Sleeping Pills: Understanding Their Impact and Your Path to Recovery
Sleeping pills have shown to be a growing concern among football players and young people worldwide. They are medical drugs that can be purchased in pharmacies and used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety.
Dele Ali, a 27-year-old Everton football player, has shared his history with sleeping pills and warned that this is a problem that is going around more than people raise. After being through six weeks of treatment in a modern-day rehab facility, Ali aims to leverage his experience to raise awareness and offer support to others navigating similar challenges.
How Dele Ali Addiction History Can Help and Inspire
As mentioned by the Everton football player, Dele Ali, sleeping pills are a growing concern that has emerged, and it’s been around more than people think. According to specialists, not only they have been used routinely among football players on the night before games, but they are also commonly used among young people to treat insomnia and anxiety problems.
Dele Ali initially dismissed the possibility of developing an issue with his prescribed sleeping pills. However, as dependency took root, he found himself resorting to obtaining them illicitly. Recognizing the severity of his situation, Ali made the courageous decision to admit himself to a rehabilitation facility to address both his addiction and underlying mental health issues.
Although speaking out loud about his addiction and how he would not believe he had an issue, he has raised a concern about sleeping pills and helped share awareness about their impacts. Speaking out loud about his issue may also inspire others to do the same and help them see they are not alone, and most importantly, that they can get help.
The Rise Of Sleeping Pills
One of the gateways of sleeping pills is that they are not usually linked to addiction, but as a problem solver, and therefore their risks are not commonly raised as their benefits. The importance of a good sleeping habit and the benefits of a good night of sleep are always a hint, but people often find themselves looking for a quick problem solver, instead of creating healthy habits, which is when sleeping pills become a thing.
The Impact and Risks Of Sleeping Pills
While sleeping pills can be beneficial when used responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, it's crucial to be aware of their potential side effects, both physical and psychological. Consulting with a doctor before starting any treatment for insomnia is highly recommended to ensure safe usage. Here are some of the possible effects to be mindful of:
Psychological Effects:
- Dependency: Continued use of sleeping pills can lead to psychological dependency, where individuals may feel reliant on them to fall asleep.
- Memory and Cognitive Impairment: Certain types of sleeping pills, especially those with long half-lives, may impair memory and cognitive function, affecting concentration and focus.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Misuse of sleeping pills or abrupt cessation can result in withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and in severe cases, hallucinations.
Physical Effects:
- Physical issues: Some sleeping pills may suppress respiratory function, particularly in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like sleep apnoea.
- Tolerance: Continued use of sleeping pills can lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect over time.
- Interaction with other medications and alcohol: Sleeping pills may interact with various medications and alcohol, increasing the risk of adverse reactions and overdose.
- Side Effects: Like any medication, sleeping pills can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, impaired coordination, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Being informed about these potential effects can help individuals make informed decisions about their use of sleeping pills and prioritize their health and well-being.
How Habits Can Trigger The Addiction
Habits can play a significant role when talking about sleeping pill addiction. Relying on its use and developing a habit of sleeping with the help of sleeping pills may cause dependence and addiction.
As mentioned in its possible side effects, its regular use may pose risks to both psychological and physical sides, and once relying on pills to fix some of the issues instead of addressing underlying issues, the chances of exposure to the medication get bigger. It’s also common to see people using sleeping pills to treat anxiety as a short-term solution, even though this is not their main purpose.
Social influence and social factors can also pose people to a bigger risk of addiction. This can be caused because of the normalised use of pills for sleep problems and the wrongful perception that this is a healthy habit or even a synonym for working hard.
Prevention and Road to Recovery
Preventing addiction to sleeping pills begins with education and awareness about the risks associated with their use. Monitoring individuals prescribed sleeping pills, go to regular follow-up appointments, and encouraging open communication about sleep quality and medication concerns are essential for early detection and intervention. The road to recovery from sleeping pill addiction involves a multifaceted approach addressing the physical, psychological, and social aspects of dependence. Therefore, medical supervision is critical for safe withdrawal and detoxification, often involving a gradual tapering of medication under professional guidance.
Support groups, therapy sessions and rehabilitation centres offer invaluable emotional support and practical coping strategies for individuals navigating addiction and recovery. By addressing underlying issues, developing relapse prevention strategies, and fostering a supportive environment, individuals can embark on a journey towards lasting freedom from sleeping pill addiction and improved sleep quality.
If you have a loved one who may need help with sleeping pills addiction, or if you believe that you need help, do not hesitate to contact us. Just as it was for Dele Ali, reaching for support is crucial and may be the first step to a successful recovery. There is always hope, and the right support may help you to reach success!
