A group of sleep medications (often called “Z-drugs”) prescribed for insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien®) and zaleplon (Sonata®). They are not benzodiazepines but act on similar brain receptors.
In the context of addiction treatment:
Z-drugs can be misused, lead to dependence, and complicate recovery—especially when combined with alcohol or other sedatives.
What to know:
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Long-term, high-dose, or non-prescribed use can cause tolerance, withdrawal, and strange behaviors (like sleep-driving).
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Tapering is often needed if someone has been using them heavily.
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Non-medication sleep strategies are important in recovery to avoid substituting one sedative for another.
Example:
After detoxing from alcohol, a person starts taking more and more zolpidem to sleep and eventually needs help tapering off Z-drugs too.