Can You Get Addicted to Lunesta?

Lunesta, also known as Ambien, is a very popular and widely prescribed medication that helps men and women with chronic sleeping problems. Lunesta is relatively new to the scene, seeing as the Food and Drug Administration first approved it in 2004. Most other heavy-duty sleep medications can only be taken for several weeks at a time because of their high propensity for abuse. In several controlled studies, it was shown that Lunesta could be safely taken for up to 6 months, meaning that it can be a long-term treatment for sleep-related issues like insomnia.

How Does Lunesta Work?

Men and women with sleep disorders took benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or temazepam. However, these medications could only be taken for between 1 and 2 weeks at a time. Otherwise, the person who is taking the medication was at risk of developing physical and psychological dependence. Later on, drugs like zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon were introduced to treat sleep-related issues. These medications were less likely to lead to the development of physical tolerance and therefore lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms when use was stopped suddenly. Lunesta is a version of zopiclone, and it has been beneficial and effectively treating symptoms related to sleep disorders for quite some time. However, just because this drug has less potential for abuse than other sleep medications, it does not mean it is not addictive. It is very common for men and women who misuse Lunesta to develop a substance abuse disorder.

More About Lunesta Addiction

Even though this prescription sedative is less addictive than other prescription sleep medications, it can still be habit-forming when repeatedly misused. Even if a medication is not physically addictive, it is important to remember that it can lead to psychological dependence. For example, say a person has been struggling with unresolved trauma. Nighttime is particularly difficult because of recurring nightmares and racing thoughts. The person does not have a diagnosable sleep disorder. Still, he or she begins taking Lunesta (in a higher dose than recommended and without a written prescription) to sleep through the night.

What Abuse Symptoms Associated With Taking Lunesta?

Misusing this Lunesta is not helping the issue at hand, even though the symptoms associated with the unresolved trauma might be temporarily relieved. For the trauma to be worked through, the person must enter into a trauma-informed treatment program – much like the treatment program offered by Evoke Wellness at Miramar. We provide a variety of treatment programs for drug addiction, including medical detox, intensive inpatient, residential rehab, dual diagnosis, and medication-assisted treatment just to name a few.

Treatment for Lunesta Dependence

Because it is possible to get addicted to Lunesta, men and women with a personal history of substance abuse should typically avoid relying on prescription medication for something like a good night’s sleep. Even if you are experiencing insomnia, medical and psychological professionals will often explore more non-invasive routes before prescribing medication like Lunesta. Evoke Wellness, understands how difficult it can be to overcome prescription drug addiction, especially when it comes to a medication like Lunesta that is otherwise safe to use. We understand that many clients who come to us with a Lunesta abuse disorder often initially struggled with sleep-related issues. For this reason, we pay special attention to focusing on the root of the problem and helping our clients learn how to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep through the night through other means.

Break Free From Addiction Today

Certain breathing exercises and tools like mindfulness meditation can also be extremely helpful in relaxing the body and mind. If you would like to learn more about our prescription drug addiction recovery program, reach out to us at any point in time. All calls are free and confidential with an addiction specialist to help you figure out the best path to your recovery. We are looking forward to speaking with you and helping you or your loved one begin on a journey of recovery as quickly as possible.