Lunesta Addiction: Side Effects, Detox, Withdrawal, and Treatment

What Is Lunesta?

Lunesta is the brand name for the drug eszopiclone, which is a prescription sedative and non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that is prescribed to treat insomnia. Unlike other sleep-aid drugs that are benzodiazepines, Lunesta contains zopiclone, which is a hypnotic agent. The DEA classifies Lunesta as a Schedule IV controlled substance because it has the potential for abuse and addiction.

Lunesta is one of the most popular prescription sleep aid medications in the U.S. Although researchers aren’t exactly sure how it changes the function of the brain, it is believed that Lunesta works by interacting with GABA receptors to promote restful and more regulated sleep.

Slang for Lunesta

The following terms are street names or slang for Lunesta and other sleeping aid drugs:

• R2
• Roche
• Forget-me Pill
• Mexican Valium

Is Lunesta Addictive?

Lunesta can be addictive when it is used recreationally or for a long period of time. Large doses of Lunesta can produce a euphoric effect. This effect is also intensified when it is used with other drugs. Although many people use it to help them sleep, others abuse Lunesta for the sole purpose of getting high.

About nine million Americans use prescription sleep aid drugs like Lunesta, and of those nine million, about 30 percent are dependent on them. Lunesta addiction is less common than addiction to benzodiazepine drugs, but it can still be addictive if it is used on a long-term basis or if it is not used exactly as it was prescribed.

People frequently abuse Lunesta with alcohol and opioid drugs, which can increase the risk of dependence and overdose.

Overcoming Lunesta addiction is possible.
Medical detox and rehab can provide tools and resources to get sober.
Start your recovery today by calling (512) 887-5034.

What Are the Side Effects of Lunesta Abuse?

Serious physical and psychological side effects can occur as a result of Lunesta abuse.

Short-term side effects of Lunesta abuse may include:

• Coordination impairment
• Depression
• Memory loss

Long-term side effects of Lunesta abuse may include:

• Memory loss
• Lasting cognitive problems
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Anxiety
• Muscle twitching
• Tinnitus
• Sensitivity to light
• Liver and kidney damage
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Dependence
• Addiction

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Lunesta Addiction?

If a person is addicted to Lunesta, he or she may display the following symptoms:

• Using Lunesta for longer than originally prescribed
• Isolating themselves from friends and loved ones
• Crushing and snorting Lunesta pills
• Taking larger or more frequent doses of Lunesta than prescribed
• Mixing Lunesta with other drugs
• Feeling as though they can’t stop taking Lunesta
• Having cravings for Lunesta

Lunesta is only meant to be taken on a short-term basis, so long-term use of the drug may result in physical dependence or addiction. A person who is addicted to Lunesta may need professional treatment to overcome their addiction.

What Are Lunesta Withdrawal Symptoms?

If a person uses Lunesta for a long period of time and suddenly stops using it, he or she will most likely experience some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Lunesta withdrawal symptoms commonly include:

• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Rebound insomnia
• Stomach cramps
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Tremors
• Flushed skin

Lunesta Detox

Because Lunesta detox can be very uncomfortable, many people will return to using it, primarily to relieve unpleasant Lunesta withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, medical detox is beneficial. Medical detox for Lunesta withdrawal provides 24/7 medical assistance during detox. Staff also utilize medication-assisted treatment to relieve uncomfortable physical symptoms and help clients gradually achieve sobriety.

Most importantly, medical detox programs reduce the likelihood of relapse because clients are housed in a supportive and sober environment throughout the duration of Lunesta withdrawal. So not only do they not have the opportunity to use, but they also receive the medical and clinical care they need to comfortably get sober.

Struggling with Lunesta addiction? We can help.
Call Nova Recovery Center at (512) 887-5034 for more information about our 90-day rehab programs for men and women.

Long-Term Rehab for Lunesta Addiction

After Lunesta detox, many people may choose to continue their treatment with a rehab program. Although drug detox addresses the physical aspects of addiction, detox alone is not a cure for addiction. It does not help clients work through the behavioral problems associated with addiction, nor get to the root causes of their addictive behaviors. This is what rehab is for.

The primary purpose of Lunesta rehab is to:

• Address the underlying causes of the addiction
• Provide behavioral therapy for addictive behaviors
• Work through family issues that have contributed to the addiction
• Teach clients how to recognize and deal with high-risk situations, triggers, and stressors in everyday life
• Provide relapse prevention techniques and strategies

There are many different types of Lunesta rehab centers and programs, but research shows treatment of 90 days or longer provides the best opportunity for lasting sobriety. Although 30-day programs are popular for their convenience, they may not always be as effective as a long-term 90-day program.

Additionally, someone seeking addiction treatment for Lunesta addiction may choose to enroll in either inpatient or outpatient drug rehab. There are several differences between the two types of Lunesta treatment programs.

During inpatient Lunesta rehab, the client:

• Lives on-site at the rehab center
• Follows a structured daily schedule
• Attends individual and group counseling sessions
• Attends 12-step meetings
• Participates in alternative therapies such as music therapy or art therapy
• May be awarded passes to leave campus for the day or overnight

During outpatient Lunesta rehab, the client:

• Lives at home throughout the duration of their program
• Attends a series of group support sessions at a nearby clinical location
• Participates in 12-step support group meetings and discussions

Depending on the type of Lunesta rehab a person chooses, the cost of the program will vary. However, clients may use several different payment options to cover the cost. These include:

• Medical insurance benefits
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Financed loans
• Personal loans from family or friends
• Healthcare credit cards
• Scholarships or grants
• Out-of-pocket payments

Ongoing Addiction Treatment Options for Lunesta Addiction

Because addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, ongoing sobriety is something that requires continuous effort, long after formal Lunesta treatment is over. Treatment to overcome Lunesta addiction may last for several months or years, depending on the severity of the addiction. However, sober living programs and aftercare programs are both designed to help men and women in addiction recovery achieve their sobriety goals.

Sober Living Programs

Sober living houses are referred to by many different names: transitional houses, halfway houses, and ¾ houses. All these terms are used interchangeably to describe recovery residences, or group homes, that are designed to help recovering addicts maintain their sobriety while they learn how to live independently.

After rehab, clients may choose to enroll in a sober living program, where they will receive recovery support services, such as:

• Random drug testing
• Personal monitoring programs
• Recovery programs
• Employment/volunteer/education assistance
• Peer support

These recovery support services are designed to help people in recovery make a smooth transition into a life of sobriety. Although the cost of sober living homes and programs varies greatly, they are typically much more affordable than an apartment or mortgage.

Aftercare Programs

Aftercare programs are perfect for rehab alumni who need continued support as they transition into an independent lifestyle of sobriety. Aftercare consists of a series of weekly group meetings where clients meet with peers in recovery, discuss the challenges of early sobriety, and offer personal advice and wisdom. This type of program can also be used as a weekly check-in for people who have several months or years of sobriety under their belt.

Although overcoming Lunesta addiction requires time and effort, it is possible with the right medical and clinical support. If you or a loved one is addicted to Lunesta, call Nova Recovery Center to learn about our 90-day inpatient rehab program and ongoing recovery support and Lunesta treatment programs.

References:

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/topics/data_outcomes_quality/nsduh-ppt-09-2017.pdf
2. https://addictionresource.com/drugs/lunesta/lunesta-facts-and-myths/
3. https://www.drugs.com/lunesta.html
4. https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/09/15/lunesta-eszopiclone-withdrawal-symptoms-duration/

Nova Recovery Center offers a large range of substance abuse treatment services: detox, residential, outpatient and sober living.

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