Barbiturates are a group of prescription sedatives that are either taken in pill form or injected directly into the veins or muscles. Barbiturates are extremely potent and taking even slightly more than the recommended dose can result in a wide range of serious health-related consequences – including coma and overdose-related death. Despite how dangerous this specific medication can be, rates of barbiturate abuse began to escalate throughout the country around the 1960s. Barbiturate addiction was a major and widespread problem for about a decade. However, with the introduction of benzodiazepines – a medication that is safer to use and results in very similar effects – rates of barbiturate abuse and addiction soon began to decline. Still, this medication is so habit-forming that even one-time use can result in substance dependency. What makes this specific medication so highly addictive? 
Why Are Barbiturates Habit-Forming?
All prescription sedatives can be habit-forming, even when they are taken exactly as prescribed by a medical professional. For this reason, medications like barbiturates will typically only be prescribed to be taken short-term, and are generally only prescribed to treat extremely severe symptoms. This type of medication is both physically and psychologically addictive. If an individual develops a physical addiction, he or she will experience symptoms of withdrawal when use is stopped abruptly – symptoms that might include extreme anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms like persistent headache, nausea and vomiting, and general discomfort. Individuals who develop a psychological barbiturate addiction will feel as if they cannot function normally unless they are actively taking the medication. Individuals who suffer from arbitrary addiction focus almost exclusively on obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of this drug. In many instances, men and women who want to cut down or quit entirely will struggle to do so without professional help, because the symptoms of physical and psychological withdrawal can be so severe. if you or someone you love has been struggling with barbiturate abuse, reaching out for help is extremely important. Because this medication is so potent, addiction progresses very quickly and can wind up being life-threatening in a very short period.
Signs and Symptoms of Barbiturate Abuse and Addiction
Some of the more common signs and symptoms associated with barbiturate abuse include:
- Depression and deep, unshakeable feelings of sadness
- Agitation and irritability
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Mood swings
- Decreased motor function
- A lack of coordination
- Fatigue and sluggishness, which is tied into disrupted sleep patterns
- Slurred speech
- Slow breathing can lead to respiratory depression and in severe cases, respiratory arrest
- Bradycardia
- Problems with vision and consistently dilated pupils
- Hallucinations and delusions
- The building of a physical tolerance over time
- Continuing to use barbiturates despite negative consequences that are directly related
- The development of a physical and psychological dependency
There are several ways to tell if someone you love has been grappling with a barbiturate dependence disorder. a person who is struggling with a substance abuse disorder of any kind will generally experience strained interpersonal relationships, an overall decline in functioning, issues at work or school, or legal or financial issues, and other noticeable changes. If you are concerned that someone you know has been suffering at the hands of a barbiturate addiction, the first step you take must be educating yourself on how to approach the situation. There are many resources available throughout your area – reach out to us today for a list of resources.
Comprehensive Clinical Care for Barbiturate Abuse
Sadly, many men and women who struggle with barbiturate addiction do not seek the help they need simply because they are unaware of the resources that are readily available to them. At Evoke Wellness, we are dedicated to providing men and women of all ages in Southern Florida and all surrounding areas with the comprehensive clinical care they need to overcome barbiturate addiction long-term. To learn more about a recovery program or to learn more about why medications like barbiturates are so addictive and how you can effectively overcome addiction, reach out to our treatment facility today.
