Zopiclone Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

Zopiclone is frequently prescribed for the short-term treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia. However, using it beyond your prescription can lead to zopiclone addiction. By learning more about the signs and risks associated with zopiclone addiction, you can take informed action to prevent these harms.

What is zopiclone addiction?

Zopiclone addiction is a substance use disorder that causes people to take it uncontrollably even if they want to quit. Dealing with zopiclone addiction is extremely difficult, impacting an individual’s personal and professional life and those around them.

Sleeping pills like zopiclone work by increasing the effectiveness of a chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks the communication between nerve cells, slowing down chemical reactions in the organ and producing a calming effect.

Whether using it recreationally or on prescription, a person addicted to zopiclone must take the drug more frequently or in higher doses to continue experiencing its effects. In an effort to stop or reduce their use, a person may experience withdrawal symptoms while their body learns to operate again without the drug.

What are the signs of zopiclone addiction?

If you suspect that you or your loved one has developed a zopiclone addiction, it can be very concerning. From the outside, a zopiclone addiction can seem almost impossible to beat, with the addicted person often going to great lengths to hide their issue. However, recognising the problem is a vital step towards recovery.

Although the signs of a zopiclone addiction can vary from person to person, here are some general ones to look out for:

Craving the drug
Taking more of the drug than recommended by a medical professional
Running out of a prescription early
Spending a lot of time and money on taking zopiclone
Not being able to fulfil commitments within relationships and at work
Becoming isolated and more withdrawn from people
Losing interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
Hiding drug-taking behaviour and any drugs that may be in the house
Commonly appearing drowsiness
Unusual euphoria
Mood swings
Depression

Why do people abuse zopiclone?

People start to abuse zopiclone for a number of reasons:

- Accidentally becoming dependent: as already mentioned, if someone does not take the drug exactly as prescribed, they are likely to become dependent on it, forming the basis of addiction.
- Underlying mental health issues: more often than not, someone with a drug addiction also has an untreated

mental health condition. People in these situations turn to drugs to self-medicate. The stigma surrounding mental health and limited access to treatment heightens this risk.

Unresolved trauma: experiencing trauma, especially during childhood, hugely increases the chances of turning to drug abuse later in life. To avoid this, psychotherapy must be used to process these feelings healthily.
To cope with stress: the modern world is highly stressful. People commonly turn to drugs to cope with this stress, not having the coping mechanisms and tools to manage it in healthier ways.
Environment: being surrounded by people who abuse drugs increases the chances you will pick up this behaviour also.

Side effects from zopiclone abuse

Along with the pleasant euphoria and calmness that zopiclone brings, the drug can also induce many unpleasant side effects. Some of these include:

Allergic reaction: swelling of the face, finding it difficult to breathe or swallow, rash
Lightheadedness
Metallic mouth taste
Dry mouth
Confusion
Loss of balance and coordination
Drowsiness the next day, in these cases driving, cycling, and operating heavy machinery should be avoided
Irritability
Muscle aches and pain
Difficulty breathing
Memory loss (amnesia)
Hallucinations and delusions
Parasomnia: sleep-walking, sleep-talking, sleep-cooking, sleep-driving

Take the next step with Linwood House

Defeating zopiclone addiction is a life-long process, but Linwood House can equip anyone suffering from addiction with the best tools for long-term recovery.

Linwood House uses proven treatment plans to help you address zopiclone addiction successfully and safely. Please contact Linwood House today to learn more about zopiclone rehab.

Frequently asked questions

How Long Can You Take Zopiclone Before Becoming Addicted?

It is vital to take zopiclone exactly how a doctor instructs to avoid an addiction forming. Typically, it is only prescribed to take a few nights a week between two to four weeks. If someone goes against doctors’ advice and takes the drug for longer than prescribed or more regularly, it’s likely to cause a zopiclone addiction.

Is zopiclone banned in the UK?

No, zopiclone is not banned in the UK. It is a prescription medication used for treating insomnia but is regulated due to its potential for dependence.

What brand name is zopiclone sold under?

Zopiclone is sold under the brand name Imovane.