Barbiturates

Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants. They can be sedative, and in the 1960′s and 70′s they were commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia.  Due to the danger of overdose from barbiturates, they are coming to be prescribed less and being replaced with benzodiazepines in the medical profession.

There are several common barbiturates; they all act similarly but have different lengths and intensity of effects. Amobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital, and tunial are some of the most often-used.

Although barbiturate use has decreased in the medical profession over the last few decades, they are becoming more commonly obtained and used as a street drug. Some professionals believe that taking barbiturates is a common way to counteract or “come down from” stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

The effects of barbiturates are similar to those of alcohol, pain medicines (opiates) and sleeping pills. Symptoms are drowsiness, lessening of inhibition, and intoxication.

Even a small overdose can cause coma or be fatal. Barbiturates are very addictive and withdrawal can be very dangerous. Younger users today may not recall or be aware of the danger of barbiturates–several suicides or accidental deaths were well-reported in during the 60′s and 70′s.  A scary fact is that the difference between the dose causing drowsiness versus causing death is very narrow.

If taken for a few weeks or more, people can easily become addicted to barbiturates and feel they need them to maintain physical functioning and cope with life. Detoxification can also be dangerous if not supervised closely by a doctor.

For these reasons, it is considered best to attend an inpatient addiction treatment center in order to deal with barbiturate abuse. After a closely monitored, safe, and comfortable medical detoxification, the person suffering from barbiturate addiction will participate in a 30-day or 90-day residential rehab program.

This way the addict can begin his or her recovery in a place away from the triggers at home and stress of daily life. He or she will participate in a comprehensive therapy program, be surrounded by a support group of counselors who understand, and interact with peers who are going through the same problems with addiction.

Through a residential treatment program, a person suffering from barbiturate addiction can start the journey to life-changing recovery.