Barbiturates, once hailed as the “miracle sedatives” of their time, have been overshadowed by the harsh reality of abuse, addiction, and overdose.
We will look at what barbiturates are, what they were initially intended for, how they are typically abused, and a lot that goes with it all.
Origins of Barbiturate Abuse
Barbiturates are drugs derived from barbituric acid that were first introduced in the early 1900s. They were initially used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. These drugs act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, slowing down brain activity to induce sedation, relaxation, and sleep.
In the early days, barbiturates seemed like a gift to medical science. Patients who struggled with sleepless nights or debilitating anxiety finally had a solution. However, as doctors quickly discovered, barbiturates carried a high risk of abuse and addiction.
Although their use has declined due to the availability of safer alternatives, barbiturates are still sometimes prescribed for:
- Seizure disorders: For patients who do not respond well to other medications, barbiturates can still be used as a last-resort treatment for epilepsy.
- Pre-anesthesia: Some types of barbiturates are used before surgical procedures to help patients relax.
- Migraine relief: In rare cases, barbiturates are included in medications used to alleviate severe migraines.
However, the medical community now generally opts for benzodiazepines or other less addictive medications.
How Are Barbiturates Typically Abused?
Barbiturate abuse typically stems from its calming and euphoric effects. At low doses, they offer relaxation or mild intoxication, similar to alcohol. But as tolerance builds, users may increase their doses to dangerous levels.
Barbiturate abuse often involves taking more than prescribed, using them without a prescription, or combining them with other substances like alcohol or opioids to amplify their effects.
This is where the real danger comes in—barbiturates have a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the difference between a “safe” dose and a lethal dose is quite small.
How Addictive Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are highly addictive. Repeated use can lead to both physical dependence and psychological cravings. Physical dependence means that over time, the body becomes used to having the drug in its system, and withdrawal symptoms can occur when the drug is stopped.
Symptoms of Barbiturate Addiction Include:
- Needing more significant amounts to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
- Frequent drowsiness or fatigue
- Slurred speech and confusion
- Uncoordinated movements or “drunken” appearance
- Memory issues or blackouts
- Anxiety or restlessness when not using the drug
When a person tries to stop using barbiturates after becoming dependent, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening, including seizures and delirium.
Dangers of Mixing Barbiturates
One aspect of barbiturate abuse includes mixing. If you combine them with other CNS depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, you have a recipe for disaster. This cocktail can lead to dangerously slow breathing, coma, or death.
Since barbiturates already slow the nervous system, adding another depressant can push the body to the brink of respiratory failure.
In other words: One pill too many, one drink too many—this combination could be fatal.
What Are They Called on the Street?
Barbiturates go by several street names, depending on the type. Some common ones include:
- Downers
- Barbs
- Phennies
- Yellow jackets
- Red birds
- Blue devils
These nicknames reflect the pills’ different colors, strengths, and types. No matter the name, the risk remains the same—these are dangerous drugs when used without medical supervision.
Symptoms of Addiction and Dangers of Overdose
Barbiturate addiction can sneak up on users. What starts as “just a little help to sleep” can become a full-blown dependency. Some common signs of addiction include the need for more pills to achieve the same effect, doctor shopping to get multiple prescriptions, and withdrawing from social activities.
The biggest danger of barbiturate addiction is overdose. Because the difference between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose is so small, it’s shockingly easy to take too much accidentally. Barbiturate overdoses can be fatal, leading to symptoms like:
- Shallow or slow breathing
- Weak pulse
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
If you or someone you love is struggling with barbiturate abuse or addiction, know that help is available. Addiction to barbiturates can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible with the right support. Specialized treatment programs offer medical detox, counseling, and long-term strategies for staying sober. Don’t wait for a life-threatening overdose to be the wake-up call—reach out today and begin the journey toward healing.
Get Help at a Substance Abuse Treatment Center in Northwest Arkansas
Addiction doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Contact us at EagleCrest today for compassionate support and evidence-based treatment. Whether it’s barbiturates or another substance, we’re here to help you reclaim your life. Call now: 844-439-7627.
