Most people worry about illegal drugs and prescription pain pills causing addiction. However, other prescription drugs are addictive too, including barbiturates. It's important for people to understand what these drugs are and how barbiturates addiction can develop. Then, they can avoid developing a problem or help someone else get treatment.
What Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are in a highly addictive category of sedative-hypnotic drugs. When they gained popularity in the 1960s, doctors used them to treat anxiety. They also help people manage seizure disorders and provide sedation before medical procedures. Since the 1970s, though, their popularity has declined because of their adverse side effects and habit-forming properties.
Although most doctors don't administer or prescribe these sedatives anymore, some of them still do. A few of the most common brands include:
Luminal is one of the most dangerous because the dose needs to be perfect for it to be safe. Doctors who prescribe it to control seizures regularly test the drug concentration in their patients. Since people who abuse the drug are unlikely to undergo testing, they're at high risk of reaching toxic levels. Such dangerous levels could have deadly consequences.
The Causes of Barbiturates Addiction
The main reason why barbiturates are addictive is that they affect the central nervous system. They stimulate dopamine and serotonin production, which regulate feelings of joy and calmness. Over time, the brain adapts to the chemicals and develops a tolerance to the drugs. Then, people need to take higher doses to achieve the desired results.
However, increasing the dosage of these sedatives is very dangerous. Taking them in excess for even a short period can cause coma or death. There's also a higher risk of barbiturates addiction. Despite the drugs' function being the main cause, other factors can increase the risk.
Genetics can be a factor when people have family histories of addiction. Their living environment might contribute if they experience early exposure to substance abuse. The presence of mental disorders has an impact when they self-medicate to cover up their symptoms. Finally, combining barbiturates with other drugs or alcohol can intensify the effects.
However, some people develop barbiturates addiction because they abuse the drugs just to get high. They experience effects that are similar to drinking a lot of alcohol. Their goal is to feel relaxed and happy. In these cases, they might swallow the pills or crush them to snort or inject the powder.
The Signs of Abuse and Addiction
People who abuse barbiturates or develop addiction will exhibit several obvious and not-so-obvious signs. Mentally, they could experience depression, anxiety, emotional instability, hallucinations, and insomnia. Impaired mental function and memory trouble are also common.
Physically, they could have trouble breathing, changes in blood pressure and sexual dysfunction. Their sensitivity to pain and sound may increase along with their risk for kidney failure and respiratory infection. Overdose and death are potential problems as well.
On a social scale, people with barbiturates addiction could lose their jobs and neglect other responsibilities. They might also stop taking care of themselves, lose interest in their hobbies and cause strain in their relationships.
Get Treatment for Barbiturates Abuse at Spring Gardens Recovery
Do you or a loved one have a sedative use disorder? Consider getting help at Spring Gardens Recovery. We offer a full spectrum of treatment that includes:
- Medical detox
- Addiction education
- Residential treatment program
- Outpatient treatment program
- Executive rehab program
- Luxury addiction treatment
Spring Gardens Recovery takes a whole-person approach to addiction recovery. We want to treat your mind, body, and soul. To achieve that, we use a variety of evidence-based and holistic treatment methods. Some examples include individual and family counseling and guided meditation and yoga.