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Barbiturate Addiction, Abuse, Detox and Rehab

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Do You Have Questions About Addiction? Call Our Recovery Experts Now.

Before the discovery of benzodiazepine (benzo) medications like Xanax, doctors primarily used medicines called barbiturates to manage symptoms of anxiety and seizures. Barbiturates, commonly known as barbs, sleepers, or reds, are highly addictive and have dangerous side effects. Many people hooked on barbiturates can only find relief from their addiction at a substance abuse treatment program.

Slipping free from the chains of barbiturate addiction alone can be hazardous and challenging. Finding relief at Northpoint Washington's barbiturate addiction treatment program can set a strong foundation for a lifetime of successful recovery. Call 888.450.2153 today to get started.

American Barbiturate Abuse Statistics

Facts about Barbiturate Use

Even though benzos have widely displaced barbiturate prescriptions in the U.S., abuse of these medications remains a problem.

  • In 2013, there were over 33,000 people who went to the emergency room for barbiturate-related issues.
  • Between 2010 and 2011, there was a 63 percent increase in mortality rates from barbiturate overdoses.
  • Most barbiturate abuse occurs among people between the ages of 18 and 25 years old.

It's clear that the dangers of barbiturates are still present and should be noticed. Spotting the signs of substance abuse and addiction could help save a life.

Symptoms of Barbiturate Abuse

Barbibuate Abuse

Barbiturates cause side effects like confusion, poor memory and coordination, slurred speech, depressed breathing and heartbeat, fainting spells, and coma. Some people who abuse barbiturates experience hallucinations or seizures.

In addition to the physical symptoms, many people who abuse barbiturates will also display concerning behavior like:

  • Isolating from friends and family
  • Skipping work or school
  • Engaging in risky behaviors
  • Losing interest in hobbies or activities
  • Experiencing financial difficulties

If you or someone you know is displaying these symptoms, it's important to get help as soon as possible. Ignoring the signs can lead to severe consequences, including death.

How Do Barbiturates Work?

Barbiturate Addiction

Barbiturates depress the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is responsible for keeping the body functioning properly by controlling things like heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The drugs bind to the same receptors in the brain that benzos do and slow down the messages being sent between neurons. This action results in the drowsy, relaxed feeling that many people experience when they abuse barbiturates.

Even though barbiturates are not as readily available as they once were, they are still readily available. People can get them from friends or family members who have prescriptions, or they may buy them illegally. Once someone has a supply of the drug, it's easy to fall into the trap of addiction.

Common Signs of Barbiturate Addiction

Addiction Symptoms to be Aware of

It's not always easy to tell if someone you love is addicted to barbiturates. Many people who misuse these drugs have normal appearances and lifestyles, at least on the outside. Signs of addiction can include:

  • Tolerance – The need to take more of the drug to get the same desired effect.
  • Withdrawal – Feeling sick when stopping use of the drug.
  • Cravings – A strong desire or urge to use the drug.
  • Obsession – Thinking about using the drug all the time.
  • Compulsion – Acting on urges to use the drug.
It's important to be on the lookout for any changes that may indicate a problem. The sooner you seek help, the easier it will be to break free from addiction.

Barbiturate Withdrawal Symptoms

Use and the Short-Term Impact

One of the most difficult parts of breaking free from addiction is dealing with withdrawal. When someone stops using barbiturates, they may experience symptoms like:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Fever
  • High blood pressure
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Seizures
Long-Term Effects of Barbiturate Addiction

Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. That's why it's so important to get help from a professional detox program when quitting barbiturates.

Crack Cocaine Addiction and Treatment

Barbiturate Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Washington

Finding support for barbiturate addiction is critical. At Northpoint Washington, we offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to a person's needs. Our detox and rehabilitation programs help manage withdrawal symptoms and provide the support needed to recover.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to barbiturates, contact Northpoint Washington today at 888.450.2153 for more information about our treatment programs.

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