Substance Abuse Using Barbiturates

Barbiturates such as Nembutal, Amytal, Seconal and phenobarbital are used to slow down the activity of the brain. They are sedative-hypnotic drugs often referred to as depressants. Although alcohol is also a depressant, because it is so common, it is classified separately, and alcohol related issues are also classified separately from those related to barbiturates.

Because the regular use of barbiturates results in a tolerance which requires increasingly higher doses in order to achieve the result, there is a high risk of addiction. Suddenly stopping the drug will often result in withdrawal symptoms. Barbiturates are used effectively for anaesthesia during surgery, as well as to treat seizures.

However, using them recreationally in order to get high can be highly dangerous. A fatal dose is not much more than the desired dose, leaving a very small margin for error. There is a high risk of coma and respiratory trauma. In addition to this, the seizures caused by withdrawal can lead to death.

Combining barbiturates with alcohol can result in very dangerous effects, and it should never be attempted. The number of pills, or the dose that indicates a dependency on barbiturates is not consistent. It depends on the individual because those who have developed a high physical tolerance for the drug will be needing to take a lot more than those who have not yet developed a tolerance. 

The determining factor will be if the person has come to rely on the drug emotionally. If they stop taking the drug suddenly, and this is followed by withdrawal symptoms, there is clearly an addiction, and professional help is needed. This will involve in the first instance seeing a doctor, and then being referred to a substance abuse treatment facility where the addiction will be treated. It is best to take action on this immediately.