Zopiclone Addiction Treatment

Published by John Gillen | Last updated: 19th December 2023 | All Sources

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Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner)

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All information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Last Reviewed: 19th December 2023

Zopiclone is a sleeping pill commonly prescribed short-term to treat insomnia. However, this prescription drug has the potential to induce sleep without allowing the user to wake.

The drug was first introduced in 1986 and is very similar to Lunesta. Zopiclone is typically used in tablet form and is even used in rehabilitation programmes to treat withdrawal symptoms associated with alcoholism.

Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine tranquiliser and works by depressing the central nervous system. If consumed for more than 2-3 weeks, users develop a tolerance and addiction to Zopiclone.

In 2017 to 2018 alone, 11.5 million adults in England – more than a quarter of the adult population – were prescribed one or more of the medicines under review, including sleeping pills.[1] This means that a big portion of the population is at risk of becoming addicted to drugs like Zopiclone. In this case, it may be necessary that someone requires help to undergo drug rehab in a residential facility like Cassiobury Court.

While many people naturally associate the idea of private drug and alcohol rehab with treating addiction to illicit substances such as cannabis, heroin, and cocaine, countless people fall prey to the effects of prescription drugs each year.

Cassiobury Court wants to ensure that help is available to everyone. Overcoming Zopiclone addiction can be daunting alone; contact us so we can help you recover.

 

What Does Zopiclone Do?

Zopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine that increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the user’s central nervous system. This induces calming effects, which help a user sleep; it works similarly to benzodiazepine drugs.

Occasionally referred to as a form of “Z-drug, ” it is recommended that Zopiclone only be ingested on a short-term basis — ordinarily for no longer than a period of one or two weeks. Repeated investment and consumption of Zopiclone isn’t wise. Care is required when it is taken with antidepressants, other sedatives, alcohol, or anything else that may influence the central nervous system.

However, Zopiclone can also be employed in addiction treatment courses and is sometimes used to keep alcohol withdrawal symptoms under control. Although, if you’re attending drug rehab for Zopiclone addiction or need to go through a combined Zopiclone and alcohol withdrawal, other replacement medication may be used to ease the process.

 

Overcoming Your Addiction with Cassiobury Court

If you do not seek professional help, your chances of successfully overcoming your Zopiclone addiction may be slim to none. Extended periods of Zopiclone use can cause you to present with a series of dangerous side effects. These can include the likes of:

  • Amnesia
  • Hallucinations, visual and aurally
  • You may find yourself to be falling over more frequently
  • Delusions/paranoia
  • Depression

Our residential rehabilitation centre will be able to help you break the cycle of your zopiclone addiction and overcome your addiction in the long term. Our private drug and alcohol rehab facility will offer you a comprehensive 28-day prescription drug programme. Depending on the severity and length of time you have been consuming Zopiclone, this may need to be extended.

During your time at Cassiobury Court, you will attend two main types of treatment.

Firstly, our medical team will support and observe you while you detox from drugs. They will be able to treat the potentially uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms associated with Zopiclone detoxification. Withdrawing from drug addiction is not likely something a person should take, as it can cause dangerous side effects if not treated effectively.

The symptoms can be physical and psychological as your body adapts to the lack of Zopiclone. Such side effects will typically include:

  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Restlessness
  • Hallucinations
  • Increased tension
  • Seizures
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Heart palpitations
  • Rebound insomnia

The above withdrawal symptoms typically occur within twenty-four hours. The withdrawal effects will reach their peak in 3 days. After this, they will lessen acute symptoms. [2] Once the detox milestone has passed, the clients’ rehabilitation programme moves onto therapy and counselling sessions. Here the psychological aspect of Zopiclone addiction is treated.

Patients receive mixed therapy sessions using cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, and other holistic treatments. These will be customised to you, as we understand that drug addiction affects everyone differently. We believe therapy should reflect this.

Our facility and teams of addiction specialists have helped many people overcome Zopiclone addiction with many success stories. We are confident that we can help you to overcome your Zopiclone dependency and continue to live addiction-free. Alternatively, if you are worried that someone you care about is addicted to Zopiclone, our staff can help you through the family referral and intervention process.

 

Get in Touch

Whatever your question or situation, you can contact us at 0800 001 4070 and find answers to questions you may have before you start your recovery. Do not delay in reaching out to us. Every day that you delay is a day that your Zopiclone dependency claims.

John Gillen

John Gillen - Author Last updated: 19th December 2023

John Gillen is a leading addiction treatment expert with over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment methods for individuals throughout the UK. John also co-authors the book, The Secret Disease of Addiction, which delves into how the addictive mind works and what treatment techniques work best.

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Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner)

Dr. Olalekan Otulana (Advanced Practitioner) - Medical Reviewer - Last Reviewed: 19th December 2023

Dr. Olalekan Otulana MBChB, DRCOG, MRCGP, DFSRH, FRSPH, MBA (Cantab)

 Dr Otulana is a highly experienced GP and Addiction Physician. He has a specialist interest in Substance Misuse Management and he has a wide range of experience in the assessment, management (including detoxification) and residential rehabilitation of clients with various drug and substance addiction problems.  His main aim is to comprehensively assess patients with addiction problems and determine their treatment needs for medical detoxification treatments and psychological interventions. He is also experienced in managing patients who require dual drug and alcohol detoxification treatments.

A strong healthcare services professional with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Cambridge University Judge Business School.