Sleep Medication Risks

Sleep Medication Risks

Sleep is a precious commodity, especially for those dealing with addiction or mental health issues. In this episode of 'All Things Substance', Betsy Byler, a licensed therapist and substance abuse counselor, takes a closer look at the risks associated with non-benzodiazepine sleep medications. These drugs, often seen as safer alternatives to benzodiazepines, carry their own set of dangers, including the potential for addiction and troubling sleep-related behaviors known as parasomnias.

Byler doesn’t just stop at the risks; she highlights the importance of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as a more sustainable solution. She explains how poor sleep can trigger relapses in those struggling with substance abuse, making it a critical issue to address. This episode offers valuable insights for therapists and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of sleep medication and its impact on addiction recovery.