One of the most common sleep disorders affecting Americans is insomnia. It is estimated that around 30 to 40 percent of people experience this sleep disorder. Insomnia is also linked to substance use disorders. Some people may begin using drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate or to fall asleep. Those who have a physical dependency on drugs or alcohol also frequently complain of insomnia, both in and out of recovery. This is because continued use of substances can harm a person’s sleep patterns, and the same can be said of detox.
If you or someone you know is having a hard time sleeping and is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, the best course of action is to start dual diagnosis treatment. Sleep quality affects all areas of a person’s life, and lack of sleep can cause serious health problems. A patient’s substance use must also be treated simultaneously, as it can either be a consequence or cause of insomnia. CeDAR offers a complete continuum of care so that we can meet people where they are, and we offer various treatment services, including dual diagnosis treatment. To learn more about how we can help, contact us at 720.848.3000.
What Is Insomnia?
People who experience insomnia have difficulty sleeping or cannot get enough restful sleep. Most people will experience insomnia at some point, as it can be caused by various environmental, physiological, and psychological factors. There are two major types of insomnia: acute and chronic. Acute insomnia typically lasts only a few nights and is caused by stressful life events.
Chronic insomnia, however, can last for weeks, months, or even years. A person can be said to have chronic insomnia when they fulfill the following criteria:
- They have difficulty sleeping at least three nights a week
- They experience this difficulty for at least three weeks
- Their waking hours are characterized by mental or physical impairment due to a lack of sleep
- They continue having difficulty sleeping, even if they have ample opportunity to do so
Having a Hard Time Sleeping Due to Insomnia
Those who are suffering from chronic insomnia frequently turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.
Benzodiazepines are a common prescription for short-term relief from insomnia. However, these drugs are highly addictive, and many people develop a physical dependency on them. It is not uncommon for people with insomnia to become addicted to their medication, only realizing this fact once they stop using the drugs and experience withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol is similarly used as a central nervous system depressant and can make a person experience sedative effects that induce sleep. However, long-term consumption of alcohol has a host of other negative health effects, including insomnia. This can result in a vicious cycle of needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect, eventually resulting in addiction.
Get Treatment for Insomnia at CeDAR
When insomnia co-occurs with a substance use disorder, both conditions must be treated simultaneously. Professional intervention and treatment are the best way for a patient to begin healing and start getting restful sleep once again. A dual diagnosis treatment program is ideal for treating insomnia and drug or alcohol addiction.
If someone you care about is addicted to drugs or alcohol and has trouble sleeping, it’s best to seek help immediately. Co-occurring sleep disorders and substance use disorders are very treatable. At CeDAR, we offer an integrated, evidence-based dual diagnosis program for various mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Our UCHealth-affiliated treatment center has a campus-like feel, with access to a spiritual center and ample opportunity to exercise. We believe in competence, compassion, and commitment, which helps us offer the highest standard of care to all our patients.
Some of the services we offer at CeDAR include:
- Family therapy programs
- Gender-specific residential care
- Outpatient services, including remote partial hospitalization
- Inpatient and outpatient professionals programs
No need to let substance use or insomnia take control of your life. Call us today at 720.848.3000 to learn more about our dual diagnosis program and other therapies we offer.
