Although not as common as they were years ago, barbiturates still pose an addiction threat. But what is a barbiturate, and how do they affect the body? The answers to these questions are essential to understand. When you learn about different drugs and their effects, you help improve your chances of recovery. You also make it easier to avoid these substances and stay healthy and sober. Holistic care centers, in particular, are critical to your sobriety.
What is a Barbiturate?
Barbiturates include a variety of different drugs designed to help improve a person’s sleep and manage anxiety. They are also used to prevent muscle spasms and stop seizures. When appropriately prescribed, they provide many valuable benefits. Prescription names include Fiorina, Seconal, Nembutal, Pentothal, Amytal, Butisol, and more. Most barbiturates are taken orally, though some may be injected.
Though these substances were once very heavily prescribed, their use is more limited now. Reasons for this include a high addiction potential and the creation of more useful substances. Typical applications today include anesthetic effects and as an alternative to non-toxic options. Unfortunately, many barbiturates are now abused for their side effects. As a result, many are now found more commonly on the street.
So when asking “what is a barbiturate?” you must know their street names. Street names for barbiturates include Yellow Jackets, Goof Balls, Barbs, Christmas Trees, Pinks, Block Busters, Red Devils, and Reds and Blues. The differences between these substances often vary highly. For example, some substances last longer than others. Others produce more potent effects on users.
What Effects Do Barbiturates Cause?
When taking barbiturates, you’ll experience a variety of side effects. Sleepiness is the most common. As barbiturates are depressants, you will almost always get tired after taking one. However, barbiturates produce symptoms very similar to alcohol abuse. These include anxiety relief, a decrease in judgment, a lack of coordination, irritability, and more.
Proper use minimizes these effects in most users. Many people may not experience anything more severe than these. However, abuse worsens them. And if addiction develops, more severe concerns may also occur. A few severe symptoms that you may experience include:
- Paranoid thought patterns
- Suicidal ideation issues
- High tolerance that requires larger doses
- Difficulty with breathing
- Clammy skin and dilated pupils
- Confusion, dizziness, and agitation
- Low blood pressure and heart rates
If you continue to abuse these substances, you may even overdose. Overdoses may cause speech troubles, increased breathing troubles, coma, and even death. As a result, you need to ask yourself, “what is a barbiturate, and how can I avoid addiction?” Thankfully, rehab is available for those in this position. Attending this care option may save your life and restore your focus. However, you need to understand what care is possible before committing.
Is Rehab Necessary for Barbiturates?
Now that you understand the answer to “what is a barbiturate?” and the side effects, you need to consider drug rehabilitation. You may think that your use isn’t a problem. However, this conception is almost always wrong. People who abuse barbiturates to get high may be heavily addicted. You should go to a high-quality rehab center if you are:
- Struggling to quit barbiturates even though you want to stop
- Taking more than necessary
- Overdosing one or more times
- Noticing worse health due to drug abuse
- Experiencing problems with romantic partners
- Feeling adverse changes in your personal life
If you are worried about this problem, you need to consider rehab seriously. They can answer “what is a barbiturate?” with detail and accuracy. They can also help identify the emotional source of your addiction. With this specialized care, you can quit barbiturates and become a sober person again. Thankfully, many care centers exist near you that can provide rehab. However, we offer one of the best for barbiturates.
Where Can You Get Help?
If you need a more in-depth answer to the question “what is a barbiturate?” please contact us at Sagebrush Treatment Centers. We provide inpatient and outpatient care in a small, holistic setting. We also offer dual-diagnosis, gender-separate care, family therapy, and sober living environments. Call us at 866.488.1156 to learn more about how these care options can help you recover. Our specialists can help you verify your insurance to ensure your care is easy to afford.