Barbiturates are a type of medication generally prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep-related disorders. This type of medication was first developed in the early 1900s and became popular around the 1970s as a treatment for insomnia, some types of anxiety disorder, and seizure disorders. Around this time, people begin using barbiturates recreationally. Since the mid-1970s, barbiturate abuse has decreased significantly. However, because these drugs are potent and extremely habit-forming, many individuals who are prescribed a common barbiturate end up developing physical and psychological dependence.
Why Are Barbiturates Abused?
There are many varying types of barbiturates. These drugs are typically divided up into categories based on how long their effects last, and how potent they are. Some barbiturates are very short acting, and some can produce effects that last for between 1 and 2 days.
List of the Most Commonly Misused Barbiturates
They were popular drugs of misuse in decades past, but have mostly been replaced now with benzodiazepines. If you or a loved one are addicted to barbiturates, our addiction specialists can help find a custom-tailored treatment program that truly works. Most types of barbiturates are taken in a pill form, and ingested orally – however, some types can be used intravenously and injected directly into the muscles or the veins. Below we have listed some of the most common brand names for barbiturates, the most common generic names, and the street names. Many of these drugs are not on the market anymore, but can sometimes pop-up on the drug scene, or have generic versions that continue to be made and prescribed. Common brand names for barbiturates include:
- Amytal
- Brevital
- Butalan
- Luminal
- Mebaral
- Nembutal
- Nembutal sodium
- Oramon
- Phemiton
- Sarisol
- Seconal
- Somnifaine
- Spiritual
Common generic names for barbiturates include:
- Amobarbital sodium
- Aprobarbital
- Butabarbital
- Mephobarbital
- Methohexital
- Pentobarbital
- Phenobarbital
- Secobarbital
- Thiopental sodium
- Thymilal
Some common street names for barbiturates include downers, blue heavens, blue devils, yellow jackets, purple hearts, goofballs, Christmas trees, sleepers, phennies, reds, red birds, red devils. As you can see, there are many street names used for barbiturates – the specific name will depend on the type of medication and the color of the pill.
Overcoming Barbiturate Addiction
When people take barbiturates of any kind and small doses, they tend to feel fatigued, drowsy, and slightly intoxicated. In higher doses, this medication can cause severely compromised coordination, slurred speech, and an inability to talk, and can make the user appear as if he or she is drunk. And even higher doses, respiratory depression, and coma can occur. Because this drug is so potent, those who have been abusing a barbiturate of any kind must seek professional care immediately. If you are unsure as to whether or not your loved one has been abusing barbiturates, there are several signs and symptoms to look for. Common symptoms associated with barbiturate abuse include:
- Mood related symptoms like sudden and unexplained mood swings, agitation and irritability, depression, and a decrease in anxiety
- Slurred speech and an inability to speak clearly
- Decreased control over motor functions
- An inability to concentrate
- Lack of coordination
- Tiredness, fatigue, and sluggishness
- Extreme dizziness
- Respiratory depression
- Physical symptoms like a slowed pulse, slow breathing, dilated pupils, and difficulty urinating
- Hallucinations and delusions
- The development of the physical tolerance over time, meaning that a higher dose of barbiturates is needed to produce the desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped abruptly
If you or someone you love has been struggling with barbiturate abuse, Evoke Wellness is available to help.
Evoke Wellness and Barbiturate Addiction Recovery
At Evoke Wellness we take a “whole person” approach to healing, meaning that we tackle the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual implications of barbiturate addiction. Active addiction can destroy the life of the sufferer while devastating the lives of everyone that he or she loves. We believe heavily and family involvement, and the moment you or your loved one gives us a call we will begin developing a plan of action that focuses on comprehensive healing for everyone who needs it. We believe that recovery is always possible – even in the case of the most severe barbiturate addictions. For more information on our highly effective treatment program, give us a call today.
