Sleeping pills (or sleep meds) are a class of medications used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Sleeping pills are sometimes called sedatives, hypnotics, anti-anxiety medications, tranquillisers, or barbiturates. They work by affecting the brain, which in turn affects sleep patterns.
Ambien is the brand name for a medication called Zolpidem (one of the z drugs) in its generic form. It belongs to the sedative-hypnotic medication class and is frequently recommended for acute insomnia. Like Zopiclone (one of the z drugs), Ambien was created as a substitute for benzodiazepines, which had a reputation for being highly addictive. It operates similarly to benzodiazepines in that it increases GABA levels in the brain. Ambien has been presented as a less addictive alternative to Xanax and Valium (central nervous system depressants and sedative-hypnotics). This medication is one of the non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills available on the market.
Amytal (Amobarbital) is a barbiturate medication commonly used to treat sleep disturbances. When given in small dosages, it can also alleviate anxiety and manage epileptic convulsions. Amytal is a sedative-hypnotic medication with a depressing effect on the central nervous system. It’s commonly given as an intravenous liquid or a capsule with a controlled release. It was phased out when benzodiazepines, which were deemed safer, were produced due to their significant danger of abuse and dependency. Amytal’s strength has made it a tenacious drug, with some doctors still prescribing it for specific ailments.
Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine sleeping medication that is used to treat insomnia. It’s a sedative-hypnotic medicine that works by lowering the central nervous system to help people fall asleep and stay asleep. It stimulates GABA in the brain in the same way that benzodiazepines do. Zopiclone is exclusively accessible as prescription medicine in the United Kingdom; it is generally available in tablet form, though the liquid form requires a doctor’s specific order. Like other CNS depressants, Zopiclone should not be used for more than a few weeks. If the user continues to use the drug beyond four weeks, the brain will acquire a tolerance to the drug, becoming addicted.
Temazepam, also known as Restoril, is a benzodiazepine medication commonly recommended for sleep disturbances. It functions as a depressive by raising the quantity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows down particular brain areas and induces sleep. It is also used to treat anxiety, and it is one of the most commonly abused benzodiazepines in the United Kingdom.
Rozerem (also known as Ramelteon) is a sedative-hypnotic medication commonly used to treat insomnia. It’s an oral tablet that works by triggering the M1 and M2 melatonin receptors. The circadian rhythm, which regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle, is maintained by melatonin receptors. Rozerem is not addictive or habit-forming in and of itself; hence it is not monitored or controlled. It is, however, a prescription medicine that should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Other sleep drugs, notably those that function by altering GABA receptors in the brain, have a higher risk of misuse and withdrawal than this one. It’s vital to keep in mind that problems can occur when Rozerem is combined with other medications.
Sonata is a hypnotic that isn’t benzodiazepine-based and is used to treat insomnia. Zaleplon (one of the z drugs) is its generic name, and it operates in the brain by boosting the efficiency of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The central nervous system is depressed, leading it to slow down, lowering anxiety and relaxing muscles. As a result, you’ll be able to sleep for extended lengths of time. Like other sleep medications, Sonata is a prescription medication that should only be taken as directed by a doctor. It is not intended to cure long-term sleep issues but is usually administered for 7-14 days, after which other treatments are considered if insomnia persists. This medication is one of the non-benzodiazepine sleeping pills available on the market.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
In the United Kingdom, all prescription sleeping pills are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It is an offence for anyone to supply any type of drug to another person if he knows or suspects that the recipient intends to use it for recreational purposes.
It is not illegal to possess any type of sleeping pills, but possession of any sleeping pills for non-medical reasons carries heavy penalties.
Only a registered doctor can prescribe sleeping pills. You must be 18 years old to buy them, and you must show your passport or driving licence when purchasing them.
You should never try to self-medicate using over-the-counter sleeping pills. Over-the-counter sleeping pills are usually very strong and can cause serious side effects. In addition, OTC sleeping pills are often sold illegally.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
When you take a prescription sleep aid (sleeping pill), it binds to one or more of your brain’s receptor sites. This causes the release of certain neurotransmitters, which affect how your body functions. Some of these neurotransmitters are serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, histamine, acetylcholine, and endorphins.
There are several different types of sleeping pills available today. Some work by increasing serotonin activity in the brain, which helps regulate mood. Other drugs affect the central nervous system directly.
Serotonin-reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed medications for sleeping problems. SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin into nerve cells, thereby increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft. This results in an overall decrease in serotonin activity.
Addiction to sleeping pills occurs when you feel compelled to continue taking them despite knowing that they are causing problems. Your body becomes accustomed to the drug, and you require higher doses to achieve the same level of sedation.
People who abuse sleeping pills often experience physical dependence, which means they will go through withdrawal if they suddenly stop taking them. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, nausea, sweating, muscle aches, headaches, tremors, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
Abusing sleeping pills is defined as taking prescribed medications for non-medical purposes. You can take prescribed medications for non-medical reasons such as getting high, feeling euphoric, or having fun.
Many people think that recreational use is different from dependence. This is incorrect. Recreational use is just another name for abusing sleeping pills. It is important to understand that all forms of abuse are harmful. Recreational use can lead to dependence and addiction.
People who suffer from depression sometimes turn to sleeping pills as a way to cope with their feelings.
Abusing sleep medication can lead to several adverse symptoms and health complications. These include:
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Physical dependence is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure to a substance (in this case, sleeping pills). When someone has developed physical dependence, they need more of the substance to produce an effect. This indicates that the person has developed tolerance to sleeping pills.
When someone takes a substance over time, their body gets used to it. Over time, the body produces fewer and fewer receptors for the substance. Eventually, the person stops producing enough receptors to respond to the substance.
Physical dependence occurs when your brain becomes accustomed to receiving a particular type of stimulation. Your brain changes its response to the substance. In other words, your brain starts to expect the substance to make you feel good.
Your brain responds by creating new pathways to connect to the substance. This process makes the substance easier to access.
Over time, the substance causes your brain to change so much that you require a much higher amount of the substance to feel good. At this stage, you have developed an addiction to sleeping pills.
Psychological dependence is similar to physical dependence, except that psychological dependence occurs within the mind rather than the body.
In psychological dependence, the brain learns to associate the effects of sleeping pills with pleasurable feelings. The brain begins to expect the sleeping pills to give you these pleasant feelings.
Over time, sleeping pills cause the brain to create new pathways to connect to those pleasurable feelings. This process makes pleasurable feelings easier to access.
As with physical dependence, sleeping pills eventually cause the brain to change so much that you require a much higher amount of sleeping pills to feel good.
You might notice increased anxiety if you try to quit sleeping pills.
If you think you may be psychologically or physically dependent on sleeping pills, talk to your doctor about how to safely reduce or eliminate your use of them. You can also call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
When someone stops using sleeping pills, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body tries to adjust to the absence of the substance.
Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
It’s important to understand that any drug addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for a person to become addicted to a substance. To minimise the risk of becoming addicted to sleep medicine, it’s essential to follow these guidelines:
Don’t mix legal and illegal substances or alcohol with sleeping pills. Mixing different types of drugs can cause serious health problems.
Don’t use sleeping pills recreationally. Sleeping Pills are meant to be used only under medical supervision. Recreational use could result in severe injury or death.
Talk to your doctor to provide medical advice about safe alternatives to sleeping pills. There are many other options available to treat insomnia. Their professional treatment advice can find an alternative treatment plan that works best for you.
If you suffer from insomnia, it’s important to understand what causes it. Insomnia occurs when you are unable to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up naturally during the night. The cause of insomnia varies depending on the individual. Some people have difficulty falling asleep, while others have trouble staying asleep.
In addition to medical conditions such as depression, stress, and certain medications. These include:
To prevent a Sleeping Pills Addiction, you need to address the causes of having insomnia in the first place.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
One of the main reasons for insomnia is anxiety. You should speak to your doctor to discuss treating your anxiety instead of taking sleeping pills to cope with it.
Environmental factors that can cause sleeping pills addiction include:
Certain conditions contribute to insomnia. These include:
Genetics plays a large part in whether one person suffers from insomnia. There are specific genes that predispose individuals to insomnia. These genes are known as circadian rhythm genes. Circadian rhythm genes control the timing of our internal biological clock. The genes are responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Anyone Can Become Addicted to Sleeping Pills. People who use sleeping pills and alcohol are particularly vulnerable to becoming addicted to sleeping pills.
If your loved one needs support dealing with an Alcohol Addiction, contact us today on 0800 999 1083. We can help you by recommending treatment options.
Depression and anxiety make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. People with depression and anxiety are especially prone to developing a habit of taking sleeping pills. It’s important to remember that just because you’re depressed doesn’t mean you should self medicate with sleeping pills.
If you think you might be suffering from depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor. They can evaluate whether you really need prescription medication or whether you could benefit from talking therapies.
The potential risks associated with sleeping pills include:
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Physical signs of sleeping pills addiction include:
Psychological signs of sleeping pills addiction include:
Behavioural signs of sleeping pills addiction include:
Withdrawal symptoms from sleeping pills addiction include:
You may experience any combination of these symptoms when you first stop using sleeping pills.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Some of the health risks associated with long term use of sleeping pills include:
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
When you overdose on sleeping pills, your body doesn’t know what’s going on. Your brain stops receiving signals from the outside world and starts sending messages to itself. This causes confusion and disorientation. In severe cases, you may lose consciousness and die.
If you’re taking too many sleeping pills at once, your body will absorb them faster than usual. This means your body won’t be able to process them properly. Over time, this could lead to serious side effects.
If you think you might be abusing sleeping pills, talk to your doctor about it. They can refer you to a medical professional who specialises in treating substance abuse issues.
If you think you or someone you know is overdosing on sleeping pills, call 999 immediately!
One of the main reasons people take sleeping pills is that they want to commit suicide. Some people believe that since they are already asleep when they die, they won’t suffer any pain. Others believe that death would mean the end of their troubles. Others simply want to escape reality.
It isn’t uncommon for someone to attempt suicide while under the influence of sleeping pills. Many people have died by overdosing on sleeping pills.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, please call 0800 999 1083 now.! Your life matters. You deserve to live it free from suffering.
Several mental health disorders can cause a person to develop a dependency on sleeping pills. These include anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, trichotillomania, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and tics. People who struggle with these illnesses often turn to prescription medications to cope with their problems.
The following conditions often co-exist with sleeping pill addiction:
The term “dual diagnosis” refers to a condition where a person has two or more psychiatric disorders simultaneously, or a psychiatric disorder and a substance abuse problem.
For example, a person might have depression and a sleeping pills addiction. People with dual diagnosis tend to have higher relapse rates and poorer treatment outcomes than those with single diagnoses.
Sometimes people use sleeping pills to escape unpleasant situations. Instead of facing difficult issues in their lives head-on, they choose to numb out. In this case, the person uses sleeping pills to cope with their problems.
It’s common for people to self-medicate with sleeping pills. When people feel overwhelmed by stress, they sometimes resort to using illegal drugs. Some people use sleeping pills to deal with insomnia caused by stress. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, try talking to your doctor about alternative ways to manage stress.
When people use sleeping pills to cope with stress, depression and anxiety, they usually do not intend to become physically dependent on them. However, there are times when people use sleeping pills to avoid dealing with their problems. This is called coping through avoidance.
Coping through avoidance means that people use substances to make themselves feel better instead of addressing the root causes of their problems. It’s important to understand that coping through avoidance does not always lead to good results.
If you’re struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue, you shouldn’t use sleeping pills as a coping strategy.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
In recent years, teens have been increasingly turning to sleeping pills to cope with the pressures of school.
Many adults believe that it’s normal to use sleeping pills. Some parents mistakenly believe that their kids have a legitimate medical reason to take sleeping pills. These parents often give their kids these medications without consulting a doctor first.
Your child/teenager should take sedative medications only under the supervision of your doctor. These medications can cause side effects like crankiness, hyperactivity, challenging behaviour and daytime drowsiness in some children.
Some people who struggle with this addiction may be reluctant to seek treatment for sleeping pill addiction. Others may be afraid that they’ll lose their jobs if they admit to having a problem.
You can help someone who has a sleep aids’ addiction by encouraging them to seek professional help. You can also provide support and encouragement while they undergo treatment.
If you suspect that your loved one has developed a sleeping pills addiction, encourage them to see a doctor. Your loved one needs to know that they don’t have a legitimate medical reason for using sleeping pills. Your loved one should also learn about the dangers of abusing sleeping pills.
Many people abusing sleeping pills experience memory and concentration problems.
Some of the signs of sleeping pill abuse and addiction include:
When you decide that it is time to stage an intervention, you will want to do it right. Here are some tips on how to effectively stage an intervention:
Make sure that everyone knows what is going on.
Let your loved one know why you staged the intervention.
If they’re not ready to seek treatment yet, be prepared to approach this issue again.
Speak to us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options and to find the best alcohol rehab centre.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible when you notice signs of a sleeping pills addiction. If you experience severe side effects, such as hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal thoughts, you should contact the emergency services immediately!
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a sleeping pills addiction, they will likely be referred to a treatment program. It’s essential to choose a reputable treatment centre. You’ll want to make sure that the treatment facility you choose offers evidence-based treatments from all the treatment centres, which means that the program uses proven methods to help patients overcome their addictions. The specific treatment center you choose should also be licensed and their programmes accredited and supervised by a certified addiction professional.
With some treatment providers offering 24/7 assistance, access to a treatment centers’ compassionate and supporting services can make the patient’s challenging process of detoxification and recovery much more tolerable. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There are several different diagnostic tests available to determine whether someone has an addiction to sleeping pills. These tests can be done by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Your doctor may ask about:
These questions will help your doctor figure out what type of intervention might work best for your situation.
As the body adjusts to life without the sleeping pills, it experiences physical changes. These changes vary depending on how long the person took the medication and what dosage was taken.
Withdrawal symptoms usually start within three days after discontinuing the use of the medication. Sleepiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, sweating, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle aches are common symptoms.
These symptoms generally subside as the body gets accustomed to not having the medication in its system. However, some people experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than others.
After completing a treatment program, most people go through detoxification before beginning an abstinence-based recovery plan. During detoxification, patients gradually reduce the number of sleeping pills they’re using.
This process helps prevent relapse by reducing cravings for the medication. The length of time required for detox varies based on the discontinued drug.
Detoxification aims to ensure that no traces of the substance remain in the patient’s body. After detoxification, patients are given medications to treat any remaining withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for Sleeping Pills Addiction is available at Rehab Centres throughout the UK. These centres offer support groups, counselling sessions, and various treatment options.
Treatment programs can be found at hospitals, outpatient clinics, drug rehabilitation centres, and residential facilities.
Inpatient treatment programs are often recommended for those who suffer from severe cases of addiction. Patients must remain in the facility for a specified period of time. Patients receive therapy and counselling during inpatient treatment while participating in group sessions and 12-step meetings. Some facilities allow patients to attend AA or NA meetings.
Outpatient clinics are often located near schools, workplaces, and shopping areas. This allows patients to live at home and still participate in daily activities. Outpatient programs often include psychotherapy and counselling and behavioural therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy. They also offer support groups and AA/NA meetings.
Addiction to sleeping pills is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
If you’re living with sleeping pills addiction, it can affect your life in several ways. You may feel depressed, anxious, or guilty about your use of the drugs.
You might avoid activities because you fear you’ll fall asleep while doing them. Or you might try to hide your habit by keeping your supply close at hand.
You may worry about losing control over your behaviour. This could lead to problems like driving under the influence of sleeping pills, getting into fights, or hurting yourself or others.
Your family and friends may notice changes in your personality and moods. They may wonder why you seem different than usual.
They may not understand why you need to induce sleep with sleeping pills every night.
Some people with sleeping pills addiction may seek out other substances to replace the effects of sleeping pills. These substances may cause health problems or interfere with recovery.
Relapse prevention is vital for anyone struggling with any kind of substance abuse problem. It’s crucial for those with sleeping pills addiction because relapse can be very dangerous. If you experience a relapse, you may end up using more sleeping pills than before.
The following are warning signs that you may be developing a pattern of relapse:
If you notice these warning signs, you should contact your doctor immediately. You could be headed toward a full-blown relapse.
There are several strategies you can use to avoid relapsing. For example:
You can learn to identify the triggers that lead to your use of sleeping pills, and you can change your behaviour around those triggers.
You can practice relaxation techniques.
You can seek out other forms of treatment.
As always, talk to your doctor about what you’re doing. Your doctor will likely recommend different approaches depending on your specific situation.
There are several support groups available for people who struggle with sleeping pills. Some are open to members of all ages, while others focus on adults only. You might want to consider attending one of these meetings.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
Call 0800 999 1083 today!
Over 1.6% of Britons take sleeping medications every day.
In 2012, 15.3 million NHS prescriptions for sleep medication were made, with 5.4 million for Zopiclone and 2.8 million for temazepam.
The NHS spends at least £50 million on sleeping drugs each year.
In 2012, 15.3 million NHS prescriptions for sleep medication were made, with 5.4 million for Zopiclone and 2.8 million for temazepam.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
In our journey towards health and well-being, we often encounter a crossroads between medical treatment and lifestyle choices. The intersection of antibiotics and alcohol is one such area that demands our attention and understanding. Antibiotics, powerful agents against bacterial infections, operate within our bodies to eradicate harmful pathogens. However, when alcohol enters the … Continued
The term addictive personality is often used to describe someone who seems prone to repeated patterns of addictive behaviour. Although it’s not an official psychiatric diagnosis, understanding this concept is crucial in comprehending addiction. It refers to a set of characteristics that may increase the risk of developing addictive behaviours for an individual. In … Continued
Embarking on the path to recovery from addiction often involves seeking support from rehabilitation centres, commonly known as “rehab.” This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of rehabilitation, elucidating the types of rehab centres available in the UK, and delineating the specific programmes tailored for drug addiction and alcoholism, supported by pertinent facts, statistics, … Continued
Rehabilitation serves as a beacon of hope for individuals navigating the complexities of recovery. In its essence, rehabilitation represents a transformative journey, encompassing physical, psychological, and social aspects to restore individuals’ well-being. Its significance reverberates across diverse fields, from healthcare to social reintegration, reshaping lives and fostering resilience. Exploring the Meaning of Rehabilitation … Continued
