Understanding the connection between nightmare disorder and substance use is key to receiving adequate care and finding relief from symptoms.
Nightmare disorder is more than having bad dreams at night.Nightmare disorderis a pattern of disturbed sleep that makes falling asleep a scary and uncomfortable experience.
While there may be a connection between nightmare disorder andsubstance abuse, experts are still working to understand it. Understanding more about the relationship between nightmare disorder and substance abuse could allow people to find relief from their symptoms and help treatment professionals provide more effective treatments.
Effects of Drug Use on Nightmare Disorder
Any substance a person consumes can impact sleep and dreaming. Some can improve the quantity and quality of rest, while others trigger unwanted effects.
Prescription Drugs that Cause Nightmares
Some medications a doctor prescribes to manage one issue can increase the frequency or intensity of nightmares.Prescription drugs known to cause nightmaresinclude:
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- Antidepressants. This class of medications has a reputation for producing nightmares, with Paxil being the primary culprit. Otherantidepressantsthat can cause nightmares includeZoloft,ProzacandViibryd.
- Antihistamines. These over-the-counter and prescription medications can trigger vivid dreams and nightmares: Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, Alegra and Unisom.
- Blood pressure medications. Beta-blocker medications manage blood pressure, but they can also change the way the body reacts to certain brain chemicals, triggering nightmares. Blood pressure medicines with nightmare risks include Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol and Labetalol.
- Steroids. Drugs like prednisone and methylprednisolone can modify the brain’s response to serotonin, a chemical linked to sleep.
- Cholesterol medication. Though it tends to only happen in rare cases, bad dreams and night terrors can be caused by cholesterol medications like Zocor, Pravachol and Lipitor.
- Parkinson’s medication. A medication called Amantadine prescribed to people with Parkinson’s disease may produce intense dreams, frequently with sexual content.
Other Drugs that Cause Nightmares
Some legal andillicit drugscan also produce nightmares, but only when the substance leaves the body. If someone has become physically dependent on a substance, thewithdrawal processcan create sleep problems, including unpleasant and vivid dreams.
Drugs that can trigger nightmares during withdrawal include:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Stimulantslikecocaine,methamphetamineandprescription medications
These drugs may spark new nightmares or intensify a pre-existing nightmare disorder. In either case, these substances should be avoided to reduce the risk of nightmares.
Statistics on Nightmare Disorder and Addiction
Though there is little information linking addiction to nightmare disorder explicitly, there is a significant amount of data connecting numerous sleep issues to substance abuse.Studies show:
- About 15 percent of people have used illicit substances in the past year
- About 65 percent of working adults have some sleep problems, with 44 percent having problems almost every night
- As many as 72 percent of people in treatment for an alcohol use disorder reported sleeping concerns
- Sleep problems may last for three years after drug use stops
Can Nightmare Disorder Lead to Drug Abuse?
Nightmare disordercan directly lead todrug abuse, and it is easy to see why. People who expect to have terrifying dreams while sleeping may be willing to employ extreme measures to improve or avoid sleep.
For example, someone with nightmares may think staying awake for longer periods will reduce their risk of nightmares and consume stimulants delay sleep. Unfortunately, this strategy is almost always unsuccessful and tends to increase the risk of nightmares in the long run, since nightmares are one of the most common symptoms of stimulant withdrawal.
Others may usealcoholormarijuana before bedto relax or induce sleepiness. Although these substances may make it easier to fall asleep, they can negatively impact the quality of sleep. Like stimulants, these substances can trigger nightmares during the withdrawal process.
Treating Nightmare Disorder and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders
Nightmare disorder and substance use disorders are problematic conditions. When they co-occur, the individual will needcomprehensive treatmentthat addresses both conditions simultaneously.
If you or a loved one is using alcohol or other drugs and has frequent nightmares, it may be time to call The Recovery Village. When you call, a representative from The Recovery Village will offer information and guidance regarding treatment options to manage your co-occurring disorders.Reach out todayto get started.
