Having a few drinks or doing drugs occasionally is some peoples’ way of relaxing. When that is gone in sobriety and recovery, it can feel difficult to sleep at night. Sometimes it is hard to shake those old coping mechanisms and embrace the third way. While it is common for people with sleep disorders to abuse drugs or alcohol, it is similarly common for those things to cause sleep disruption, as well. In recovery, it is helpful to learn some tips and tools for working around sleep issues without taking medication that might jeopardize recovery.
Sleep Disorders and Alcohol
With sleep challenges, some people like to drink for relaxation. A person who drinks alcohol to sleep at night may fall asleep faster, but the quality of sleep will not be good. People who drink alcohol to help them fall asleep may not think they are able to fall asleep any other way. Alcohol use shortens the amount of time it takes for people to fall asleep while also reducing the time spent in REM or deep sleep. This may cause anxiety or depression among some people as they awaken from sleep.
Sleep Disorders and Marijuana
Marijuana is becoming legal in some states, so more people than ever may be trying the drug out for different reasons. Some people believe it may result in better sleep, but this is not always true. It has been linked to sleep problems and people who use it younger may develop sleep issues as an adult.
Stimulants and Sleep
Sleep disorders are complex and people may turn to stimulants to stay awake during the day, hoping to achieve more restful nights of sleep. Even when use is linked to treatment therapy, it is still shown to hinder sleep. There may be an absence of stimulants that can lead to drowsiness, insomnia, and negative symptoms. There is no approach to managing stimulant-dependent sleep disorders but prevention is possible. Some medications may help manage symptoms but it depends on the individual’s situation. Most commonly used are:
- Caffeine
- Ecstasy
- Methamphetamines
- Cocaine
Treatment Options
Many people who seek treatment for sleep disorders also seek help for substance use or drug addiction. These people may self-medicate or found themselves addicted while trying to manage a sleep disorder. They may have been doing drugs and found this impacted sleep, as well. Dual-diagnosis treatment can help in recovery to achieve sobriety and a restful night’s sleep, which can be a healthy alternative to dealing with it alone instead of in treatment with professional support.
Oceanfront will help you kick an addiction to the curb with our premier beachfront community in Laguna Beach. We are founded on the principle of providing the best in care and services at affordable prices. We are located in beautiful Laguna Beach. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate addiction recovery: 888-981-4295
