Original article
Yes, addiction can develop with some sleep medicines, but the risk is not the same for every product. This topic may become clearer when you compare sleeping pill dependence and addiction with possible sleeping pill side effects rather than judging yourself by one symptom.
Sleeping pills are a large group of prescription and nonprescription medications. Some pills in this category pose no risk for abuse, dependence, or addiction. However, others can lead to problems in all of these areas. If you experience such problems, treatment for sleeping pill addiction in Colorado will support your recovery. How can you tell if you need help? A number of signs may point to the presence of a sleeping pill addiction.
What Are Sleeping Pills?
The term sleeping pill can be used to describe any medication in pill form that helps you sleep. You may see these medications referred to by a number of names. Common examples include sedative/tranquilizers, sleep aids, and hypnotics. Some medications are designed primarily as sleep treatments. Others have different primary uses but can be adapted to promote sleep.
The two most widely prescribed groups of sleeping pills are benzodiazepines, or benzos, and Z-drugs. Benzos commonly used to aid sleep include:
- Temazepam
- Estazolam
- Triazolam
- Flurazepam
The list of Z-drugs includes zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon.
What Is Sleeping Pill Abuse?
Both benzos and Z-drugs are potential targets for sleeping pill abuse. You may also see this behavior described as sleeping pill misuse. Abuse occurs when you use a medication in a way that doesn’t follow the terms of your prescription.
For example, you may shorten the prescribed time between doses of your medication. You may also take more of it at once than your doctor intended. Any recreational use of sleeping pills qualifies as misuse or abuse. In addition, misuse occurs if you do anything to speed up the drug impact of your medication. Use of someone else’s medication also falls into the category of abuse or misuse.
Abusing Sleeping Pills and Sleeping Pill Addiction
Abusing sleeping pills is a common first step to eventual addiction. This is true whether you’re taking a benzo or a Z-drug. Why does abuse make sleeping pill addiction a possibility? When overused, both Z-drugs and benzos can lead to physical drug dependence. This state occurs when your brain has become physically reliant on the presence of a given type of pill.
Physical dependence is the first hallmark of addiction. In addition, affected people are psychologically dependent on sleeping pills. This means that you have an emotional need to keep using them. The common companion of physical and psychological dependence is compulsive, involuntary drug-seeking behavior. When you start exhibiting this behavior, full-blown addiction has arrived.
Potential Signs of Sleeping Pill Addiction
Are you or someone you know addicted to sleeping pills? While only doctors can make an official determination, you may be able to pick up on some likely indicators. Possible signs of sleeping pill addiction include:
- Not being able to set limits on your sleeping pill use
- Experiencing withdrawal if you stop taking your pills or cut back on them
- Having a daily routine that puts a priority on obtaining and/or taking sleeping pills
- Feeling cravings for more of your pills when you’re not using them
- Keeping up a level of pill use that you know is harming you
- Needing to take more and more pills before you feel their effects
You may also find yourself trying and failing to quit using sleeping pills multiple times.
Learn More About the Signs of Sleeping Pill Addiction at Women’s Recovery
Are you concerned that you may be addicted to sleeping pills? Talk to the specialists at Women’s Recovery. Every day, we help women from all walks of life determine if they’re affected by addiction. We also provide the customized treatment you need to recover your sobriety. To learn more about how Women’s Recovery can help, call us today at 833.754.0554 or complete our online information form.