![]() Also, let your doctor know if you’re experiencing symptoms of depression. The type of medication and dose will depend on your symptoms and medical history. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan if you have insomnia. Doctors don’t generally recommend relying on sleeping pills for more than a few weeks, as these medications can be addictive. Such benzodiazepines include such drugs as Ambien, Lunesta and Sonata.Your doctor may turn to medication when lifestyle changes and behavior therapies don’t help your insomnia. The use of benzodiazepines to treat alcoholics or drug addicts who suffer from insomnia is not considered optimal, as addicts can easily misuse the medication and form a new addiction. For example, benzodiazepines are avoided while treating addicts in drug rehab centers. Not all of these drugs are used for treating insomnia in addicts because of their potential for addiction. There are a variety of drugs used to treat insomnia. (Source: ) Medication Treatment for Insomnia Associated with Substance Abuse Individuals who reported having two or more weeks of insomnia were more likely to have met diagnostic criteria for alcoholism at a one-year follow-up.” “For instance, studies have shown that 28 percent of those who complain of insomnia reported using alcohol to help them sleep. ![]() The author also argues that Seroquel and Topamax present promising alternatives while reducing anxiety.Ĭocaine, alcohol, marijuana, and opiates are all drugs that induce sleep fragmentation. There have been some promising studies using Neurontin and antidepressants such as Remeron and Serzone. For the last decade, researchers have been looking for medications that can address an addict’s sleep disorder without running the risk of a new addiction. There is a tendency for primary care physicians to prescribe a new class of benzodiazepines such as Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta (zopiclone) to treat insomnia, which has led to alcoholics switching from abusing one substance to another. This lack of sleep may result in a return to drinking alcohol and a greater risk of depression. According to the same article, sleep patterns may never return to normal after alcohol abuse. Furthermore, when an alcohol abuser stops drinking, insomnia may be one of the withdrawal symptoms. The more one drinks before bedtime, the more sleep is disrupted. According to a 2004 Psychiatric Times article on insomnia and substance abuse, drinking alcohol disrupts the last phase of sleep. Research has revealed that substance abuse disrupts healthy sleep patterns. These medications are extremely addictive and are often abused along with alcohol in a desperate attempt to find relief from insomnia symptoms. Many people are prescribed sedative/hypnotics to help decrease symptoms of insomnia. (Adapted from National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute)Ĭombating insomnia may require lifestyle adjustments such as changing sleep habits, changing medications or stopping unnecessary drugs, reducing intake of caffeine, sugar, or tobacco and avoiding eating heavy meals late at night. Feeling anxious, depressed, and/or irritable.Lying awake for long periods of time before falling asleep.Lack of quality sleep for three nights a week lasting a month or longer is considered chronic insomnia. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). The formal diagnosis of Primary Insomnia involves significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning without influence from external sources. Insomnia is the most common form of sleep disorder and can contribute to the development of other sleep issues if left untreated. Substance abuse or withdrawal from drugs/alcohol.Night work or frequent work schedule changes.This lack of adequate sleep can impact one’s physical and emotional state. No matter the contributing factors, insomnia diminishes one’s ability to get enough rest. It can be caused by stress, medical problems, shift work, mood disorders, substance abuse or other underlying issues. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
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