Zopiclone Addiction | Symptoms, Effects and Treatment

You can become addicted to zopiclone both as a result of taking the drug on prescription, and when you take it for recreational use. The drug works by increasing GABA activity in the brain which causes a sense of relaxation and tranquillity.

However, part of the reason that zopiclone is addictive is that your body can quickly become tolerant to the effects of zopiclone, meaning that larger doses are needed to get the desired effect. This tolerance can lead to physical dependence on the medication where you need it just to feel okay and to avoid unpleasant zopiclone withdrawal symptoms which arise when you stop taking it.

When you are addicted to zopiclone, you will continue to take it despite the negative consequences and will experience strong cravings for the drug. This can make it very difficult to live a normal, everyday life as you become totally preoccupied with getting and taking the medication.

There are a number of short-term and long-term effects of zopiclone addiction.

Zopiclone side effects long-term use:

• Impaired memory
• Depression and anxiety
• Liver damage
• Chest pains and heart palpitations
• Nightmares
• Amnesia
• Abdominal pains
• Constipation
• Flu-like symptoms
• Slowed breathing
• Fatal overdose

Other serious potential side effects of long-term use include an increased risk of suicide due to depression or psychotic episodes and “rebound insomnia“, which is when you become tolerant to zopiclone and it stops being effective.

It is because of these side effects that the medication is only prescribed for four weeks at a time with the smallest dose possible.

Before we explain what zopiclone addiction treatment entails, it is important to know whether you are actually addicted to zopiclone and would benefit from treatment. To recognise the signs of zopiclone addiction, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I continue taking zopiclone even though it has negative consequences on my life?
• Have I taken larger doses of zopiclone than were prescribed or taken the drug for longer than I was supposed to?
• Do I experience strong cravings or zopiclone withdrawal symptoms when I haven’t taken the drug?
• Have I tried to quit zopiclone but been unsuccessful?
• Do I use zopiclone to cope with difficult emotions, stress or anxiety?
• Have I procured zopiclone illegally?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it is likely that you are addicted to zopiclone and require professional help.

Zopiclone detox is when you stop taking the drug and allow your body to heal and rid itself of any traces of the drug. While the length and severity of zopiclone withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person depending on factors such as how long you have been taking zopiclone and in what quantities, it can be very unpleasant and potentially even fatal.

This is why Primrose Lodge provides inpatient zopiclone detox where our team of medical professionals will give you a full assessment upon admission so that we are able to provide you with a tailored detox plan throughout your stay.

Alongside detox, effective recovery also requires zopiclone rehab during which time you will learn to recognise and understand the underlying causes of your zopiclone addiction and learn the skills you need to overcome it. At Primrose Lodge, we provide inpatient zopiclone rehab where you stay in our centre as a resident for the duration of your treatment. This will allow you to connect with our staff and the other clients in recovery, distance yourself from external distractions and focus on yourself and your recovery.

During your rehabilitation, you will benefit from a variety of evidence-based therapies which are designed to help you work through your underlying issues or prevent relapse. Our zopiclone rehab programme includes:

In addition to participating fully in your aftercare programme, here are three top tips to help you stay zopiclone-free after leaving rehab:

#1 Avoid high-risk situations

Remind yourself of the potential risks associated with zopiclone use and take steps to avoid them. This could mean avoiding places that you associate with using or people who are still using.

#2 Stay connected

Maintain contact with your support network whether this is friends, family or people you met in rehab. This will help to remind you that you’re not alone in your zopiclone recovery journey and will give you people to lean on during difficult moments.

#3 Practise self-care

Focus on getting enough sleep, eating healthily and practising mindfulness and calming activities such as yoga, meditation or walking if you find yourself getting cravings for zopiclone. You can also try out new healthy hobbies which will prevent boredom and give you the opportunity to meet new people.