Sleeping Pill Addiction: Dangers
When they are used as directed for a limited time, sleeping pills can be both safe and effective. But misusing or abusing these drugs can lead to a variety of problems, including sleeping pill addiction.
Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?
The term sleeping pills can refer to variety of prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements. For the purposes of today’s post, we’re going to focus on prescription sleeping pills, a category that includes:
To answer the question at the top of this section, yes, sleeping pills can be addictive. A person’s risk of developing sleeping pill addiction can be influenced several factors, including:
- Which type of sleeping pill they have been taking
- How long they’ve been using the medication
- How much they usually take in order to get to sleep
- If they also abuse sleeping pills for recreational purposes
- If they have also been abusing alcohol or other drugs
The Signs & Symptoms of Sleeping Pill Addiction
Someone who has developed a sleeping pill addiction may have symptoms such as:
- Frequently taking larger doses of sleeping pills than they intended
- Experiencing strong cravings for sleeping pills
- Becoming agitated or irritated when they can’t use sleeping pills
- Continuing to use sleeping pills even after incurring harm as a result of previous use
- Using sleeping pills in ways that are clearly dangerous, such as by taking them in combination with alcohol or other drugs
- Missing school or work, or failing to meet other obligations, as a result of their sleeping pill use
- Lying to family and friends about the frequency and amount of their sleeping pill use
- Exaggerating their symptoms or visiting different doctors in order to get additional prescriptions
- Trying to borrow, buy, or steal sleeping pills that weren’t prescribed to them
- Wanting to end their use of sleeping pills, but being unable to do so
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms like these, or if someone that you care about has been exhibiting signs of sleeping pill addiction, the best first step is to schedule an evaluation with a doctor or an addiction treatment specialist.
Being evaluated and getting a diagnosis can be essential steps toward finding the treatment that’s right for you or your loved one.
Dangers of Sleeping Pill Abuse and Addiction
Untreated sleeping pill addition can have a negative impact on virtually every part of a person’s life. As with the risk of addiction, the potential dangers can vary depending on a variety of personal factors, including which type of sleeping pill a person has been using.
In general, though, compulsive sleeping pill abuse can lead to:
- Conflicts with loved ones
- Injuries due to impaired coordination and judgement
- Automobile accidents
- Decline in performance at work or in school
- Legal problems, especially if a person illicitly acquires the drugs
- Diminished cognition, including memory problems
- Onset or escalation of co-occurring mental health concerns
- Overdose
The danger of overdose may be greatest among people who use benzodiazepines as sleeping pills, especially if they combine them with alcohol or opioids.
Signs of a sleeping pill overdose can include:
- Profound confusion or disorientation
- Slow or faint pulse
- Extremely shallow or slow breathing
- Inability to be awakened
- Skin that is cool or clammy to the touch
- Blue coloration near lips and/or fingertips
If you are with someone who is showing signs of sleeping pill overdose, call 911 immediately. Once you’ve called 911:
- If the person is awake, help them into a sitting position
- If they are unconscious, roll them onto their side to minimize risk of choking if they vomit
- Cover them with a blanket or coat
- Stay with them until the emergency first responders have arrived
- Be prepared to tell the responders as much as you can about what medication the person took, how much they ingested, and if they had also been using other drugs
Do NOT try to wake the person up by slapping them, putting them under a cold shower, or forcing them to drink coffee. None of these actions can counteract the effects of the sleeping pills, but they could expose the person to additional harm.
Is There Treatment for Sleeping Pill Addiction?
Sleeping pill addiction can clearly be quite dangerous, but there is piece of good news about this condition: It can be treated.
When you get the right type of care, you can free yourself from the grip of compulsive sleeping pill abuse. Depending on how you have been affected by your addiction to sleeping pills, you may be best served by spending time in one or more of the following programs:
Detoxification, or detox, is a short-term program that may be necessary if you develop intense withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using sleeping pills. While you’re in detox, you will be cared for by professionals who can safeguard your health and help you manage your discomfort.
While you’re in a residential or outpatient program, your treatment team can help you:
- Understand the issues and concerns that may have led to your sleeping pill abuse and addiction
- Develop relaxation skills and habits that promote healthy sleep patterns without relying on medication
- Address any co-occurring mental health concerns that may have contributed to or been intensified by your sleeping pill abuse
- Put together an effective personal support network
- Begin to repair any harm that you incurred as a result of your dependence on sleeping pills
- Share support with others who are working toward a similar goal
- Connect with the community-based resources that can assist you after you have transitioned out of treatment
Contact Sanctuary to Start Treating Sleeping Pill Addiction Today
If you aren’t able to control your use of sleeping pills or other prescription medications, Sanctuary Treatment Center is here to help.
Our detox and rehab center in Los Angeles, California, is a safe and welcoming place where experienced professionals offer personalized care for addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders. With our assistance and a concerted effort on your part, you can stop abusing sleeping pills and build a foundation for lifelong recovery.
To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
