Navigation: Sonata Overview, Sonata: Effects of Abuse, Sonata Addiction, Treatment Options for Sonata Addiction
Sonata is a sleeping pill that is used to treat insomnia. This medication is widely used because of its sleep-inducing effects. In fact, there were approximately 60 million prescriptions filled for Sonata in the US back in 2011. Furthermore, approximately one in 500 children in the United States is taking sleeping pills.
Unfortunately, Sonata also has plenty of negative side effects—some of which can be fatal. Sonata abuse can lead to respiratory depression or suicide. People who take sleeping pills are also about 44 percent more likely to develop infections like sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, herpes, and more.
It is important to know everything about this drug, so you can help your loved ones avoid or beat addiction. Let’s take a closer look at the effects of Sonata.
Sonata Overview
Sonata is the brand name for the non-benzodiazepine hypnotic medication known as zaleplon. It is one of the popular prescription sleep aids called “Z-drugs”, along with Ambien and Lunesta.
Sonata works by activating the brain’s GABA neurotransmitter, which blocks feelings of stress and anxiety while slowing down mental processes. The sleep aid produces sedative effects which helps facilitate restful sleep. This medication is taken orally either by capsule or tablet.
Because of the fact that some people abuse this drug, Sonata even has street names including tranks, downers, and sleepeasy.
Sonata: Effects of Abuse
Sonata is popular because it is one of the fastest-acting sleeping pills out there. It has a terminal half-life of an hour, meaning users can enjoy its benefits very quickly. However, this also means that the drug is prone to accidental and intentional abuse.
Some people take Sonata recreationally to enjoy its euphoric effects. On the other hand, there are those who take Sonata regularly as a sleeping aid and end up overusing it. Either way, users may experience a mild, euphoric sensation coupled with bouts of hallucinations, memory loss, and blackouts.
Recreational users of Sonata may break capsules or crush tablets in order to snort their contents. Taking the drug this way intensifies the effects, including its hallucinatory properties. Hallucinations typically happen with extremely high doses.
Similar to Lunesta and Ambien, Sonata is classified as a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This means it has a lower potential for abuse compared to drugs that are categorized as Schedule III substances.
Any time a person takes Sonata outside of a doctor’s prescription is considered abuse. This means taking the drug recreationally, taking too much of the drug at a time, or taking Sonata too often are all examples of drug abuse.
Potential side effects of Sonata abuse include nausea, vomiting, numbness, hallucinations, confusion, amnesia, lack of coordination, irritability, headache, aggression, fatigue, dizziness, mood swings, tremors, and abdominal pain.
Sonata can even trigger parasomnia, which refers to unusual behavior performed while asleep. A Sonata user may sleepwalk, eat, drive, or even have sex while asleep—and they would have no recollection of doing any of those things. Interestingly, forcing yourself to stay awake after taking Sonata increases the risk of unconscious behavior.
Sonata Addiction
It’s often hard for friends and family members to spot the signs of Sonata addiction. But changes in their behavior can clue you in to the signs of drug abuse.
If a person visits multiple doctors just to get the same prescription for Sonata repeatedly, then that is a clear sign of drug abuse. It is called doctor shopping and may be an indication that addiction has already developed.
Using Sonata for any unprescribed purpose should be a cause for concern. A person who has been abusing this drug for a long period of time will develop tolerance. It means they won’t experience the same benefits and euphoric effects unless they increase their dosage. Eventually, the person may struggle to fall asleep without using Sonata.
Going through withdrawal is another sign of abuse, especially if the person repeatedly fails to quit taking the drug. They will keep on relapsing and quitting the drug over and over again, without success. Their withdrawal symptoms and cravings will keep them from getting sober. They may even switch over to more harmful substances down the line.
An addicted individual may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. They will also start neglecting their responsibilities as the drug becomes their number one priority. This is why a lot of addicted people begin struggling financially or strain their relationships with their loved ones.
Addicted people will either try to hide their drug use or rationalize their behavior. They will feel unable to function without the use of Sonata and will be preoccupied with wanting to use it.
While Sonata is not considered as habit-forming as Lunesta and Ambien, it is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms. If you regularly take Sonata and suddenly quit taking it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as convulsions, hallucinations, and seizures.
Compared to other “z-drugs”, Sonata is less addictive, but the risk of developing one is still there. Sonata is also associated with cases of attempted suicides. In fact, it is the most common reason for getting admitted into the emergency room among Sonata users.
Treatment Options for Sonata Addiction
Sonata addiction treatment can be done in a residential or outpatient setting. The level of care needed depends on the person’s specific situation. It is based on several factors like family support, severity of addiction, type of drugs abused, method of administration, and co-occurring disorders.
Inpatient rehab involves staying in an addiction treatment facility for the duration of the program. They are supervised by medical professionals and given 24-hour care. This environment allows patients to focus on their recovery, without distractions and temptations.
The goal is to manage the withdrawal symptoms caused by drug dependence while also teaching the patient how to live a sober life. It helps them learn healthy coping mechanisms so that they can stay sober after completing rehab.
Outpatient treatment is for patients with mild or moderate addiction. It does not require the patient to stay at a treatment facility, allowing them to keep working, attending school, or taking care of their children. Outpatient programs vary in terms of intensity and the types of therapy they include.
There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to addiction because everyone is affected by it in different ways.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
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