Barbiturates are a powerful group of sedative-hypnotic drugs, used primarily to treat insomnia and anxiety. Once popular medications, they are now rarely prescribed as newer and safer drugs, benzodiazepines, have entered the market. The consequences of even a slight overdose of barbiturates can be deadly, as doses are so precise that the optimum dose is not much different than a dose that can cause coma or death.
Even though prescriptions of barbiturates have gone down, there is evidence of a growing trend of barbiturate abuse on the street. A central nervous system depressant, barbiturates have the effect of sedation by slowing down all functions of the body, and are often used to counteract the stimulating effects of other street drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines. They are part of a drug cocktail that is extremely deadly.
There are many types of barbiturates on the market, varying by how long their effects last, but the most commonly abused are:
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
- Secobarbital (Seconal)
- Amobarbital (Amytal)
- Butalbital (Fiorinal, Fioricet)
- Phenobarbital (Lunial)
- Methohexital (Brevital)
Barbiturates can give users the feeling of euphoria and contentment, similar to alcohol. Small doses will cause drowsiness and intoxication, while higher doses can cause confusion, slurred speech and staggering. An overdose can cause a coma, and stop respiration all together.
Barbiturates can make existing mental conditions far worse, and long-term use can result in permanent physical and mental damages. Abusing barbiturates often masks underlying issues that need to be dealt with, making withdrawal and recovery incredibly difficult.
Barbiturate Detox
Barbiturate withdrawal can begin just several hours after the last dose, and can last weeks and months. Depending on the length and severity of the addiction, withdrawal symptoms can vary greatly, and can be life threatening.
Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Restlessness
- Severe Anxiety
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Hypotension
- Hallucinations
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Coma
- Death
Since there is no way to predict how an individual will respond to barbiturate withdrawal, close medical attention is advised. Our health professionals are trained to help individuals get through the detox process as painlessly and comfortably as possible.
Treatment for Barbiturate Addiction
If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction please call the Pasadena Recovery Center at (866) 663-3030. We’re available to talk with you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We promise confidentiality and professionalism. Our comprehensive treatment program will address each client’s issues on an integrated basis, understanding that addiction often has underlying emotional and behavioral issues that need to be resolved.
At Pasadena Recovery Center, our dedicated staff understands the disease of addiction and we’re proud to offer lifesaving treatment at an affordable cost. Our goal is to reintroduce sober individuals into society with the skills necessary to lead meaningful, productive lives, through a compassionate and comprehensive treatment program. There is hope and we’re here to help, so please take the first step towards a better life by contacting us today.
