Steps2Rehab - Addictions - Barbiturates
Barbiturates are drugs that act as central nervous system depressants; they are classified as ultra short, short, intermediate and long-acting, depending on how quickly they act and how long their effects last. Addictions tend to involve shorter-acting barbiturates, due to their quick acting effects, the most common of these are:
Common short and intermediate acting barbiturates:
- Amobarbital (Amytal)
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
- Secobarbital (Seconal)
- Tuinal (combination of amobarbital and secobarbital)
Street names:
- Angels (Amytal)
- Nembies (Nembutal)
- Chewies (Tuinal)
Short and intermediate-acting barbiturates are usually prescribed as sedatives and sleeping pills, which, when taken orally, start to work approximately 30 minutes after swallowing and the effects can last for up to 6 hours.
Using barbiturates produces a similar effect to using alcohol. Decreased anxiety, loss of inhibitions and increased confidence are often reported by barbiturate and alcohol users alike. Further similarities between the substances are recognisable by slurred speech, irritability and fatigue.
Barbiturate use can lead to both psychological and physical dependence, with a psychological addiction occurring very quickly. A clear indication of barbiturate dependence is when an individual is relying on the substance regularly for a desired effect. The addicted person believes he or she must take a barbiturate to sleep, relax, or just get through the day. Continued use of barbiturates ultimately leads to a physical dependence.
Withdrawal symptoms usually appear 24-hours after the previous dose and peak on the second day of withdrawal. Symptoms generally increase in severity following sudden withdrawal.
Withdrawel symptoms from Barbiturates can include:
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Delirium
- Seziures (in extreme cases)
Using barbiturates regularly can rapidly increase an individual's tolerance. Increasing the amount of the drug, as well as increasing the frequency in which the drug is taken, leads to a very serious risk of overdosing. Increasing the frequency and volume of the drug is often a progressive behaviour that develops from an attempt to achieve a desired effect, whether that be getting to sleep at night or feeling less anxious.
The gap between a safe (for a heavy user) and lethal dose of barbiturates is very narrow and so accidental overdoses are very common. The risk of overdosing increases if barbiturates are mixed with other drugs, such as cocaine, alcohol and opiates. The amount of barbiturates required to cause an overdose varies due to individual’s level of tolerance, although the suggested overdose volume is thought to be approximately 10 to 15 times larger than a usual prescribed dose. A barbiturate overdose will affect the heart and respiratory system and can result in the individual falling into a coma.
Symptoms of a barbiturate overdose:
- Severe weakness and confusion
- Shortness of breathe
- Extreme drowsiness
- An unusually slow heartbeat
- Darting eye moments
- Respiratory failure
- Coma
- Death
Barbiturate addictions can be treated effectively in an appropriate rehabilitation setting. In-patient rehab offers a safe and controlled environment in which to detox comfortably. Rehab provides a professional support system allowing you to progress through important psychological work, in order for you to remain abstinent from all mood altering substances, thus sustaining long-term recovery.
