As they say, too much of a ‘good’ thing can be really bad for you.
Developed in the late 19th century, Barbiturates or ‘barbies’ were used as depressants or sedatives initially. Slowly, they started being used recreationally around the 1960s and 70s due to their ‘feel-good’ factor, which ultimately led to people becoming hooked onto it and seeking treatment for Barbiturates addiction.
What they are all about
First made in the 1860s in Germany’s Bayer lab, these pills were prescribed almost solely as hypnotics and sedatives. Available in pill, rectal, liquid, and injectable forms, this drug soon took over the user’s body and started creating its web of dependence.
How it worked was by having calm effects on the body of the user, leading to feelings of relaxation and tranquility. It also led to a reduction in pain and muscle spasms.
By the late 70s, there was a massive increase in the cases of barbiturate abuse which led doctors to stop prescribing them. More and more users took to calling drug addiction hotline numbers for help and advice on how to rid themselves or a loved one of this habit.
Why this drug is considered extremely dangerous is because it carries a very high risk of overdose. It has many, many street names – reds, sleepers, barbs, downers, pinks, blockbusters, yellow jackets, double trouble… the list is quite long.
Nasty side effects
Once a person is hooked, gradually they find themselves facing the following side effects:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Lack of coordination
- Respiratory arrest, leading to death
In fact, people who take them very frequently find themselves in a kind of constant drunken stupor. Some people mix them with alcohol to increase their effects. However, this enhances their dangers too. Many addicts that seek refuge at a drug rehab Tennessee speak of this trend and its associated perils.
Stopping Intake
Some people think they can stop taking these pills and beat the addiction by themselves. However, this is easier said than done. When one stops taking them all of a sudden they face many uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Some of these are:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
Barbiturate withdrawal can even be fatal.
Around 75% of users suffer from seizures stemming from withdrawal and around 65% go through delirium for days altogether.
This is the main reason why it is strongly recommended that if you want to undergo deaddiction, you should enter a center for drug detox.
This is because they are staffed with medically trained professionals who will create personalized plans that will meet all your requirements. The counselors and therapists will ensure all your psychological needs are taken care of. You will also be able to avoid all the triggers that led you to abuse barbiturates in the first place till you develop the strength to steer clear of temptations and relapses.
De Addiction is not easy, but it is not impossible either. Help is always at hand. All you have to do is reach out!