I’m taping the Dr. Oz show today

Wed, Dec 9, 2009

Blog, Press, Television Appearances

I got a call from a producer the other day, asking if I’d like to participate in a Dr. Oz show about…drum roll, please…Ambien addiction! A few years ago, I wrote about my insomnia and subsequent Ambien addiction for Glamour, and it got a huge response from readers–I was even invited to appear on The Today Show. Every once in a while, someone will contact me through my website to share their own harrowing tale of Ambien addiction, and to ask how I got off the stuff. In my case, the answer was rehab plus yoga plus meditation plus quitting drinking. I know that’s not the answer for everyone, but I can’t tell you how difficult it was to quit–and how close I came to killing myself (inadvertently) as a result of that drug. One guy who contacted me told me that a well-regarded rehab center on the West Coast told him he wasn’t taking “enough” Ambien to qualify for help, and he should “embellish his story” if he wanted to get admitted. He said that was an exact quote! Meanwhile, Tiger Woods was admitted to the hospital as an Ambien overdose on the night of his car crash. Heath Ledger had Ambien in his system the night he died. Ambien addiction sent Eminem to rehab. And there are millions of anonymous Americans abusing the drug. So I am really happy that Dr. Oz is dealing with this particular subject. I’ll keep you posted on the exact air date.

, , ,

8 Responses to “I’m taping the Dr. Oz show today”

  1. Drew Branham Says:
    December 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    I can’t wait to see this episode…….thanks for caring enough to do all that you do for this cause!

  2. Sandy Says:
    December 10th, 2009 at 1:23 am

    Good for you Laurie for putting yourself out there. Maybe you can help someone. If only 1 person will listen it will have been worth it. I’ll be watching when you let us know the air date.

  3. John Joseph Says:
    December 10th, 2009 at 6:10 am

    Hi there
    I am struggling with sleeping pill addiction.I was prescribed ambien for a period of 3 months by a criminal doctor.After that I was on zyprexa(Olanzapine) for 1.5 years. Now I want to quit these drugs but cant do it on my own.Can you give me the details of the rehab center which helped you out.

  4. Laurie Says:
    December 10th, 2009 at 9:02 am

    Hi John,

    Thanks so much for getting in touch. I’m going to send you a separate e-mail.

    Laurie

  5. Drew Branham Says:
    December 10th, 2009 at 7:41 pm

    John

    Let me know if you want me to contact you. I have the same issue and have been researching this for weeks. Let me know how to contact you and I will be happy to help.

  6. Drew Branham Says:
    December 14th, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    She did help at least one person…..she helped me and I am very appreciative. Not only did she help me, but due to her story another friend of mine (that I met on an insomnia message board) is going for treatment thanks to her story. Thanks Laurie

  7. Carol Says:
    January 11th, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    Laurie: I watched the “sleeping pill addiction” segment on Dr. Oz’s program today (1.11.10). Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to tape it. Is there any way for me to get hold of that tape recording? I have a friend who is addicted to sleeping pills. Compounding the issue is, he’s a critical heart patient. I can see what this addiction is doing to him, but he won’t listen to me. I’m hoping that the tape will open his eyes.
    Thank you in advance of your reply.

  8. mary Says:
    June 25th, 2010 at 3:26 pm

    Hi Lauri, thanks for your story, it is giving me some hope to get off ambien. What do you think of substituting anti depressant and taper off ambien? Was the rehab expensive or did insurance cover it?
    Did you stop drinking at the same time in rehab? I am going to look for your book today. thanks again for talking about this issue.


Leave a Reply

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »