What are barbiturates?
First developed in 1864, barbiturates gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s and were extensively prescribed because of their effectiveness in producing relaxation and sleepiness in patients. Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic drugs that were commonly used as sedatives or anti-anxiety medications. A physician must prescribe barbiturates; otherwise, they are being used illicitly.
Despite their limited usefulness, barbiturates are used to control some seizure disorders and as pre-procedural sedation. However, barbiturates depress central nervous system activity, slowing brain activity, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
Some of the more common barbiturates include phenobarbital and methohexital. Phenobarbital has a relatively narrow therapeutic range, so the dose must be carefully controlled to ensure safety. Those who use it to control seizures are tested regularly to monitor the drug concentration in their bodies, ensuring it is within the correct range.
Side effects of barbiturates
Some common signs of barbiturate intoxication include
Increased chattiness
Extreme happiness
Reduced shyness
Weakened judgment
Emotional ups and downs
Drowsiness, tiredness, and feeling very relaxed
Slurring of speech
Clumsiness
Confusion
What is barbiturate addiction?
The use of barbiturates can lead to barbiturate addiction, a dangerous and life-threatening condition if not treated appropriately. Individuals who abuse barbiturates will exhibit signs similar to those of a person intoxicated by alcohol.
For those abusing barbiturates such as phenobarbital, their likelihood of monitoring drug levels is minimal. These individuals are at high risk of quickly increasing their drug concentration to toxic levels if they consistently abuse barbiturates.
Even briefly and in the short term, barbiturates, if taken in excess, can quickly reach dangerous levels and exert potentially deadly effects. The risk is even higher because barbiturates are frequently combined with other substances such as alcohol, narcotic painkillers, and even stimulants.
Barbiturate abuse symptoms
Abusing barbiturates is exceptionally hazardous, as it can lead to several harmful consequences such as tolerance, physiological dependence (and withdrawal), addiction, overdose, and many other physical and psychiatric effects.
Several behavioral signs can indicate barbiturate addiction, including but not limited to:
Secretive behavior
Frequently searching for new physicians to prescribe barbiturates
Combining barbiturates with alcohol or other substances
Neglecting previously enjoyed activities or hobbies
Failing to take care of personal hygiene
Exhibiting noticeable mood swings or changes
Barbiturate addiction is characterized by continued barbiturate abuse despite negative consequences in your life. If you are experiencing an addiction to barbiturates, you are likely struggling to abstain from barbiturate use and have at least two of the following barbiturate addiction symptoms:
Taking larger or more frequent doses of barbiturates than initially planned
Being unable to decrease or stop barbiturate abuse despite trying to do so
Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from barbiturate use
Experiencing uncontrollable urges to consume barbiturates
Continuing to use barbiturates regardless of negative consequences
Preferring to use barbiturates over other activities
Using barbiturates while driving or during other activities
Developing a tolerance to barbiturates
Experiencing barbiturate withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop or decrease usage
Effects of barbiturate abuse
These effects of barbiturate abuse include, but are certainly not limited to, the following:
Physical health
Increased sensitivity to sound
Increased sensitivity to pain
Changes in blood pressure
Difficulty breathing
Heightened risk of developing pneumonia or bronchitis
Overdose
Death
Mental health
Anxiety
Decreased mental function
Emotional imbalance
Memory loss
Insomnia
Hallucinations
Depression
Occupational and social functioning
- Job problems or job loss
Loss of interest in hobbies or responsibilities
Strained relationships
Neglect of self-care, such as exercise and diet
What are the factors leading to barbiturate abuse?
Some individuals abuse barbiturates because they seek the mind-altering effects of these drugs, which are similar to those of alcohol.
These desired effects include feeling happy, more relaxed, more conversational, and less reserved.
Barbiturates are often used as “downers” to offset the exhilaration or thrill from stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines. As a result, users of these drugs report experiencing a “high” similar to intoxication.
It’s important to stress that there is only a minimal difference between a dose that causes drowsiness and one that causes death—this is why anyone taking these medications is at risk. This small difference is known as the therapeutic index (the ratio of a medication’s toxic dose to its therapeutic dose). The narrow therapeutic index for barbiturates is likely the reason they are not often prescribed today.
However, if the narrow therapeutic index weren’t enough, barbiturates are also extremely addictive. People who use them, even for short durations, can become physically dependent.
Barbiturate addiction facts
Barbiturate abuse is hazardous and can lead to severe short- and long-term physical and psychological symptoms, physical dependence, and accidental death.
Doctors have stated that it is difficult to determine a safe, effective dose of a barbiturate, and warn that even a slight miscalculation can result in coma or death.
Recreational use of barbiturates has decreased due to a significant decline in prescriptions by doctors.
Although not as common as with other prescription drugs, people do become addicted to barbiturates. Alarmingly, a large portion of barbiturate abusers are high school students, likely because this age group is too young to recall the deaths associated with these drugs during the 1970s.
How to get barbiturate addiction help
Qualified barbiturate addiction rehab centers can successfully manage symptoms of barbiturate abuse and barbiturate withdrawal. If you or someone you know has a problem with barbiturate addiction, reach out for barbiturate addiction intervention at Daylight Recovery Center.
How can Daylight Recovery Center help with barbiturate addiction and abuse?
With extensive experience, we know that barbiturate addiction treatment is most successful with a well-thought-out plan, clear purpose, immediate responsiveness, shared expertise, and a strong foundation of sound philosophical principles.
Daylight Recovery Center uses evidence-based barbiturate abuse treatment and intervention methods that have been proven successful. Each individual needs a clean and structured environment for a barbiturate addiction treatment plan to be effective.
We offer private and group therapy sessions, counseling, coping tools, and information about preventing relapse as part of your barbiturate addiction treatment plan. We also provide integrative amenities and services such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, meditation, and nutrition education.
At Daylight Recovery Center, you can end your addiction to barbiturates and begin the recovery process with an intervention plan. However, before recovery can happen, your body must go through a period of barbiturate withdrawal.
During this withdrawal period, you can expect symptoms, and we will assist you through them by helping you stay as safe and comfortable as possible. We’ll take these necessary steps with you to help you create a sober lifestyle and a better life.
How can I prevent relapse and stay sober?
Relapse prevention techniques for barbiturate addiction treatment should include:
Coaching on how to address slips
Developing a productive lifestyle
Creating an escape plan for stressful situations
Education about high-risk situations
Learning about relapse
Identifying warning signs and high-risk circumstances
What insurance do I need to attend Daylight Recovery Center for barbiturate addiction treatment?
Insurance companies now cover behavioral and mental health conditions in the same way they cover other diseases, such as diabetes. Therefore, having insurance for intervention and barbiturate addiction rehab is beneficial if you are struggling with barbiturate addiction. In addition, government programs have specific requirements and guidelines to determine whether they will cover your barbiturate abuse treatment and addiction rehab.
To confirm your insurance benefits and what your plan covers, you should contact your health insurance provider to determine which types of barbiturate addiction intervention and rehab centers they will partially or fully cover. At Daylight Recovery Center, we provide free insurance verification for alcohol and barbiturate abuse treatment plans if you already have insurance. Contact our experts confidentially and let them review your insurance benefits for intervention and barbiturate abuse treatment. Call us at 1-888-307-1527.
What if I don’t have insurance?
There are numerous non-profit drug rehab options for those without insurance. Nonprofit drug rehabs often receive grants and donations to operate some of their programs, such as interventions.
If you plan to get insurance for drug or alcohol addiction treatment, you should first check with the rehab facility to find out what public insurance is accepted, then enroll in the best insurance plan for your situation. At Daylight Recovery Center, we have access to national addiction rehab programs and lists of accepted insurance plans. Contact us, and we can answer your questions and help you discover a plan that will help cover your alcohol or barbiturate intervention.
Looking for a barbiturate addiction treatment center?
We’ve provided barbiturate addiction treatment to people around the globe and in all 50 states.
Get confidential help 24/7.
If you or a loved one are suffering with drug abuse or alcohol addiction, reach out to Flyland Recovery Network for addiction help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I battle a barbiturate addiction?
For many individuals struggling with barbiturate addiction, the problem began innocently by taking prescription drugs needed to function each day, such as pain medication or sleeping pills. Barbiturate addiction is no different, and we understand how difficult it is to overcome barbiturate drug abuse. It can often occur alongside co-occurring mental health disorders or in combination with other addictions. To successfully overcome a barbiturate addiction, intervention and professional addiction treatment are essential. This is not a battle to face alone.
Call our 24/7 addiction hotline today: 1-888-307-1527
What is barbiturate addiction?
Barbiturate addiction is a condition characterized by an obsession with, or physiological and psychological dependence on, barbiturates. These drugs are highly addictive. Being prescribed barbiturates does not mean someone will not or cannot become addicted. Barbiturate addiction involves a compulsive desire to use the drug despite the negative consequences that result from its use.
What is considered barbiturate abuse?
Barbiturate abuse occurs when a person uses the drug more frequently or at higher doses than prescribed, uses it in ways other than prescribed, or combines it with other substances.
Signs of barbiturate abuse may include:
Consuming the drug without a prescription
Being unsuccessful at stopping use of the drug
Spending increasing amounts of time and money to acquire the drug
Losing interest in previous activities and hobbies
Needing more barbiturates to achieve the same effects
Are barbiturates addictive?
Yes, most barbiturates are controlled substances due to their high potential for addiction, abuse, and dependence. Barbiturates can quickly lead to both physical and psychological dependence, even after short-term use147. If you or someone you know is struggling with barbiturate addiction, professional treatment is essential, as overcoming this addiction alone can be extremely difficult.
Why are barbiturates addictive?
Barbiturates are addictive because they trigger chemical changes in the brain, particularly by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows brain activity and causes sedation57. These effects can produce feelings of relaxation, anxiety relief, and mild euphoria, which reinforce continued use. Over time, tolerance develops, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, and increasing the risk of addiction and overdose.
How do you know if you have a barbiturate addiction?
Barbiturate addiction is a complex disease that usually requires more than willpower to overcome. Barbiturates change the brain, making it very difficult to stop using them on your own. Signs of addiction include feeling irritable or uncomfortable when trying to stop, experiencing intense cravings, and continuing to use the drug despite negative effects on your mental and physical health
What is the difference between barbiturate addiction and barbiturate dependence?
Barbiturate dependence refers to a physical and sometimes psychological reliance on the drug, often marked by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when not using it. Barbiturate addiction, on the other hand, involves a compulsive pattern of use that leads to significant problems and life impairment, such as spending excessive time intoxicated, neglecting responsibilities, and experiencing social or legal consequences.
What does barbiturate abuse look like?
Common symptoms of barbiturate abuse include:
Decreased anxiety
Slurred speech
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Respiratory depression
Sleepiness or drowsiness
Coma or respiratory arrest in severe cases
Developing tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect)
Behavioral symptoms may include compulsive drug-seeking, impaired judgment, social withdrawal, and increased risk-taking behaviors.
