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Sleeping-Pill Abuse

An occasional night of staying awake and surfing through infomercials is enough to make most anyone consider the use of a sleeping pill. But, with the rise of exposure through mainstream commercials for prescription sleep aids, sleeping-pill abuse is on the rise.

  1. The Addiction

    • The line between casual use of a sleep aid and abuse is difficult to determine in some cases and obvious in others. If you require the use of a sleep aid, over-the-counter or prescription, for more than a short period of time and you have a difficult time getting to sleep or staying asleep without the use of a sleep aid, then you may be addicted.

      Most physicians are cautious about prescribing sleep aids for continual use. One sure sign of addiction is "doctor shopping," which means that the patient uses multiple doctors and pharmacies to obtain the same prescription.

    The Physical Effects

    • Abuse of sleeping pills may lead to prolonged drowsiness, physical fatigue, urinary retention, clumsiness, constipation, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), blurred vision, dry throat, mouth and eyes.

      The use of sleeping pills may lead to sleep-walking, sleep-eating and other harmful behaviors. Rebound insomnia, often one of the first symptoms of withdrawal experienced, is insomnia the night after the use of any sleep aid. Other symptoms of withdrawal include nausea, intestinal issues such as cramping, anxiety and a feeling of shakiness.

    The Emotional Effects

    • Reliance on sleeping pills or any habit-forming drug causes serious emotional and psychological turmoil. Mood swings, depression, anxiety and loss of libido can occur. Because of the secretive nature of most drug abuse, those who are addicted must go to great lengths to conceal the dependence. This may lead to social withdrawal and isolation.

    Where to Look For help

    • Resources are available for both out-patient and in-patient treatment. Hospitalized rehabilitation may be the most effective method for someone who is battling an abuse problem, but in some cases it may not be practical.

      According to addictionbyprescription.com, "An estimated 60 percent of users of tranquilizers and sleeping pills suffer a mixture of adverse effects and withdrawal after two to four weeks of use."

    What You Can Do to Help Someone Else

    • Confrontation, while uncomfortable, may be the only chance your loved one has to realize that she has a problem. In recent years, a clear effort has been made at marketing prescription sleep aids to the average consumer; this, along with the abundance of over-the-counter versions that are now available, make conversations about addiction more difficult.

      Come armed with information and options. Research treatment programs offered in your area, and look into non-profit funds to help defray the cost. Another option is professional intervention, where a trained addiction counselor will speak to your loved one with you.

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