Understanding the Dangers of Sedative Addiction

What Are Sedatives?

Understanding what sedatives are can be tricky. The term “sedative” is sometimes used as an umbrella term to describe various types of drugs, including benzodiazepines and barbiturates. The reason for this is that the widespread use of these drugs can include specific cases for treating insomnia. Generally, these drugs are known as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, while sedatives describe the class of medications known as Z-drugs. 

These are nicknamed Z-drugs not only because of their names (zopiclone, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem) but also because, unlike benzos and barbiturates, these drugs have a singular use, with official approval limited to insomnia treatment. These “Z names” are probably not familiar to you, but chances are, you are familiar with some of their more popular brand names, including Ambien. While these drugs work similarly to benzos, they have a different chemical structure and are generally considered safer drugs by comparison. However, this does not mean Z-drugs are harmless sedatives or that it is impossible to become addicted to them. Here are some dangers of using these sedatives and why their use for insomnia is intended only for short-term treatment. 

Why Are Sedatives So Dangerous?

The progression of sedative drugs is a history of widespread abuse. Barbiturates were the first to hit the market, and they thrived for nearly a century until their widespread addictive effects and behavior disturbances gained attention. Over time, the use of barbiturates was phased out with the market debut of benzodiazepines. After their release, benzos soon became the most prescribed drug in the world. But despite this worldwide use and popularity, the same kinds of negative effects associated with barbiturate use were found among benzo users. Eventually, benzos were included among the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s black-boxed drugs—the most severe danger label representing the high potential for abuse and/or death. Since benzos are often mixed with opioids or stimulants, they remain a central part of the drug overdose epidemic in America.

In the 1990s, Z-drugs hit the market, perceived as a safer alternative to either of their predecessors. However, the FDA released warnings concerning these drugs as well, recommending lower doses because of the next-morning impairment they can cause. In addition to experiencing impairment, another concerning symptom of Z-drugs, such as Ambien, includes the potential for memory loss. This symptom seems to be based on various factors, such as age and metabolism, but younger and older users are the most susceptible. 

As with other drugs, the dangers associated with sedatives greatly increase when mixed with other drugs. This is especially true when mixing Ambien and alcohol. In fact, studies are now finding that some of the more dangerous side effects associated with barbiturates or benzos are also experienced when mixing Ambien and alcohol, especially the high risk of overdose. Sleepwalking and even sleep-driving can occur when the Ambien and alcohol mix interrupts the sleep cycle while the drug’s sedative effects continue. 

How to Treat Sedative Addiction

While these sedatives do not produce some of the same cravings as benzos or other drugs, dependency and addiction can still occur, along with increased symptoms of insomnia if the drug is stopped abruptly or tapered off too quickly. Unfortunately, this means that sedative addiction, just like other drug addictions, is a serious condition that must be handled with professional help. 

As FDA warnings and studies continue to circulate, there is no reason to downplay the serious risk of using sedatives. Instead, there is every reason to seek help if you or someone you know has developed a dependency on these drugs.