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Find the Best Residential Barbiturate Recovery Center

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic drugs that, historically, have been prescribed to induce sleep, reduce anxiety, control seizures, and anesthetize. Their medical utility has decreased as newer medications have been found more effective, but barbiturates continue to be used in specific neurologic situations. Despite their wane in popularity, the misuse of barbiturates persists due to their addictive, mood-altering and sedative effects.

People who use barbiturates are at risk for developing physical and psychological dependence on them. Even those who take barbiturates as prescribed can become dependent, particularly after prolonged use. In dependent individuals, detox and withdrawal after a period of barbiturate abuse can present life-threatening complications and should be carefully monitored by a medical professional.

Are Barbiturates Really Dangerous?

Barbiturates have a very high risk of misuse, addiction and unintentional overdose. Misuse of these central nervous system depressants can cause impaired daily functioning and toxicity. Barbiturates slow, and can even stop, vital life functions. Consequently, barbiturate dosing must be carefully medically monitored to prevent overdose.

With illicit or recreational use, these risks increase. Lack of medical supervision, the tendency to take progressively increasing amounts, and the combination of barbiturates with other substances such as alcohol all contribute to negative outcomes in nonmedical use.

Because of their relatively quick onset of intoxicating effects, the risk of misuse and addiction is potentially greater with the faster-acting variety of barbiturates. Time-release barbiturates, however, can cause unintentional overdoses when abused because users may ingest more of the drug in an attempt to enhance the immediate effects.

Signs, Symptoms and Side Effects of Barbiturate Use

Even at low doses, barbiturates can have powerful depressant effects. At higher doses, or after prolonged periods of abuse, more chronic and serious effects can occur.
Some effects of barbiturate abuse are:1

  • Slurred speech.
  • Poor coordination.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Overall sluggishness.
  • Poor judgment.
  • Confusion.
  • Slowed respiration
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Unconsciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

What Happens If Someone Stops Taking These Drugs?

Acute barbiturate withdrawal can involve distressing, life-threatening health risks. Withdrawal should be medically supervised to ensure safety. On average, withdrawal symptoms will manifest within 8-16 hours after decreasing or stopping use.
young-woman-with-insomnia-in-bed-in-moonlightBarbiturate withdrawal symptoms are similar to those seen during acute alcohol withdrawal, but with a relatively-delayed period of onset. The most severe symptoms of barbiturate withdrawal are seizures and delirium, but more common symptoms include:

  • Sweating/fever.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Shaking hands.
  • Insomnia.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Restlessness.
  • Anxiety.

If you or someone you know needs to stop barbiturate abuse, medical supervision for withdrawal is vital. You can call to speak with an advisor who understands your situation and can guide you through the admission process to a barbiturate detox and rehab center.

How Can Barbiturate Rehabilitation Facilities Help?

A stay in a rehab center is often the best and safest solution for treatment of barbiturate addiction. This ensures a safe and successful detoxification as well as support throughout the rehab process.

Residential, or inpatient, barbiturate rehabilitation programs include around-the-clock care in a comfortable, immersive therapeutic environment. Inpatient treatment typically lasts up to 30 days, although individuals with additional mental or other issues complicating the recovery process may benefit from staying 60 days or more.

Upon completion of an inpatient stay at a rehab center, follow up and aftercare support is recommended. This typically involves attending services such as support groups while living in the community.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Program

Choosing the appropriate rehab center for you or your loved one can be overwhelming. However, equipping yourself with the right information will help you make an informed choice.

Here is a checklist to use when exploring each treatment facility you consider as you search for appropriate care:

  • Is the clinical staff trained in treating barbiturate addiction?
  • Is withdrawal and detox medically supervised?
  • What therapies are provided?
  • What is the typical length of stay?
  • What is the admission process?
  • What does the course of treatment cost?
  • What options are there for financing your treatment stay?
  • Can the facility meet any individualized needs you have (accommodations for disabilities, psychiatric services, access to necessary medical care you have been receiving, for example)
  • What type of setting will best suit your needs? Local or non-local? Private or public facility? Mixed or gender specific?

Sources:

[1]. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus. (2014). Barbiturate intoxication and overdose. Available at: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000951.htm

[2]. Sellers, E. M. (1988). Alcohol, barbiturate and benzodiazepine withdrawal syndromes: clinical management. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 139. 113-118.

[3]. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association.

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