Why Barbiturates Are Highly Addictive

Why Barbiturates Are Highly Addictive Addiction Drug Use Prescription Medications Print Why Barbiturates Are Highly Addictive By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on January 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on May 03, 2019 DEA More in Addiction Drug Use Prescription Medications Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Meth Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery All sedatives, including barbiturates, can cause physical and psychological dependence even when they are taken at prescribed, therapeutic doses over a period of time. As with many drugs, barbiturate users can develop a tolerance for the drugs, meaning that they require increased dosages to achieve the same effect. The problem with barbiturate tolerance is that is very little difference between a safe dosage and one that is potentially fatal. What Is Barbiturate Dependence? Barbiturate users can become both physically and psychologically dependent upon the drug. Someone who is physically dependent will begin to feel restlessness, anxiety and experience insomnia if they try to cut back or stop their usage. People who become psychologically dependent on barbiturates have the feeling that they can not feel or function normally without the drug. In both types of dependence, seeking and using the drug becomes their primary focus in life. Dangers The danger of becoming dependent on sedatives or barbiturates occurs when the tolerance to the drug forces users to increase dosages which can easily become fatal. Symptoms of barbiturate overdose can include: Altered level of consciousnessDifficulty in thinkingDrowsiness or comaFaulty judgmentIncoordinationShallow breathingSlowness of speechSluggishnessSlurred speechStaggering Treatment for Withdrawal Withdrawal from barbiturate dependence is itself is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Depending on the length of use and the amount of the drug used, withdrawal symptoms can range from restlessness and anxiety to convulsions and death. The danger of sudden death during barbiturate withdrawal is a major concern. Because of the dangers and medical complications of barbiturate withdrawal, detoxification is handled in an inpatient setting. Psychological Dependence Tough to Shake Barbiturate detoxification can take about 14 days before the physical withdrawal symptoms subside. The psychological dependence on barbiturate use, however, can require a long-term commitment to counseling, therapy, participation in support groups, and in some cases assignment to a halfway house after inpatient treatment ends.