Nova Recovery Center

Drug & Substance Guide

Lunesta Addiction Recovery and Withdrawal Treatment Guide

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Excellent 4.6 out of 5 434 Google reviews across our locations

  • The Joint Commission
  • NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
  • Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP)

What clients say

Trusted by clients across Texas

4.6 from 434 Google reviews across 9 locations

Across Nova Recovery Center, Briarwood Detox Center and Eudaimonia Recovery Homes

  • ★★★★★

    “Nova is far from perfect, and some of the information can be misleading. But if you want to cover the 12 Steps while enjoying good food and a beautiful scenic view, this is the place for you. The…”

    Wade III

    10 months ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I did 90 days at Nova Recovery 6 years ago. I am still sober today. And living a life I could have never imagined. The people and the program they are running impacted me for a lifetime. Better than…”

    megan minasi

    2 years ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I went to Nova almost 9 months ago and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The staff when I first entered were very nice and welcoming. As a 19 year old that didn’t know what I was getting myself…”

    Brianna Velaney

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “Nova Recovery Center has been an invaluable part of my journey to sobriety. The intensive inpatient program, coupled with the unwavering support and guidance from my recovery specialist, Mark Rector…”

    Jake Smolt

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “I had such a positive experience at Nova Recovery in Wimberley! The staff genuinely cares and went above and beyond to support me every step of the way. The peaceful setting made it easier to focus…”

    Jeffrey Villasis

    a year ago · Wimberley

  • ★★★★★

    “I love Nova so freaking much. Nova has saved my life in more ways than one. I was hopeless and had no solution suffering from this disease. The staff there never gave up on me. I was the worst client…”

    Sierra Watts

    2 years ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “I know Mark rector is non-binary however it saved my life and it did a good job with CPR and I don't know how aside from staying sober I could ever repay it thank you Mr or Mrs or whatever you're…”

    Logan S

    8 months ago · Austin

  • ★★★★★

    “It's been a few years since I was a patient at Nova Recovery Center. Recently I have been reflecting on my time there and how incredibly grateful I am for the experience I had. I have been to 7 rehab…”

    Jeff Lochridge

    2 years ago · Austin

Exceptional standards, backed by credible organizations

Our affiliations and accreditations

  • The Joint Commission
  • NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
  • National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP)
  • Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP)

What Lunesta is

Lunesta is eszopiclone, a non-benzodiazepine sleep aid that works on GABA receptors, and the DEA classifies it Schedule IV, meaning a low but real potential for abuse and addiction.

It is misused to get high, or taken with alcohol, which is where the risk concentrates. This page covers what Lunesta is, whether it can be addictive, and what recovery, withdrawal and treatment involve.

What it is
A non-benzodiazepine prescription sleep aid
Classification
Schedule IV, moderate misuse risk
How common dependence is
Nearly 30% of sleep-aid users show signs
Withdrawal
Rebound insomnia, anxiety, tremors, cramps

Rebound insomnia is what sends most people back to the pills. A supervised detox is how that cycle gets broken.

What Is Lunesta?

Lunesta is a prescription sleep aid. Its generic name is eszopiclone. Doctors often prescribe it to treat insomnia. Unlike benzodiazepines, it is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic. It works by affecting GABA receptors in the brain to help people sleep.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Lunesta as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has a low but real potential for abuse and addiction.

Related: Pain medications can affect sleep; read about meloxicam withdrawal & detox considerations.

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Street Names for Lunesta

Lunesta and similar sleep aids may be referred to using slang, such as:

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

Discover More About Sedatives and Tranquilizers

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View Sedatives and Tranquilizers Glossary

Nova Recovery Center's Wimberley campus

Can Lunesta Be Addictive?

Yes. Lunesta can become addictive. People may misuse it to feel high or enhance the effects of other drugs or alcohol. Taking higher doses than prescribed or using it longer than recommended increases the risk of addiction.

About nine million people in the United States use sleep aids like Lunesta. Nearly 30% of them show signs of dependence. Although Lunesta addiction is less common than addiction to benzodiazepines, the risk is still significant. 

Side Effects of Lunesta Abuse

Misusing Lunesta can lead to a range of side effects. These effects may differ for each person but can be serious. 

Short-term side effects include:

  • Poor coordination
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Memory loss 

Long-term side effects include:

  • Persistent memory problems
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle twitching
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Hallucinations
  • Liver or kidney damage
  • Paranoia
  • Tinnitus
  • Addiction 

Side effects may also include interactions with other prescription drugs or alcohol use disorder. 

Signs and Symptoms of Lunesta Addiction

Signs of Lunesta addiction often include:

  • Using Lunesta longer than prescribed
  • Increasing the dosage over time
  • Crushing and snorting pills
  • Combining Lunesta with drugs or alcohol
  • Craving Lunesta
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Inability to stop using

These behaviors indicate a growing dependence and the need for substance abuse treatment. 

Lunesta Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person stops taking Lunesta after long-term use, withdrawal may occur. Lunesta withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe:

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

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on medical conditions, dosage, and length of use. 

Nova Recovery Center's Wimberley campus

Lunesta Detox

Lunesta detox is the first step in addiction recovery. It helps remove the drug from the body in a safe and effective way. Detox programs are designed to treat both physical symptoms and emotional challenges.

Medical detox programs offer:

  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Medication management
  • A medically supervised setting
  • Reduced risk of relapse

Medical assistance during withdrawal reduces discomfort and increases the chances of success.

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Treatment Options for Lunesta Addiction

After detox, most people benefit from a structured addiction treatment program. Detox alone does not address the root causes of addiction. Rehab helps people learn how to cope with stress, triggers, and mental health issues.

Addiction treatment options include:

  • Inpatient drug rehab
  • Outpatient drug rehab
  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
  • Group therapy and individual counseling
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Family therapy and support groups

Behavioral therapies help people understand their habits and develop healthy routines. CBT is especially useful for treating both addiction and mental health conditions.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

The right level of care depends on many factors, including the severity of addiction and family support.

In inpatient treatment, clients:

  • Stay at the facility full time
  • Follow a daily schedule
  • Attend group and individual sessions
  • Join 12-step programs
  • Participate in therapy like art or music

In outpatient rehab, clients:

  • Live at home
  • Attend therapy part-time
  • Stay involved with family members and work

Each program offers its own benefits. Many recovery programs use a combination of residential treatments and outpatient services for long term recovery.

Cost and Payment Options

The cost of treatment varies based on the program and level of care. Many treatment facilities accept health insurance or offer payment plans.

Payment methods include:

  • Insurance coverage
  • Scholarships
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Personal loans
  • Family contributions

Affordable care makes recovery possible for more people.

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Sober Living and Aftercare

Long-term sobriety requires ongoing support. After rehab, continuing care helps people stay on track.

Sober living programs provide:

  • Drug testing
  • Peer support
  • Daily structure
  • Employment assistance

These programs act as a bridge between rehab and independent living.

Aftercare programs offer:

  • Weekly group meetings
  • Peer mentoring
  • Relapse prevention
  • Emotional support

These recovery support services improve quality of life and reduce the risk of relapse.

Comprehensive Recovery Support

Effective addiction treatment combines multiple strategies. Successful recovery support services often include:

  • Medical detox
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Family involvement
  • Support groups
  • Recovery housing
  • Mental health care

Each program offers tools to manage cravings, avoid relapse, and improve daily life.

Public Health and Lunesta Abuse

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drug misuse is a major issue in the United States. Lunesta abuse increases the risk of serious health problems.

Recovery is possible with early intervention and support from healthcare professionals. Mental health professionals can help individuals manage dual diagnoses such as depression or anxiety along with addiction.

Nova Recovery Center's Wimberley campus

Get Help Today

Addiction can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. With the right support, it is possible to heal.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Lunesta addiction, contact Nova Recovery Center today. Our treatment facilities offer medical detox, residential treatment, outpatient rehab, and a wide range of recovery services.

Start long term recovery. Call us now to learn more about our safe and effective treatment options for Lunesta addiction.

Lunesta (Eszopiclone) FAQs: Addiction, Safety, and Treatment Insights

Is Lunesta stronger than Ambien?

Lunesta and Ambien are both non-benzodiazepine sleep medications, but their effects can vary by individual. Lunesta is often considered slightly longer-lasting, while Ambien tends to act more quickly. Both carry a risk of dependence and should be used only as prescribed.

Is Lunesta a good sleeping pill?

Lunesta is FDA-approved for treating insomnia and can be effective for short-term sleep difficulties. However, long-term use may lead to dependence, side effects, or withdrawal symptoms, so it should be taken under medical supervision.

Is Lunesta a scheduled narcotic?

Yes. Lunesta (eszopiclone) is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has recognized medical use but also carries a risk for misuse and addiction.

Is it safe to take Lunesta every night?

Daily use of Lunesta may increase the risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Doctors typically recommend short-term or intermittent use, combined with behavioral approaches for better long-term sleep health.

Is eszopiclone a strong sleeping pill?

Eszopiclone, the generic form of Lunesta, is considered a strong hypnotic medication. Its sedative effects work by enhancing GABA activity in the brain, which slows down nervous system activity to promote sleep.

Is eszopiclone the same as Ambien?

No. While both Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Ambien (zolpidem) are sedative-hypnotics, they are different medications. They work in similar ways but differ in duration, dosing, and how individuals may respond.

Is eszopiclone a narcotic?

Eszopiclone is not classified as a narcotic, but it is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse, dependence, and addiction.

Is eszopiclone similar to Xanax?

No. Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic, while Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety. While both affect GABA receptors, they serve different medical purposes.

What is the most effective prescription sleep aid?

The most effective sleep aid depends on the individual’s health, sleep issues, and medical history. Options include Lunesta, Ambien (zolpidem), and newer medications like Belsomra, but behavioral treatments are often more sustainable.

Can doctors prescribe something to help you sleep?

Yes. Doctors can prescribe medications like Lunesta, Ambien, or other sleep aids when lifestyle and behavioral strategies alone aren’t effective. However, these are usually prescribed for short-term use to avoid dependence.

Is there withdrawal from Lunesta?

Yes, after long-term use. The page lists anxiety, nausea, vomiting, sweating, rebound insomnia, irritability, stomach cramps, mood swings, tremors and flushed skin, ranging from mild to severe depending on medical conditions, dose and how long it was taken. Lunesta is eszopiclone, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic rather than a benzodiazepine, and the DEA classes it Schedule IV, meaning a low but real potential for abuse and addiction.

Other Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Locations

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