Barbiturates are a class of drugs referred to as sedative-hypnotics and were used to treat insomnia and anxiety symptoms up to the 1970s. They have a high rate of abuse and are very dangerous as even a small overdose can cause coma or death. Barbiturate abuse can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms for patients who try to quit without medical and behavioral support from an addiction treatment facility. Barbiturate addiction treatment is essential for men and women looking for a safe and effective treatment program that promotes lifelong sobriety.
At Swift River, we provide compassionate support for men and women struggling with addiction to barbiturates or other prescription drugs. We help our patients understand the dangers of prescription drug abuse while uncovering the root cause of their anxiety or other reasons for abusing drugs or alcohol. If you or a loved one is abusing barbiturates, call 888.451.5895 today for more information about our barbiturate addiction treatment program and how it can benefit your recovery.
The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse
When taken as prescribed, patients can safely take prescription medication to treat chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Addiction happens when patients begin taking more than they are prescribed. Tolerance levels increase, and they no longer feel the same effect and assume the medication is no longer working. Or they willingly abuse the medication for its euphoric effects without thinking about the dangers of barbiturate abuse.
The five most commonly abused barbiturates include:
- Phenobarbital (Purple Hearts/Goofballs)
- Secobarbital (Pink Ladies)
- Amobarbital (Blue Heaven/Blue Devil)
- Pentobarbital (Yellow Jackets/Nembies)
- Tuinal (Rainbows/Reds and Blues)
Doctors typically no longer prescribe barbiturates as safer versions of the medication are available today. Benzodiazepines are a safe form of medication for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. At Swift River, our behavioral therapists and medical staff have experience treating all forms of addiction, including barbiturates and prescription drug abuse.
Recognizing Barbiturate Abuse
Barbiturate abuse can be difficult to recognize as people will go to extreme lengths to hide their abuse. Many people still feel embarrassed and ashamed of their abuse and will not seek treatment for fear of how others will view them. If you are concerned that a friend or loved one is abusing barbiturates, here are some things to look for to help you recognize barbiturate abuse:
- In small doses, patients can experience drowsiness, intoxication, and a lack of inhibitions.
- Higher doses can cause slurred speech, dizziness, confusion, and trouble with balance and coordination.
- If patients continue to abuse larger amounts, they risk becoming unresponsive when you try to wake them and can end up in a coma or simply stop breathing and die.
If patients continue taking barbiturates for one month or longer, they will form a dependence on the drug and require extensive detoxing with medication-assisted treatment to survive the deadly withdrawal symptoms of barbiturate abuse.
Swift River – Massachusetts: Your Top Resource for Barbiturate Addiction Treatment
At Swift River, we help men and women who are struggling with an addiction to barbiturates, alcohol, or other substances. Our certified therapists and medical staff work together to create an effective treatment plan that includes behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment programs and therapies, including:
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Veteran’s support program
- LGBTQIA+ support group
- Motivational interviewing
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Various holistic therapies
If you or a loved one is struggling with barbiturate abuse and ready to accept help with your addiction recovery, call 888.451.5895 or fill out our online form today to begin your recovery journey through our addiction treatment facility in Massachusetts.
