Barbiturates

Barbiturates are hypnotic drugs that act like tranquillizers. They are most commonly used as anesthesia before surgery. They are dangerous because small changes in dosage can induce an overdose. However, tolerance for and dependence upon this drug rapidly develops into an addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Barbiturate Addiction
Larger amounts of barbiturates can cause serious health complications. Barbiturate overdose symptoms are similar to those associated with alcohol.

Long-term abuse of barbiturates can cause

Memory Loss
Seizures
Twitching
Depression
Death
Bronchitis and/or Pneumonia

Common Physical Findings for Barbiturate Overdose

Hypothermia
Hypotension
Respiratory Depression
Gangrene
Skin Abscess
Clammy Skin
Dilated Pupils
Comma
Death

Societal Cost of Barbiturate Addiction
Barbiturate abuse can reduce a person’s ability to function on a daily basis. Work, school, family relationships grow strained. Employment may be endangered. Financial strain will be experienced. Accidental death or injury can occur when a person under the influence of barbiturates operates an automobile or heavy machinery. Barbiturates can also decrease the effectiveness of oral contraception increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancies.

Barbiturate Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal Symptoms from Barbiturates

Anxiety
Insomnia
Muscle tremors
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Feeling Faint
Seizures
Hyperthermia
Tremors
Tachycardia
Delirium
Nausea
Hallucinations
Barbiturate blisters
Death

Withdrawal symptoms should be managed by a physician certified in addiction medicine. Because the slightest increase in barbiturates can bring about an overdose or abruptly stopping will send the body directly into withdrawal, it is recommended that an addict seek a medically supervised detoxification. Detox from barbiturates is extremely dangerous due to the body’s autonomic instability (the auto pilot of the brain that controls much of the body’s organ function) during withdrawal.

But detox from barbiturates is just the first step. It is necessary to immediately follow detox with a Barbiturate addiction treatment program. Each addiction treatment facility differs- sometimes slightly, sometimes greatly. An addict seeking detox and treatment for barbiturate addiction should look for an accredited treatment facility with 24 hour medical staff and therapists that also provides a detox unit.

Slang terms for barbiturates
Barbs, Block Buster, Christmas Trees, Blues, Goof Balls, Gorilla Pills, Lily, Reds, Pinks, Seggies, Seckies, Yellow Jackets.