Barbiturate Abuse Symptoms

 

 

Barbiturates have been used as a medicine for over a hundred years, and were originally used as a treatment for disorders such as anxiety and insomnia. However, the drug can be potentially lethal. There is a very small difference between the correct dose and an overdose, and dependency is rife due to a highly addictive effect on the brain. This has led to a big decline in its medicinal use.

These days, barbiturates are mostly prescribed in the form of benzodiazepine such as Seconal or Amytal. These sedative hypnotics are slightly less addictive, and the associated side effects are less dangerous.

As medicinal use has declined, so has barbiturate abuse. However, substance abuse involving this class of drugs is still a problem. Because barbiturates relax the brain, some addicts habitually take them to achieve a pleasant feeling of euphoria and lower inhibitions.

Drowsiness will normally occur as well, and as the dose increases this may develop into confusion and slurred speech. The person will become unsteady on their feet, and bystanders may assume that the person is drunk. At a high dose, the person may develop respiratory problems or lose consciousness. Death is a very real risk.

Although barbiturates account for only a small percentage of substance abuse, the mortality rate is high. This is because dependency can take hold very quickly, usually in less than a month. The brain also develops a slight resistance to the effects of the drug, which encourages the user to increase their dosage to get the same high - this can be fatal.

Professional help should be sought to overcome barbiturate abuse. The withdrawal symptoms are difficult to cope with without proper support, as they can include hallucinations, fever and seizures. The treatment process needs to be closely monitored by medical professionals.

Speak to a doctor for further advice.