Mum addicted to zopiclone

[Kay256]

Hiya, just after a bit of advice really. My mum is addicted to zopiclone. She buys them online without being prescribed, she tells me she takes 2 a night every night. She said when she takes 1 it doesn't workm when she's off them she can't sleep. She's been on them for a few years. When she's not got them she has hallucinations. Her memory is bad with them. I have tried talking to her about it but she refuses to go to the doctor's or to stop. With her job she has to look after a person 24/7 for 3 weeks in a row. I wouldn't want a person who's addicted to zopiclone looking after someone in my family, should I tell her work? Should I go to the doctor? She also takes a lot of pain meds everyday, she could go through a packet a day I reckon. I don't think she would forgive me though and I'm scared of losing her.

Those tablets may not be zoplicone. I would create a throw away email address to contact her Gp to advise she is taking un prescribed medication and to be aware for future prescriptions in case of interactions

@Crofthead I think that's probably what I will do. Do you think I should do that for her job too? I don't want her to lose her job but I don't think she's fit enough taking these to be working with the elderly 😔

I’m so sorry you’re in this position. My mum was addicted to zoplicole for years. House was repossessed and she now lives in poverty because of it. My advice is to contact her GP and if you’re concerned about her being a carer then yes I would email her employer also. I know how hard this is, so sorry that you’re going through it.

@sausagedog2000 I'm so sorry your mum was in a similar situation. Did she get help in the end? It is hard, she doesn't see that I'm only trying to help her unfortunately.

Tell her you are concerned. She may not think it's an issue. Sounds like she may also be hooked on opiates. Contact the clinical pharmacist at the GP/GP about her use of the meds so they can better monitor amounts issued and proactively discuss reducing what is being prescribed.

Look to see if there is a drug and alcohol service around you that can help with addiction.
As with any addiction, recovery needs to be driven by the person.