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Barbiturates are depressants and are considered to be Schedule II controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Barbiturates produce addiction very quickly and withdrawal can be severe if the drug is suddenly stopped after prolonged use.
Barbiturates addiction can be an extremely serious problem, and if you’re reading this, it’s likely you or someone you love has already had trouble with barbiturates.
If you’re suffering from barbiturate addiction, or if you just want to know more about what it means to struggle with this condition, read on to learn more.
What Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are a group of drugs that have been used as sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, and sometimes as sleeping aids.
These medications have been widely used since the early 1900s because they were non-addictive (unlike opiates).
Although these medications work well at treating anxiety or inducing sleep, using them continuously over an extended period of time can lead to dependence on them.
This is why they are only supposed to be taken intermittently when necessary. If someone uses these drugs for too long, withdrawal symptoms will occur if use is stopped abruptly.
People who become dependent on barbiturates may find it very difficult to stop taking them once they start. Because of their addictive potential, people who take these medications should always use caution and consult with their doctor before stopping their medication suddenly or taking more than prescribed.
What Are the Signs of Barbiturate Abuse?
Barbiturate abuse can vary depending on whether or not it is used in combination with other drugs.
However, there are some very tell-tale signs that someone is using Barbiturates including mental confusion and sleepiness, decreased attention span and coordination, slurred speech, and mild nausea or vomiting. These symptoms can lead to slowed breathing rate which is a potentially deadly side effect of Barbiturate use.
Barbiturate abuse will present in various ways. A person abusing barbiturates may exhibit extreme sleepiness, drowsiness, memory loss, and impaired reasoning.
Other signs of barbiturate abuse include poor coordination, slurred speech, and slowed heartbeat. A person abusing barbiturates may also have blue lips or fingernails as well as teeth that are yellowed or brown.
All of these symptoms can be attributed to other health problems or medications so it is important to seek professional medical help before making assumptions about drug use. If you are worried about a loved one who may be abusing Barbiturates, look for these warning signs that could indicate their abuse.
When you notice that you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction to Barbiturates, don’t wait. The longer they go without treatment, the harder it will be for them to recover from their dependence. The best way to get help if your loved one has an addiction is by reaching out and seeking support from professionals who can provide guidance and treatment options tailored specifically for them.
There are many different types of treatment available so make sure that you find a program that fits your needs as well as your budget before making any decisions.
Remember – recovery takes time so don’t give up hope! You’re only ever one phone call away from getting back on track toward living a happy life free from drug abuse!
Barbiturate Abuse Prevalence in the United States
Barbiturate abuse has decreased in recent decades, but not because barbiturate use is becoming less common.
Rather, it’s because a new class of prescription drugs, benzodiazepines (Xanax and Valium), have become more commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, and are often abused by people seeking a recreational high. Barbiturate misuse was at its height in 1965, when nearly 22 million prescriptions were written for sleeping pills.
Prescriptions continued to drop through 1975—but as abuse of benzodiazepines increased in the 1980s and ‘90s, prescriptions for barbiturates plummeted from 7 million down to 1 million over 20 years. It has remained fairly stable since then but the problem still persists.
Is Treatment Necessary?
If you have a family member or friend who is addicted to barbiturates, there are things you can do that will help them.
The first thing to do is try and be as understanding as possible. Try not to blame them for their addiction, and avoid conversations about how it will affect your relationship with them.
It’s important that they understand that everyone cares about their well-being, but addicts also need discipline and support from those around them.
If they stray from sobriety, be sure that they can rely on you for guidance and help through withdrawal. There are many rehab centers where professionals can work with addicts one-on-one in order to overcome their dependencies on medications like barbiturates.
Barbiturate Rehab at North Jersey Recovery Center
If barbiturate abuse is something that has become a part of your daily life and not just your recreational time, it’s time to get help.
Barbiturate rehab can be achieved with a number of different treatment plans, but what all those programs have in common is professional care and support, along with the motivation for positive change.
The first step in getting started on your journey toward recovery from barbiturate addiction is making an appointment at North Jersey Recovery Center in New Jersey for an assessment and evaluation.
The professionals there can help you figure out what plan will work best for your needs. You’re only one step away from a life without barbiturate abuse, so pick up that phone and call now!