Zopiclone Addiction

Written by:

Nicki Hari

Last Updated:

May 7th, 2024

Zopiclone, widely known under brand names like Imovane, is commonly prescribed as a short-term solution for insomnia. It is a member of the relatively new Z-drug, developed to provide sleep aid qualities but with a reduced risk of sleeping pill addiction compared to older medications. However, the risk of developing an addiction to zopiclone can be significant, particularly when it is used beyond the recommended duration or in larger doses than prescribed. Recognising the signs and symptoms of zopiclone addiction is crucial for seeking timely intervention before there are more serious consequences.

What is zopiclone?

Zopiclone is a central nervous system depressant belonging to a class of medications known as sedative-hypnotics. Like other Z-drugs, zopiclone enhances the activity of GABA, a chemical in the brain that promotes relaxation and sleep. Zopiclone can be highly effective, but it is only recommended for short periods – usually not more than a few weeks – to minimise the risks of addiction.

What is zopiclone addiction?

Zopiclone addiction is a condition characterised by the compulsive use of the drug despite adverse consequences. It may come as a result of recreational zopiclone abuse but more commonly results from a genuine prescription.

Initially, users may begin to take an extra dose of zopiclone to guarantee sleep as they have become tolerant to its effects. However, this increased use can quickly escalate to an overwhelming need for zopiclone and the development of physical dependency. This means that unpleasant withdrawal symptoms emerge if you stop or reduce zopiclone use.

This physical dependency often exists alongside a psychological dependency where you feel like you need zopiclone to cope with everyday life. These dual dependencies are the two key pillars of zopiclone addiction, which dominates your life, leading to health complications, strained relationships and a decline in social and occupational functioning.

Common zopiclone addiction symptoms include:

• A preoccupation with acquiring and using zopiclone.
• Continued use of zopiclone despite recognising its harmful effects.
• Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control zopiclone use.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety or tremors when attempting to reduce or cease usage
• Using zopiclone to cope with stress, anxiety or other emotional challenges beyond its sleep-inducing purposes.

It is easy to dismiss early signs of zopiclone addiction, but these indicators are vital for identifying a developing dependency. If you recognise any of these zopiclone addiction symptoms in yourself or others, a professional healthcare provider can help to identify addiction or adjust medication as needed.

Why is zopiclone addictive?

Zopiclone can lead to addiction on a physical level due to its effects on the brain’s neurochemistry. Over time, your brain may begin to rely on zopiclone’s presence to achieve a state of calm and initiate sleep, resulting in repeated use and increased dosage. However, it is this physical dependency alongside a psychological one that are the hallmarks of zopiclone addiction, and there are a number of risk factors that contribute to the development of psychological dependency. These include:

• Genetic predisposition: Extensive studies have shown that a family history of addiction can increase susceptibility in yourself. You should tell your doctor about any history if you are being prescribed zopiclone or other medications.
• Environmental stressors: Using zopiclone to cope with life stresses or as an escape from daily pressures can greatly increase the risk of addiction, as the medication is only designed to be used for sleep.
• Social influences: Exposure to drug use in your social environment can normalise the use of prescription medications like zopiclone, potentially leading to misuse and addiction. It is important to understand that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous and addictive as illicit ones, and this includes zopiclone.
• Accessibility: Easy access to larger doses of zopiclone, which allows for prolonged use can facilitate zopiclone misuse. This access may come from genuine prescriptions, doctor shopping (going to more than one GP to get a prescription) or obtaining zopiclone illegally.
• Psychological factors: People with untreated mental health issues may self-medicate with zopiclone. The drug’s sedative effects may help in the short term, but zopiclone can ultimately make these issues worse, leading to further zopiclone use and a cycle of addiction.

Understanding these risk factors can help in managing use and recognising when it may be turning into zopiclone addiction. Crucially, not everyone who becomes addicted to zopiclone will have all of these underlying causes, but a combination of them can greatly increase the risk.

The dangers of zopiclone addiction

Zopiclone addiction can cause a range of serious consequences that can deeply affect your physical health, emotional balance and the overall quality of your life. Here are some of the most serious potential dangers, highlighting the need for prompt professional help:

• Respiratory depression: If you combine zopiclone with other depressants like alcohol, your breathing could slow dangerously. Without medical attention, you could stop breathing altogether, leading to death.
• Cognitive impairments: Think about how you feel after a night of poor sleep. Now imagine that fog is not lifting because zopiclone is clouding your memory, attention span and ability to make decisions. These are common with the chronic zopiclone use that comes with addiction.
• Unusual and risky behaviours: Using zopiclone in excessive doses can alter your reactions and decision-making and cause you to fall asleep at dangerous times. These can lead to activities like sleep-driving which can be both dangerous and put you in legal trouble.
• Overdose potential: Taking higher doses of zopiclone or mixing it with other substances, significantly increases your risk of overdose. This can lead to coma or can even be fatal in the most serious cases.
• Mental health impact: Zopiclone may initially seem like it is easing your anxiety or depression, but over time, it can actually make these conditions worse. As explained above, this can lead to you using more zopiclone to cope, reinforcing the cycle of suffering and drug use.
• Financial and legal issues: The costs of maintaining your supply and possibly facing legal issues due to misuse can put you in both precarious financial and legal positions.

It is so important to recognise and address these risks promptly to drastically change your addiction trajectory and improve your chances of recovery.

What does zopiclone addiction treatment involve?

Zopiclone addiction treatment requires a well-rounded approach that tackles both the physical and psychological aspects explained above. At Sanctuary Lodge, we have crafted a three-stage programme that supports you all the way from withdrawal to wellness:

• Medical detox: This is where your journey begins – safely reducing your zopiclone intake under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively. This breaks physical dependence and lets you move on with a clean slate.
• Rehab therapy: Through individual and group sessions, you will explore the underlying causes of your zopiclone addiction. Our therapists will help you develop new coping mechanisms and repair behavioural patterns that have led to your use of zopiclone.
• Aftercare: Recovery doesn’t end when you leave our doors. We offer ongoing support to prevent relapse, helping you make essential lifestyle adjustments and strengthen the skills needed for long-term recovery.

This comprehensive approach to sleeping pill addiction treatment has been proven to be highly effective and to help those in need put zopiclone addiction firmly behind them.

Get help for zopiclone addiction today

If zopiclone use is starting to take over your life, do not hesitate to seek help. Though overcoming zopiclone addiction may seem daunting, recovery is within your reach with the right support and dedicated treatment. Reach out to Sanctuary Lodge today, and let us walk this path to a healthier, more stable future together.

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