Ambien (zolpidem) is only recommended for short-term use and should not be used longer than two (2) consecutive weeks. However, many quickly start to find it difficult to sleep without it and may continue use for months and even years. With prolonged and chronic use, it may become difficult to quit Ambien without the help of medical professionals in a structured rehab treatment program.
But, what is the right approach to treating Ambien addiction? Should you check into an inpatient rehab, or will outpatient treatment do? In this article we outline the main differences between residential and outpatient Ambien rehabilitation. So, continue reading before you make a final decision. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the designated section below and we will respond as quickly as we can.
Why do you need Ambien addiction rehab?
Repetitive Ambien use leads to:
- Increased tolerance, which means you need more and more of Ambien to be able to get the wanted effects.
Physical dependence, which means your body has adapted to the presence of Ambien in the system and cannot function normally without it. When you are physically dependent on this medication you experience withdrawal symptoms if you lower the dosage or stop taking it abruptly. - Psychological dependence, which means you have started to believe that without Ambien you cannot sleep. In fact, psychological dependence on Ambien is frequently caused by insomnia.
- Addiction, which means you obsess over Ambien use and seek it compulsively. You may be aware of the harm it causes to your live and health, but cannot stop even though you want to.
Ambien rehab can help you attend to and manage all these conditions. Medical teams are specialized at lowering your tolerance by tapering Ambien doses slowly and gradually, minimizing withdrawal discomfort, and providing psychological therapies and support. In fact, the decision to seek help for Ambien addiction can be one of the best decision you make in your life.
Inpatient vs. outpatient Ambien rehabilitation
What can you expect from Ambien rehab program? When you are considering whether to attend an inpatient or an outpatient rehab program for Ambien, you should have a general idea about what each type of treatment can offer. It is also important to be aware of the differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab, in order to assess which one fits your needs best.
So, what are the main differences you should have in mind?
1. Duration of inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab
Inpatient Ambien rehab treatment can last from 30 days minimum, to 60 or 90 days, or more if needed. The 30 day stay usually allows enough time to safely remove all traces of Ambien from your body. But, during this time you can also start working on the psychological issues related to addiction.
If your addiction condition is more severe and requires further stay in rehab, you may need to prolong your therapeutic stay. Inpatient rehab programs for Ambien addiction usually include aftercare services through counseling and psychotherapy.
Outpatient Ambien rehab treatment provides counseling and therapy sessions daily or several days a week. Sessions last for anywhere from 2-4 hours each. The average duration of outpatient Ambien programs is 12 to 16 weeks, but they can last for months or even years depending on individual needs.
2. Cost of inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab
Inpatient Ambien rehab is generally more expensive, since it includes extra fees for:
- room and boarding
- intensive daily treatment
- regular meals
- other in-house services
The average cost of inpatient Ambien rehab ranges between $10-19K per treatment episode. High quality residential rehabs usually cost anywhere from $18K up to $35K a month.
Outpatient Ambien rehab is cheaper because it doesn’t feature any residential costs. On average, traditional outpatient Ambien rehab will cost you around $2K per treatment episode, while Intensive Outpatient or IOP rehab costs about $4K per treatment episode.
3. Residence in inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab
In inpatient Ambien rehab you are expected to live within the facility for the duration of your stay and to completely devote yourself to your addiction recovery. Getting out of your living area may be useful, as every-day stressors, people you know, familiar places may distract you form the new recovery course you are setting for yourself.
Outpatient Ambien rehabs will require you to live home, and allow you continue your regular work, school, and family duties. This is a positive opportunity for people who cannot find the time to drop all responsibilities in life, but need treatment. In outpatient settings, you are granted more freedom while also working on your addiction issues.
4. Detox in inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab
Ambien detox is a required process regardless of whether you will continue your rehabilitation in an inpatient or an outpatient facility. However, inpatient rehabs will provide you with detoxification care and services within the same facility where you will continue your treatment.
Outpatient rehabs usually send you to a detox clinic outside of the treatment place. After you detox from Ambien, you will be required to return to the outpatient facility for regular treatment meetings.
How can I decide between inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab?
When you want to stop using Ambien, your first point of contact should be a medical professional. Doctors are specialized at assessing your health state and can refer you to a nearby inpatient or outpatient treatment clinic based on the severity of your condition and your individual needs.
You should never attempt to quit Ambien cold turkey and on your own. The decision about choosing inpatient or outpatient rehab for Ambuen addiction should be made along with addiction professionals. Here is a list medical experts you can trust:
- A doctor specialized in addiction issues
- Licensed addiction counselor
- Psychiatrist or psychologist
- Your medical physician
What should Ambien rehab programs offer?
Despite their differences, there are several similarities and general conditions that any good rehab facility should provide. Here is what all inpatient and outpatient rehabs should offer:
- Assessment and evaluation – Both, inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehabs should include an intake process. You can expect the assessment and evaluation to last 1-3 hours. This is usually enough time for the treatment provider to learn more about you, your mental and emotional state, and your patterns of Ambien use.
- Progress reports – Your personal case file should be tracked throughout the rehab process. It is important to track your progress in case any adjustments and changes need to be made in your treatment plan.
- Psychotherapy and behavioral therapy – Also called ‘The Meat’ of any addiction treatment, psychotherapy and behavioral therapy sessions are a must for people attending outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation. You will be encouraged to adopt a new, positive lifestyle, and learn better coping skills, which don’t include Ambien use.
- Medications – Inpatient and outpatient rehabs should be able to provide medical referrals for medications. If necessary, prescribed medications and alternative sleep aids can assist your recovery and help you increase chances of success.
Inpatient and outpatient Ambien rehab questions
Are you still indecisive about choosing inpatient vs, outpatient rehab for Ambien addiction? Please post your questions in the comments section below. We try to respond to all legitimate inquiries personally and promptly. In case we don’t know the answer to your question, we will gladly refer you to someone who can help.
Reference Sources: FDA: Ambien Safety Guide
NIDA Prescription Drug Abuse Congressional Testimony
National Institute of Drug Abuse: Prescription Drug Facts: Depressants
DrugAbuse: Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment
NCBI: Inpatient vs outpatient treatment for substance dependence revisited
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