturbances, including nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pain or aches
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Circulation problems
In more severe cases, the following side effects may present during sleeping pill withdrawal:
- Delirium, characterized by confusion and disorientation
- Hallucinations or perceptual disturbances
- Psychosis
- Seizures
How to Detox from Sleeping Pills
If you want to know how to withdraw from sleeping pills as safely and comfortably as possible, seek medical supervision. Suddenly stopping sleeping pill use can be dangerous, and professional medical support can help manage and minimize the discomfort of withdrawal. Detoxing at an accredited center allows for a gradual reduction of the dosage, reducing the risk of severe withdrawal effects. The duration of sleeping pill detox can vary based on the severity of the addiction and how long the individual has been taking the medication. Typically, the process lasts around three weeks.
Medical detoxification is recommended to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals going through sleeping pill withdrawal. The withdrawal process can be challenging, but with the right support and guidance, individuals can successfully break their physical dependence on sleeping pills and start their journey towards a healthier, drug-free life.
Rebound insomnia, where individuals experience worsened sleep problems after stopping sleeping pills, is common during withdrawal. This can be like experiencing double the insomnia, making the detox process more challenging. The use of substitute medications during tapering off sleeping pills may also be considered in some cases, but further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this approach.
FAQs
Why is it bad to take sleeping pills every night?
Taking sleeping pills every night can lead to dependence and addiction. These medications are both physically and psychologically addictive, and long-term use may result in a person’s body becoming reliant on them to fall asleep, potentially leading to difficulty sleeping without them.
What happens when I stop taking sleeping pills?
When you stop taking sleeping pills, especially after prolonged use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include difficulty sleeping, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, depression, and drug cravings. In some cases, rebound insomnia may occur, where insomnia returns or worsens after discontinuing the medication.
How do you get off sleeping pills naturally?
Getting off sleeping pills naturally can be challenging, but a tapered dose reduction with the guidance of a doctor is recommended. Psychological or therapeutic support can also help during the withdrawal process. The goal is to minimize withdrawal symptoms and adjust to sleeping without medication.
What happens when you take sleeping pills every day?
Taking sleeping pills every day can lead to dependence, where your body becomes reliant on the medication to fall asleep. This may result in withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using the pills. Long-term use can also lead to side effects like memory problems, drowsiness, and increased risk of falls, especially in older individuals
Sleeping Pill Addiction Treatment
Overcoming sleeping pill addiction requires targeted rehabilitation and detoxification. Sleeping pills, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be habit-forming and lead to dependence and addiction, especially when used for an extended period. The two main categories of sleeping pills are benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines, each with its own set of side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal from sleeping pills can be intense and may include symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, tremors, hallucinations, and rebound insomnia. It is essential to seek medical assistance during the detox process to ensure safety and support during withdrawal.
Treatment facilities offer both inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to individual needs and the level of addiction. Medical detox is considered the safest way to detox from sleeping pills or any other addictive drug, as it allows doctors to monitor the person’s vital signs and address any potential health concerns that may arise. The duration of withdrawal can vary for each individual, with symptoms typically beginning within several hours to a few days after quitting the drug and generally fading after about a week or two.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sleeping pill addiction, seeking professional treatment and support can make a significant difference in achieving a successful recovery.
Get Treatment for Sleeping Pill Addiction at Gratitude Lodge
Gratitude Lodge, located in Southern California, offers a pet-friendly rehab program dedicated to helping individuals combat barbiturate addiction and other mental health conditions. Our facility has locations in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA, providing a tranquil environment for whole-body recovery. The treatment process at Gratitude Lodge begins with a supervised medical detox program, ensuring the safest and smoothest pathway to detoxification and ongoing recovery.
Following detox, you can engage with ongoing inpatient treatment that draws from various evidence-based interventions, including MAT (medication-assisted treatment), psychotherapy, group therapy, individual counseling, family therapy, holistic therapies, and aftercare support. Our holistic approach aims to address not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the underlying psychological and emotional factors contributing to the addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sleeping pill addiction, call admissions today at 844-576-0144.
