Barbiturates addiction is a very dangerous problem. Barbiturates, also known as tranquilizers or sedatives, are a group of drugs that work to depress the central nervous system (CNS). By diminishing the activity of nerves that cause the muscles to relax, an individual’s physical and mental health is affected in many ways. As a result of taking barbiturates, an individual’s breathing is slowed, heart rate is reduced, and blood pressure is decreased.
Barbiturates act on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that nerves use as a communication channel. Barbiturates slow these nerves’ activity in the brain, producing a calming and relaxing effect on the individual. Some brand names of barbiturates that are prescribed in the United States are Brevital, Mebaral, Pentothal, and Surital.
What are Barbiturates Prescribed for?
Barbiturates are usually prescribed for anxiety, headaches, epilepsy, seizure-related disorders, and sleeping problems, but they can also be used as an anesthetic for surgery. Since barbiturates serve to slow brain function and relax the body, they are typically used for issues that require calmness to be helped and soothed. Barbiturates overdose is probable when individuals take the drug more often than they are prescribed or for longer than they are prescribed.
Side Effects of Barbiturates
Like all drugs, barbiturates have side effects that you should be aware of. Common side effects of barbiturates include dizziness, lightheadedness, abdominal pain, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and sedation. Since these drugs slow breathing and heart rates, it is important to be considerate of the dosage you were prescribed.
Can You Develop a Barbiturates Addiction?
It is very common to form a dependence or a barbiturates addiction due to the drugs addictive qualities. The habit-forming nature of barbiturates is important to be aware of before being prescribed the medications.
Barbiturates abuse can lead to the following:
- Dependence — Individuals who have been using barbiturates for an extended period may have developed a barbiturate dependence, which means their body depends on the drug to function properly. If you are trying to rid yourself of barbiturate dependence, it is important to “wean” yourself off of the medication (gradually cutting back) so that you don’t experience any harsh withdrawal symptoms.
- Withdrawal symptoms — Dependence and withdrawal go hand in hand; when an individual has formed a barbiturate dependence and went without the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, headaches, or shaking. Many people keep going back to the drug to avoid these withdrawal symptoms, so it makes it harder to break the cycle of addiction.
- Addiction — Addiction takes dependence one step further; while dependence just affects your body, addiction affects your entire life. This means that your mind and body are attached to the drug. If you notice that you’ve been having relationship problems with your friends and family, breaking the law to get your barbiturates, financial problems, or are neglecting your responsibilities, you may have a barbiturate addiction and should get help from medical professionals right away.
Treatment for Barbiturates Addiction
If you suspect that you or a loved one has an addiction to barbiturates, there are many different treatment options available.
Some of these treatment options include:
- Faith-based approach: By adopting a faith-based approach to long-term recovery, individuals who have been suffering from barbiturate addiction can learn to grow their spirituality. By practicing spirituality, people can learn how to trust in Jesus and turn to Him to help manage their addiction.
- Cognitive approach: This approach helps people learn how to overcome their addiction by learning new thinking techniques. In cognitive programs, individuals learn how to determine the cause of their drug or alcohol addiction, what makes them feel certain ways, what their triggers are, and what their current thinking processes are. By learning about how they think, they can intercept their negative thought processes and transform them into positive ones.
- 12-Step programs: These 12-step programs, such as The Indigenous Track program, help individuals to break down their addiction into a series of small, achievable steps. People in these programs improve their mental and physical health by learning how to manage their addiction in healthier ways. 12-Step programs have been adopted by many people historically and have helped people in the addiction recovery process.
If you or someone you know has a barbiturates addiction, get help from professionals right away. Call A Forever Recovery at our toll-free number to find the right resources for your needs. A Forever Recovery wants to help get you started on your journey to a healthy and sober lifestyle!
