Over the years, awareness of mental health and addictions has been steadily rising towards the light, and more people are embracing the topic. Therefore, there are a lot more cases of addictions, and mental health issues continue to increase daily. People are developing addictions to their coping mechanisms, such as using sleeping pills as a way to escape.
Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?
If you are having trouble sleeping or staying asleep, you can take sleeping pills to extend or promote sleep. These pills can either be prescribed or bought over the counter. Their use is meant to provide a short term solution as you work on your sleeping schedules. However, consistent use of soporifics can lead to dependence and other side effects.
What Are The Common Signs Of Sleeping Pills Addiction?
• For starters, you may find that you feel the need to take the pill every night, technically longing for bedtime so you can take them.
• You have become tolerant of your current dose, and you will often take more than prescribed to feel the effect.
• You take the pills for euphoric effect (to get high) rather than help you sleep.
• You have to see several doctors to refill your prescription.
• You find that you need to refill a prescription often because you’re taking a higher dose or too often.
• People think you are detached and withdrawn, and you seem confused and depressed.
• you are constantly ignoring your, educational, professional, social or family obligations
• You neglect your relationships, and you isolate yourself from family and friends.
• Every time you do not take pills, you suffer from withdrawal effects.
• You experience mood swings.
• The pills will have different effects every time you take them.
• Your memory is hazy, and you can’t remember the things you have done
• You may have used another person’s prescription to get the pills
Are There Side Effects To Using Sleeping Medications?
Side effects of sleeping drugs vary from one person to another and so does the severity. Some of the side effects you may experience include:
• dizziness and headaches
• nausea or diarrhea
• dry mouth
• depressed breathing
• you are unable to focus, and your movements are uncoordinated
• unsteady gait and slurred speech
• rebound insomnia
• muscle weakness and you may experience tremors and shake
What Are The Intervention Measures For Sleeping Pill Addiction?
If you or someone you care about is hooked on soporific, or you are worried about increasing dependency on the drugs, it is essential to talk about getting help. This is a gentle way of showing someone that it is okay to seek professional advice. An intervention specialist will help you manage the situation, and they outline the consequences of ignoring help.
How Do You Get Help?
Depending on your level of addiction or dependence, you can choose to either work on other ways of falling asleep, or you can decide to seek professional help.
Give yourself time to create a drug-free sleeping schedule. Here are some of the things you can try:
• During the day, engage in physical activities but do not exercise at bedtime.
• Expose yourself to sunlight, but make sure you sleep in a dark room.
• Avoid using screens such as phones, laptops, or the TV before bedtime.
• Eliminate or reduce your caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol intake.
• Rather than tossing and turning in bed, get up and do an activity, but a dull one that will make you drowsy. Some people will read sophisticated books.
• Do not force a sleeping pattern. Be patient with yourself and try to find out what works for you. For instance, some people will be fine with five hours of bedtime with a daytime nap while others will be able to score seven hours. It is essential to understand that we are all not the same.
• Try relaxation exercises and training, such as meditation and yoga, to attain peace of mind. This might take a while to get used to, so remember to be kind to yourself and take time to adjust.
• You should be proud of yourself for trying to get better, and you can try cognitive-behavioral therapy to boost your efforts.
• Consult with your physician and create a plan to taper off safely from your medication. this will reduce withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal and Treatment
If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, you should consider medical detox. The severity of these symptoms is dependent on age, dosage levels, duration of use, amongst other factors.
Treatment for you or a loved one can either be on an outpatient or inpatient basis. If the addiction is severe, inpatient rehab is recommended.
If you feel you are ready to seek help, we are only a call away at 844-639-8371. Our counselors are available round the clock to help you or your loved one.