Sleeping Pill Addiction

How Do Sleeping Pills Lead to Addiction?

When people hear the word “addiction,” their minds often go to street drugs or alcohol. But sometimes, addiction starts quietly with something many of us can relate to: the need for a good night’s sleep.

Imagine turning to sleep medication for help on those endless, sleepless nights. For many, these medications are a quick solution, but over time, the body begins to rely on them—and that reliance can gradually become something deeper and harder to shake.

For some, the struggle with sleep medication begins when they try to stop. They may face “rebound insomnia,” where the body, used to the medication’s aid, resists sleep without it. The result? Sleeplessness that’s worse than ever, pushing many to keep taking these pills despite advice to stop.

Others find themselves unable to break the habit, feeling caught in a cycle where sleep medication is no longer just an option; it’s a need. They may face mounting consequences, feeling trapped in a struggle they never saw coming.

The good news? Recovery from sleeping pill dependence is very possible and doesn’t usually require long-term treatment at a rehab center. With the right guidance, support, and resources, finding freedom from sleep medication is within reach.

Signs of Addiction to Sleeping Pills

If you are worried about your sleeping pill use and wondering if it has shifted into addiction, you can ask your healthcare provider about adjusting your dosage or stopping altogether.

There are plenty of solutions to help you cut back or discontinue your sleep medication use.

People addicted to sleeping pills may display symptoms such as:

• Requiring increased doses to fall asleep
• Feeling confused or detached
• Memory loss
• Experiencing withdrawal (such as increased insomnia or mood swings)
• Isolating yourself from friends and family
• Changing doctors to get more sedatives
• Trying to quit taking sleeping pills and failing

Sleeping Pill Withdrawal

Withdrawal from sleeping pills can produce a variety of unpleasant side effects. The most serious one is “relapse insomnia,” which can happen because your body is accustomed to getting a constant supply of sedatives to fall asleep.

When you stop using sleeping pills, it can be challenging to get through the withdrawal process, which typically lasts several weeks.

Some sleeping pills (benzodiazepines) can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor before quitting benzodiazepine to ensure you stay safe. A medical detox will help regulate even the mildest of withdrawal symptoms for better recovery.

Common sleeping pill withdrawal symptoms include:

• Irritability
• Drug cravings
• Hallucinations
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety
• Seizures and body spasms
• Vomiting
• Hand tremors

Sleeping Pill Overdose

Excessive use of over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills can lead to toxicity levels that could be fatal. Serious physical signs might be present when someone overdoses on sleeping pills.

Symptoms of a sleeping pill overdose include:

• Slow or dysfunctional breathing
• Excessive lethargy
• Abdominal pain after taking the pills
• Loss of appetite or constipation
• Excessive “drunk-like” behavior

Sleeping pill overdose can be much more likely if the user has mixed the medication with other drugs or alcohol.

If you suspect someone is experiencing a sleep medication overdose, call 911 immediately to report the overdose and stay with the victim until help arrives.

Types of Sleep Medication

Different sleeping pills work in different ways. Some sleep aids silence the part of your brain that keeps you alert so you can more easily fall asleep; other pills cause initial drowsiness to help encourage falling asleep.

Over-the-counter sleep aids share the same potential issues as prescription sleeping pills. Over time, regular usage can lead to problematic health conditions, including addiction, which is why all types of sleeping pills are intended for short-term use.

Z-Drugs

Z-drugs are a sedative-hypnotic. They bind to the brain’s GABA receptors to promote relaxation and make falling asleep easier.

Z-drugs were introduced in the 90s as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines. However, time and research indicate that the negative side effects of z-drugs are not so different from those of benzodiazepines.

Common Z-drugs include:

• Zaleplon (Sonata®)
• Eszopiclone (Lunesta®)
• Zolpidem (Ambien®)

Benzodiazepines

Many benzodiazepines are used as an anti-anxiety medication due to their sedative effect.

Benzodiazepines bind to GABA receptors like Z-drugs but carry a higher addiction potential.

In addition, mixing other drugs with benzodiazepines (such as opioids or alcohol) can be deadly, so users must exercise caution if they have a benzodiazepine prescription to help them sleep.

Common benzodiazepines include:

• Alprazolam (Xanax®)
• Temazepam (Restoril®)
• Triazolam (Halcion®)

Receptor Antagonists

This type of sleep medication helps to regulate a person’s circadian rhythm (i.e., their sleep-wake cycle).

These sleep medications are considered a safer alternative to many sleep medications due to their lack of side effects.

Common receptor antagonists include:

• Suvorexant (Belsomra®)
• Ramelteon (Rozerem®)

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are very rarely prescribed as sleep aids anymore due to their side effects. However, due to their history as once-popular sleep aids, they are still worth mentioning alongside more current sleep medications.

Common barbiturates include:

• Pentobarbital (Nembutal®)
• Secobarbital (Seconal®)

Antihistamines

This type of sleeping pill is an over-the-counter medication.

Antihistamines contain diphenhydramine, a habit-forming chemical that causes drowsiness by increasing dopamine in the brain.

Common antihistamines used as sleep aids include:

• Benadryl®
• Tylenol PM®
• Advil PM®
• ZzzQuil®

Other Types of Sleep Aids

In addition to traditional sleep medication, alternative substances may help a person get to sleep.

For some, insomnia may be a symptom of an ongoing physical or mental health issue, such as depression. A doctor may prescribe antidepressants to treat the main issue, and by default, the person’s insomnia may lessen without needing sleep aids.

Other individuals may prefer herbal supplements (i.e., valerian root, mugwort, passion flower, chamomile) to help them sleep.

However, you should still talk with your doctor before using any alternative sleep aids to ensure they won’t interact with other medications or health conditions.

Side Effects of Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills can have serious side effects when a user takes more than what is prescribed or continues to use them after being directed to stop.

Short-Term Side Effects

Short-term side effects of sleeping pill use can vary between individuals, and these side effects may even be present when taking the medication as directed.

Short-term side effects of sleeping pills may include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Constipation
• Daytime performance problems
• Addiction
• Hallucinations
• Sleepwalking

Note: While sleepwalking and hallucinations can occur, these side effects are considered very rare.

Long-Term Side Effects

Several side effects can occur due to long-term use, particularly if the sleep medication is not being taken as directed.

Most sleeping pills are designed for short-term use due to the long-term impact they can have on one’s health.

These long-term side effects of sleep medication include:

• Impaired motor skills
• Lack of coordination
• Decreased blood pressure
• Face paralysis
• Damaged body organs
• Depression

Sleeping Pill Abuse

Sleeping pill abuse occurs when sleeping pills are used in a way that is not prescribed by your doctor (or per the directions for over-the-counter sleep medication).

Sleeping pill abuse may involve:

• Taking too much at one time
• Continuing to use sleeping pills for an extended period
• Taking prescription sleep medications without a prescription
• Using sleeping pills for something other than directed (i.e., to get high, etc.)

Sleeping pill addiction can happen even if you aren’t actively trying to abuse the pills due to their habit-forming potential.

There is no shame in talking to your doctor about any concerns you have about your sleep medication usage, and there are many treatments and solutions available to help you cut back or quit if that’s what needs to happen.

Sleeping Pill Abuse and Addiction Statistics

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), sleeping pills misuse is highest among adults 18-25 years old. Among this age group, 60% report purchasing or getting the drugs from family members.

In 2018, a reported 1 million US adults reported misusing prescription sedatives.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that 40 million people have abused or misused prescription drugs, such as sleeping pills, in their lifetime. That’s about 20% of the U.S. population.

Sleeping Pill Addiction Treatment

Recovering from sleeping pill addiction is possible. It can take time and effort on your part, but with help from professionals and the support of family members, you can find the path to a world free of the risks and pain of this addiction.

Medical Detoxification for Sleeping Pills

Detoxification from sleeping pills doesn’t have to be painful or dangerous. A medical detox program can help protect your liver and kidneys while your body processes the drug out of your system.

You don’t usually need to check in to a treatment center to detox from sleep medication. Your doctor can devise a treatment plan for your detoxification process, which may involve tapering off the medication and watching for concerning side effects.

Before deciding to quit taking sleeping pills—especially benzodiazepines—talk to your doctor first. Some side effects of withdrawal can be life-threatening, so a detox plan is essential for your safety.

Rehab for Sleeping Pill Addiction

Not everyone dealing with addiction to sleeping pills will need to sign up for a rehab program, but it is a treatment option.

For most, outpatient treatment programs will provide an appropriate level of care for minor to moderate sleeping pill addiction.

Outpatient programs such as Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) offer structure and routine alongside individual and group therapy without requiring an overnight stay.

Alternatively, inpatient rehab (also known as residential rehab) may be best suited for someone with a severe sleeping pill addiction or someone with a problem with more than one substance.

Inpatient care for sleeping pill addiction will last between 30 to 90 days, depending on your individual needs, and many inpatient facilities can also provide medical care for those who need it.

Counseling and Therapy for Sleeping Pill Addiction

Sometimes, substance abuse happens as a form of escapism, and if that’s the case for you, therapy is likely a fantastic choice as you recover from your addiction to sleeping pills.

One of the most common types of therapy used in treating addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT helps the individual address underlying issues that led to seeking substance use as a coping mechanism. It can also help people avoid relapse and further substance abuse down the road by replacing toxic and negative beliefs with healthier tools and ways of thinking.

Coping With a Loved One’s Sleeping Pill Addiction

When your family member or friend struggles with addiction, they need help. Treatment is available, and the sooner they get the help they need, the better their chances of recovery.

Treatment works regardless of how long they have been abusing substances or which sleeping pills they use.

By choosing a treatment program wisely, your loved one can get on track with their sobriety and return to enjoying their lives without an addiction to sleep medication.

Find Help for Sleeping Pill Addiction Near You

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a free helpline and website to help you or your loved one find addiction treatment options in your area.

You can also discuss potential sleeping pill addiction treatment options with your doctor. Depending on the severity of your addiction, they can help you determine the path to recovery that’s best for you.