Clinically Reviewed by Dr Alexander Lapa (Psychiatrist)
All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 6th October 2022
Sleeping Pill Addiction Treatment
Sleep is a necessity for productivity. Sleeplessness and suffering from general fatigue can often lead to sleeping pill use. When these pills are regularly used, they are detrimental to a person’s health.Two main options for struggling with sleep are over-the-counter medication and prescription drugs. The latter is used for long-term, ongoing sleep disorders.
Sleeping pills are commonly prescribed to treat sleeping disorders like insomnia. Still, once the sleeping disorder has lessened or been overcome, a patient can remain addicted to the tablets.
In the United Kingdom, one in ten people admit to taking sleeping pills, with half the adults admitting they don’t get the right amount of sleep.[1] The biggest health ambition for adults in the UK is improved sleep, so we need to address the dangers of regular use of sleeping pills and how private drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres, like Cassiobury Court, can help if you’re worried about your own addiction or a loved one’s.
Contact our team for advice and information on sleeping pill addiction and how to help yourself or a loved one.
We can offer assistance for clients who have developed an addiction to a wide range of different sleeping pills, for example:
The sedatives above can lead to physical and psychological dependence, especially when used over two weeks.
Signs and Dangers of Sleeping Pill Over Use
Sedatives taken regularly can have serious consequences during use and if immediately stopped. Â Those signs can be:
- An inability to sleep without the pills
- Problems with balance
- Gastric problems
- Concentration problems
When a person becomes addicted to sedatives dangers of taking them regularly can increase to:
- Organ damage
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Potential to overdose as the tolerance builds
The brain is also heavily affected by consuming sedatives over a long period of time. The GABA receptors in the brain are activated, which causes sedation and relaxation and reduces anxiety – all elements promote sleep.
Once the brain and body are accustomed to the effects of sedatives, some people may suffer from rebound or compounded insomnia when the tablets are not consumed. The ability to sleep will worsen.
Sleeping Pill Rehab and Detox
Cassiobury Court can assist those who are addicted to sleeping pills. We can take immediate action with our drug and alcohol rehab treatments with 24hr professional supervision and help available.
Upon your arrival at our clinic, a doctor will perform a full examination of your health, and we will draw up a treatment plan based on the conclusions made in this report. We treat every one of our clients as individual, so you can be assured your treatment plan will not be identical to any other client.
You will then be invited on a tour of Cassiobury Court’s rehab centre and can meet your key workers. They will be administering your treatment and assisting you in your recovery.
We offer sleeping pill rehab on a residential basis, which means you will be in our care. With a 28-day commitment to our residential sleeping pill rehab, we can free you of your addiction. Be aware that depending on the severity of the addiction, it may be discussed about longer treatment for your best interest.
The initial step to rehabilitation is the drug detox. The detox process is a difficult experience, but be assured our team will be on hand to support and guide you through this time. The toxins built up during your sleeping pill addiction will be flushed out of your body, creating a fresh foundation to build your addiction-free life.
The approach for sleeping pills is a more tapered detox, as withdrawal symptoms can be extremely difficult and dangerous. Examples of sleeping pill withdrawal symptoms are anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, hallucinations, digestion problems, and muscle pain.
We provide continual care during the detox, and if deemed necessary, our medical team will issue prescription drugs to make the process more comfortable.
Our Therapies
Your specific therapy programme will begin after the detoxification. Our clients receive a combination of individual and group most commonly used is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This type of therapy is to enable change in thoughts and behaviours that trigger addiction.
You will learn to tackle external stimuli that promoted and promote further addictive behaviours and how to control them.
In group therapy sessions, helpful coping strategies are taught, and as you are in sessions with your fellow recovering addicts, it can be a bonding experience too. This is an ideal opportunity to learn from the experience of others, allow others to learn from your experiences and create a support network for when you leave our care.
When your therapies have been completed, we will create a secondary care plan with you before you leave our care –Â aftercare. This is essential to ensure you continue living free of sleeping pills. You will have access to regular follow-up sessions and a 24-hour helpline, which you can use if you can feel yourself struggling to avoid sleeping pill use.
We will also put you in touch with your local Narcotics Anonymous group, as we believe that continuing to share your experiences with others is an important part of your recovery.
Cassiobury Court are Ready to Help
Sleeping pill addiction can ruin someone’s life and the lives of those around you. We can offer a no-obligation consultation over the telephone, so you can ask any questions about our rehab.
Call Cassiobury Court on 0800 001 4070 or text HELP to 83222; take the first steps to live a life free from sleeping pill addiction.
