By: Zinnia Healing Editorial Staff | Edited By: Rebecca Hill
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Mixing Alcohol With Ambien: The Dangers
Ambien is the brand name for the prescription drug zolpidem. Many people take zolpidem for legitimate reasons, for example, it is often taken by those with sleep disorders in order to get a more restful sleep. However, like many prescription drugs, it has habit-forming potential. In addition, some recreational users may take Ambien with alcohol to feel high or intensify the effects, and this dangerous combination can result in a person needing intensive care.
Some people with alcohol use disorders may take Ambien as a short-term sleep aid without realizing the dangers. Others may have an Ambien addiction alongside other drug addictions.
If you have an alcohol or Ambien addiction or have concerns over a loved one’s of your alcohol use, substance abuse treatments are available. Call Zinnia Healing today at (855) 430-9439 to speak to one of our expert admissions experts, who can advise you about the different treatment programs available and help you take the first step on the recovery journey.
Side Effects of Mixing Ambien
When mixing Ambien with alcohol, there is a range of side effects a person may experience. These relate to how the drugs interact and affect the central nervous system. Common side effects usually relate to cognitive impairment as well as mental and physical health.
Other side effects of Ambien and alcohol include:
- Memory loss
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Changes to heart rate
- Strange behavior
- Changes in the respiratory system, such as slower or stunted breathing
- Hallucinations
These are just some of the side effects of Ambien mixed with alcohol. The side effects of mixing Ambien result from both Ambien and alcohol suppressing the central nervous system (CNS). Central nervous system depressants like alcohol and Ambien affect brain function, breathing and heart rate. Therefore, mixing Ambien with another depressant can enhance the impact on the CNS. This is usually how people can end up in intensive care from an Ambien overdose.
Dangers of Mixing Ambien with Alcohol
The time it takes for Ambien to leave the body can be as much as 17 hours. This means people can experience side effects the next day, which may cause additional dangers, such as when driving. Furthermore, a person may drink more alcohol or take Ambien while unaware of how much of these substances are already in their body. This can significantly increase the risk of Ambien overdose.
Taking Ambien when drinking or after drinking is therefore not recommended. It’s also a good idea to avoid other depressants that may interact with Ambien. There have also been reports of people sleepwalking or driving in their sleep after taking dangerous combinations or very high doses of Ambien.
Ambien Overdoses and Alcohol Abuse
An Ambien overdose, like any overdose from the drug abuse of an illicit or prescription drug, is severe. Therefore, anyone experiencing an Ambien overdose, either from mixing Ambien with alcohol or taking it on its own, will need attention from medical professionals.
In some circumstances, an Ambien overdose can be fatal. Therefore, if you think someone is overdosing, you should seek medical attention immediately. Ambien has sedative effects, so a person can quickly experience a loss of consciousness after taking it.
Ambien overdose symptoms include:
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of consciousness or falling in and out of consciousness
- Pale skin, blue lips or fingernails
- Slow heart rate
- Coma
- Difficulty waking up
If you think you have an Alcohol or Ambien Addiction, contact us today.
Ambien and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
If you have a substance use disorder relating to Ambien or alcohol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you discontinue use. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is a critical sign that you need help for alcohol addiction or Ambien addiction.
Common Ambien withdrawal symptoms include:
- High blood pressure
- Sweating
- Fever
- Stomach problems, such as cramping
- Feeling nervous or shaky
- Difficulty sleeping
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Sleep problems
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Fever
- Seizures
These are just some withdrawal symptoms relating to alcohol addiction and Ambien addiction. Detox should always be done in treatment centers, health care facilities or under the supervision of medical professionals.
Addiction Treatment – Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorders
It’s never too late to enter treatment for substance use disorders. Many treatment options are available to anyone suffering from alcohol or Ambien addiction. These include both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. An inpatient program involves staying at a treatment center for an agreed period to detox from a substance and work on your behavioral health.
Some healthcare providers will only provide outpatient treatment programs. These are usually better suited to people with more mild addictions. They are also more suited to those with substance use disorders relating to substances with less severe detox withdrawal symptoms.
Visiting an accredited rehabilitation center will give you the best chance of recovering from your Ambien addiction or alcohol addiction. Accredited healthcare providers will have a staff made up of a range of drug addiction professionals who are experts in the area of addiction and detox.
How Addiction Treatment Works
Treatment programs start with detox. This is where the person stops taking the substance and allows their body to excrete all traces of it. This can be an uncomfortable and dangerous process, which is why being treated by healthcare professionals is essential. During detox, a person may need prescription drugs to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. These are prescribed on a case-by-case basis.
Following detox, treatment usually moves towards behavioral health. This side of addiction is determined by a person’s learned behaviors, routines, patterns and habits. This can be harder than a detox for some people, as it involves reshaping your automatic thoughts and behaviors and identifying triggers that fueled your drug addiction.
If you want to learn more about the treatment programs we offer at Zinnia Healing, call us at (855) 430-9439. Remember, it’s never too late to seek treatment. Our team of accredited addiction experts are standing by, waiting to help.