I successfully stopped using 12.5 mg Ambien (Zolpidem ER) one year ago. I just stopped. The first two nights were very restless. Stayed awake until 1 or 2 am, then slept. Took mid-afternoon nap (20 minutes) to tefresh. By the fourth day, I was able to fall asleep within about one-half hour. This was an uncomfortable process but successful in a short time. By the way, I had been using Ambien 12.5 mg for about 20 years. I still experience some insomnia but with very occasiknal occurrence. I follow a good Medit-Keto meal plan. Don't over eat. Minimize caffeine intake (love coffee and tea). And exercize daily.
I was very satisfied that I stopped it immediately. Picked a Friday night to start so that Sat and Sun gave me some rest time. Stopping immediately brought me out of its additictive effects in a short time. By the way, I used the same approach to quit smoking. It took me about two weeks to affectively change my desire for cigarettes. Forty-six years ago.
Courage and perseverance, while keeping a hopeful eye on the anticipated, successful results. Although I didn't have the benefit of an encouraging friend, I highly recommend having someone to be an encourager as you go through this.
Wish you success. It is worth quitting the dependancy.