Our Barbiturate Addiction Treatment in Florida
Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that produce a wide range of effects. They are a group of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics due to their sleep-inducing and anxiety-reducing effects. Depending on the type of barbiturate taken, it can as an anti-anxiety medicine, a sedative, a mild painkiller or an anticonvulsant. They are highly addictive, and abuse of these drugs can lead to addiction to barbiturates and unpredictable effects. Just a slight overdose can cause coma or death. In fact, benzodiazepines, such as Ativan and Valium, have replaced barbiturates in many clinical settings for this reason. Nevertheless, hospital staff often use barbiturates in combination with other painkillers to produce anesthesia and to treat epilepsy, headaches, and migraines. They are also sometimes used during assisted suicide. Help is available 24/7 at our barbiturate treatment in Florida. Call to get help now
The Rise and Fall of Barbiturates
First introduced to medicine in the early 1900s, barbiturates were a popular drug of choice in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia or seizure disorders. It wasn’t until the 1950s that medical professionals began recognizing the psychological and physical dependence problems caused in part by barbiturates.
Short-acting barbiturates are typically used for anesthesia. Intermediate-acting barbiturates were commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia until doctors realized the potential for addiction the drugs presented. Long-acting barbiturates such as phenobarbital are used as anti-convulsant drugs or the prevention of epileptic fits or other convulsions. Because of the potential for abuse and addiction, constant monitoring on the part of a qualified and competent medical professional is required. This may include drug testing, a narcotics contract, and frequent follow-up visits.
Sold illegally on the street, some of the slang terms include, downers, pink ladies, blue devils blue heavens, reds, purple hearts and goofballs. Fortunately, we have seen a decline in both prescriptions of barbiturates by doctors and overall abuse of barbiturates since the 1970s, when safer benzodiazepines were introduced. But according to WebMD, recent high school surveys suggest the rise of barbiturate abuse in the last 10 years. One theory on their comeback is that they are used as a downer to counteract the effects of stimulant drug use, such as cocaine and meth. Barbiturates are also a common aid in suicide attempts.
Symptoms and Side Effects of Barbiturates Addiction
People who are addicted to barbiturates develop specific and easily recognizable symptoms. Because all barbiturates force the brain to become reliant on the drug as tolerance against it grows, taking more of the drug becomes necessary over time. Abusing it not only worsens the addiction, but it also worsens the side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Even more dangerous than barbiturate abuse is paring barbiturates with alcohol. Both act in a similar manner on the brain – both are dubbed brain relaxers – so mixing the two can be lethal.
If you or someone you love is addicted to a barbiturate such as Seconal, Nembutal, Amytal, Luminal, Phenobarbital or Butisol, you may feel relaxed and intoxicated as well as observe the following symptoms and side effects:
- Exhaustion and drowsiness
- Dilated pupils
- Impaired judgment and coordination, including slowed reflexes
- Slowed breathing and heartbeat
- Problems with vision
- Mood swings
- Slurred speech
- Paranoid and aggressive behavior
- Sexual problems
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive problems with decision-making and problem-solving
- Liver damage
We can’t emphasize enough the high potential for overdose, especially if the user doesn’t know the exact dosage they are taking or if they are mixing with other substances. Once an overdose occurs, breathing slows (respiratory depression) until the user reaches a decreased level of consciousness. This can put the user into a coma or they can stop breathing altogether. Because quitting barbiturates results in uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms such as seizures, intense anxiety, depression, insomnia, and delirium, getting professional help is essential.
Long-Term Effects of Barbiturates Abuse
Barbiturates produce a hangover-like effect, causing users to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Long-term abuse can cause damage to the central nervous system, causing memory problems, slow reflexes and overall coordination. Long-term abuse can also result in depression, irritability, and even impotence. The damage may also extend to the brain, liver, and heart. This is why people struggling with addiction need the help of professionals in a safe environment such as our barbiturate addiction rehab in Florida.
Detox Safely at Our Barbiturate addiction Treatment Center
Attempting to detox from barbiturates can be very dangerous, even deadly, so seeking care from professionals is essential. The detox from barbiturates must be medically monitored and done gradually to avoid fatal consequences. If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to barbiturates, our caring and knowledgeable staff at our barbiturates addiction treatment in Florida are ready to help. Call this number for a free consultation 800-338-5770. With our onsite detox, you’ll experience high quality, around-the-clock care to help manage the painful withdrawal symptoms that result after the drug slowly leaves the system. Our medical staff is on-hand at all times for any emergency situation that may arise and to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Withdrawal symptoms from barbiturates will begin to appear quickly – between 8-16 hours after the last dose.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms of withdrawal or abstinence from barbiturates may include:
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea, sweating
- Trouble sleeping, restlessness
- Agitation/anxiety
More serious, life-threatening symptoms include:
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Seizures
- Hyperthermia
- Violent and hostile behavior
If any of these serious symptoms occur, seek help immediately.
Recovery is possible at 12 Keys’ Florida barbiturate addiction Treatment
Are you tired of hiding how much you’re using or of lying to your loved ones? Do you miss the people and activities that once made you happy? Have you noticed what was most important in your life has now taken a backseat to a dangerous drug habit? If so, the qualified and understanding staff members at our barbiturates addiction treatment center in Florida can help, starting right now.
At 12 Keys’ Florida barbiturate addiction treatment center, we see miracles every day. At our small, holistic recovery clinic, we offer a small staff-to-patient ratio, giving each of our patients the direct, individualized care they need. First, we will help you get through withdrawal, safely and comfortably. Then, through therapy, counseling and fun and interactive experiential therapies, we will teach you how to manage the cravings and triggers commonly associated with substance abuse recovery. These therapies will also help uncover any underlying reasons for the drug abuse. You’ll benefit from both the time-honored success of the 12 Steps and the latest in evidence-based treatments. Quite simply, through our treatment program, you’ll stop letting addiction define your life.
Call our barbiturate treatment center in Florida now at 800-338-5770 for a no-obligation consultation. The call is free and confidential, and you can learn more about our recovery philosophy. If you want to quit using, all you have to do is ask for help. At our barbiturate treatment, you can find your path to freedom, starting now.