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How Are Sleeping Aids For Individuals In Recovery From Substance Abuse And Relapse?

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Sleeping Aids for Individuals in Recovery from Substance Abuse The use of any medication that has the potential for misuse or abuse is of critical consideration when working with individuals in recovery. Specifically, if an individual is open with a counselor, prescribing physician, or psychiatrist, about their past substance abuse and dependency, they in turn have placed a large amount of trust in these professionals related to appropriate treatment and decision-making. One of the primary issues facing individuals recovering from substance abuse, particularly in the early stages, is that of insomnia or sleep disorders. Kolla et Al. (2014) noted that while 47% of individuals in the beginning of recovery experience insomnia, this number …show more content…

According to Jones, Knutson, and Haines (2003), when treating individuals in recovery, nonpharmacological treatment should be the first line of treatment, with a heavy emphasis on the avoidance of mood-altering substances.
Position on Topic My position on the topic with this population (and any population for that matter) is that just as with benzodiazepines for generalized anxiety disorder, alternative options should be initially explored. Jaffe et Al. (2004) discussed the higher abuse potential for benzodiazepines when compared to non-benzodiazepine hypnotic sleeping medications, such as zolpidem, although there is still abuse potential. One medication group that was noted as having virtually no abuse potential, specifically with recovering individuals, was antihistamines, which could include diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine (Jaffe et Al., 2004). In a recovering individual without any comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, these should be considered a good initial course of action, along with lifestyle changes and natural remedies, such as melatonin, a naturally occurring option with proven benefits related to improved sleep latency and quality (Perry, Alexander, Liskow, & DeVane, 2007) Since sleep has been demonstrated as so important in early recovery, it is important that it is addressed. What is even more important, are potential other

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