Barbiturates are a class of drugs that produce sedation, relaxation and sleepiness. They are very effective when used as prescribed by a doctor, but are extremely dangerous when abused or combined with other drugs. They have a very high abuse potential, and are often abused to experience the ‘high’ they create in the user. The Food and Drug Administration has classified them as Schedule III, meaning they have a moderate risk of abuse and can lead to physical and psychological dependence when abused. They are used in small doses to treat seizures and epilepsy, as sedatives for surgery and in general anesthesia, and even in assisted suicide. They are also a common ingredient in homemade ‘legal highs’ that are marketed to teens and young adults.
The most commonly abused barbiturates are barbital, amyl nitrate, phenyl ethyl nitrate, pentobarbital and butyl nitrate. They are also often mixed with alcohol and heroin to enhance their effects. They are particularly dangerous when abused in combination, because of their additive effects and because they can increase the risks of overdose.
If you believe someone has taken excessive amounts of a barbiturate, call 911 for medical treatment and transport to the hospital immediately. Observation in the emergency department will focus on diagnosing other reasons for the person being drowsy such as head injury, stroke, infection or shock. A urine test can easily identify the presence of barbiturates.
A person who is abusing barbiturates will experience withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue use. This is because their body has become dependent on the presence of the drug to function normally, so when it is removed, they are unable to cope. The withdrawal symptoms that are experienced include tremors, sweating, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, anxiety and depression. If a person experiences these symptoms, they should seek medical treatment in a hospital or at a dedicated barbiturate detox and addiction treatment center such as Free by the Sea.
Like opioids and benzos, barbiturates are highly addictive drugs that can be abused without the user realizing it. It is important to seek treatment as soon as you think you or someone you know might be suffering from addiction, because the sooner treatment begins, the more successful it will likely be. Call today to speak with a treatment specialist and find out how we can help. We are here to turn your life around. We have several facilities across the country that specialize in treating a wide variety of addictions, including to barbiturates. We can connect you to the right facility for you or your loved one. We are here to help you find freedom from addiction. The first step in our treatment plan is getting you through the withdrawal process. We will be there every step of the way to support you. We have many different programs available to help you achieve long term recovery and a lifetime of sobriety.
