WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is barbiturate abuse? Barbiturate abuse means you take too much of this medicine, or take it even though you are not supposed to. Barbiturates are medicines used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. Barbiturates are most often taken as a pill, but may also be injected. They are called downers or may be described by the color of the pill. What are the signs and symptoms of barbiturate abuse? - Small doses make you feel drowsy, bold, or drunk
- Higher doses make you stagger, slur your speech, or be confused
- Trouble fulfilling work, home, or school responsibilities
- Doing dangerous activities when you use barbiturates
- Trouble getting along with others when you use barbiturates
How is barbiturate abuse diagnosed? - Psychiatric assessment: Caregivers will ask if you have a history of psychological trauma, such as physical, sexual, or mental abuse. They will ask if you were given the care that you needed. Caregivers will ask you if you have been a victim of a crime or natural disaster, or if you have a serious injury or disease. They will ask you if you have seen other people being harmed, such as in combat. You will be asked if you drink alcohol or use drugs at present or in the past. Caregivers will ask you if you want to hurt or kill yourself or others. How you answer these questions can help caregivers decide on treatment. To help during treatment, caregivers will ask you about such things as how you feel about it and your hobbies and goals. Caregivers will also ask you about the people in your life who support you.
- Urine tests may be used to check for barbiturates.
How is barbiturate abuse treated? - A detox program includes medicine and treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking barbiturates. You will be in the hospital with close monitoring and care.
- Your dose will be gradually decreased by your healthcare provider to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.
- Antianxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to decrease anxiety and help you feel calm and relaxed.
What other treatments may be needed? - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help you change your thinking and behavior. It can help you manage depression and anxiety caused by barbiturate abuse. CBT can help you learn good coping skills and ways to manage stress. CBT can be done with you and a talk therapist or in a group with others.
- Motivational enhancement therapy may help you change your behavior and stop barbiturate abuse. A therapist or counselor helps motivate you and set goals.
- Twelve-step facilitation (TSF) is a short, structured approach to reach early recovery from drug abuse. It is done one-to-one in 12 to 15 sessions. Goals of the program include accepting that you have a problem that you need to overcome, and being willing to take certain steps to overcome it.
What are the risks of barbiturate abuse? Barbiturate abuse may cause frequent and serious impairment or distress. If you abuse barbiturates during pregnancy, your baby may be dependent on the medicine when he is born and have withdrawal symptoms. How can I cope with barbiturate abuse? - Be honest and open with family and close friends. Ask for help.
- Stay active.
- Join a support group and go to the meetings.
- Stay away from people who use and abuse barbiturates.
- If you use barbiturates, do not drink alcohol. This may be life-threatening.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have chest pain, sweating, or breathing problems.
- You feel like hurting or killing yourself or someone else.
- You pass out or have a seizure.
- You have hallucinations.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You cannot fight the need to take barbiturates.
- You feel you cannot cope with your problems.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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