Understanding Sleeping Pill Addiction

It’s a common misconception that people are unable to get addicted to sleeping pills. In actuality, it’s possible to get hooked on prescription sleeping medication just as easily as many other dangerous drugs. Understanding sleeping pill addiction is imperative so that you can protect yourself and identify red flags in others

Magnolia Recovery is a safe, temptation-free environment outside of Charleston, SC for women to work through the 12-steps. Contact us to learn more.

What is Addiction?

First, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what addiction is. Addiction is a disease that causes severe changes to the brain. When you engage in drug use, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which is related to feelings of pleasure. The more you use the drug, however, the less dopamine your brain releases. Your brain will require more and more of the drug to reach the same effects, which can be extremely dangerous.

When you’re addicted and not using the drug, you will likely experience strong cravings for it. You may even undergo withdrawal symptoms. At this point, your brain is dependent on the drug in order for it to produce normal levels of dopamine, hence why you experience painful symptoms when not using the drug.

How Sleeping Pill Abuse Begins

Sleeping pills are sedatives that can be obtained over the counter or from a physician. When a person uses sleeping pills in a way that was not outlined by their physician or the instructions, it is considered abuse.

Sleeping pills are generally meant for short-term use. However, the longer someone uses them to sleep, the harder they will find it to rest without them. In addition, when used for longer than recommended, the pills may begin to lose their potency. This is when a person will likely up their dosage, because it’s now required for them to get the same effects. In addition, sometimes people will take their sleeping pills as an “escape” from their stresses and worries.

Spotting Sleeping Pill Addiction

When someone increases their sleeping pill dosage, it can cause some severe side effects, such as:

· Dizziness

· Hallucinations

· Lightheadedness

· Poor coordination

· Memory loss

It can be difficult to identify sleeping pill addiction in others. However, there are some key behaviors that may indicate you have a dependency on sleeping pills:

· Trying to quit but being unable to

· Finding yourself craving your sleeping pills

· Gradually increasing your pill dosage

· Seeking out multiple doctors to prescribe more pills

· Continuing to take the pills despite experiencing their negative consequences

· Undergoing frequent memory loss due to your pill use

· Taking your pills to relieve escape reality

Sleeping pill addiction is a serious matter. However, there are resources that can help you recover and get you back on track.

Seek Assistance from Magnolia Recovery

We hope you have a better understanding of sleeping pill addiction. If you believe that you or a loved one is addicted to sleeping pills, Magnolia Recovery can assist you. We offer women a safe, temptation-free environment to work through the 12-steps. Start getting the help and support that you need—contact us today to learn more.