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Bright Future Recovery - Northern California Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment

Barbiturates Detox

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Barbiturates Detox Program

The use of barbiturates in a medical setting has largely been replaced by the prescription of benzodiazepines. However, barbiturates continue to be utilized as an anesthetic in hospital settings in cases of emergency and for the prevention of seizures in epileptic patients. Barbiturates have the potential to become both physically and psychologically addictive to individuals who use or abuse them for longer than a month at a time. Those who use barbiturates heavily may experience withdrawal symptoms that are considered to be dangerous. Because of this, barbiturate users should only attempt detox program in a medically supervised setting. 
 

Our goal at Bright Future Recovery is to create a safe, comfortable and nurturing environment during alcohol and drug detox. This helps minimize the impact of long term detox withdrawals (PAWS) and its associated symptoms. Our medical detox center is in Northern California, surrounded by green hills. Having a home-like environment during drug detox is crucial for healing the mind, body and spirit. Statistics have shown that people who receive medical treatment in a residential-like setting recover faster.

Have questions about our detox program? Please call us for a confidential consultation at (831) 245-1623 or contact us.

Detoxification from barbiturates is a lengthy process, as symptoms of withdrawal can persist for a prolonged period of time. Patients who are detoxing from barbiturates should be monitored closely by healthcare professionals in order to avoid a multitude of negative detox outcomes, such as damage to nerve cells, neurological issues, physical injuries as a result of convulsions, and even coma or death. Heavy users of barbiturates and those who have developed a high tolerance to barbiturates should never attempt to stop using them abruptly. While the use of barbiturates has lessened for the most part in medical settings, the use of barbiturates on the street has persisted.

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What is Detox and Barbiturates Abuse?

Many users of barbiturates consume them in an effort to reduce their feelings of anxiety as a result of the use of other drugs, like cocaine, meth, and other amphetamines. The improper use of barbiturates can easily lead to severe consequences like coma and death. Those who consume lower doses of barbiturates may experience symptoms such as drowsiness, feelings of intoxication, and uninhibitedness. When taken in higher quantities, barbiturates have the potential to cause slurred speech, an appearance of drunkenness, and confusion among users. High consumption of barbiturates also has the potential to cause users to fall into a coma and possibly stop breathing. Once the use of barbiturates is stopped, cravings can last for months or even years. Addiction recovery treatment is important for those who have detoxed from barbiturates in order to help them cope with their cravings and maintain their sobriety. 
 

The Effects of Barbiturate Abuse on the Human Body

Barbiturates can be ingested orally, either in pill or liquid form, and can also be injected into the body intravenously. Barbiturate pills are also able to be crushed into a powder and then snorted. Like alcohol, barbiturates are a depressant, which means they depress the central nervous system, lowering the blood pressure and heart rate. Those who consume barbiturates often report feeling relaxed, calm, and euphoric. The effects of barbiturates can usually be felt within about 15 minutes of consumption, though the full effects of the drug may take an hour to be felt. The abuse of barbiturates may have a number of effects on an individual, including: 
  • Feelings of euphoria
  • Mood changes
  • An altered mental state
  • Trouble walking or staggering
  • Feeling drowsy and sluggish

When barbiturates are taken over a long period of time or in larger amounts, they may cause:

  • Irritability
  • Emotional instability
  • Confusion
  • Impaired judgment
  • Sweaty or clammy skin
  • Slurring of speech
  • Paranoia
  • Shallow breathing
  • Low respiration
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Coma
  • Death

Symptoms of Barbiturate Detox

The side effects of heavy physical dependence on barbiturates are usually easy to see, and when the drug stops being consumed, the effects of withdrawal begin to take place, as the body has become accustomed to having the drug present in its system. While the symptoms of detoxification may be experienced differently from person to person, they tend to follow a fairly predictable timeline. 

Days 1-3

Withdrawal symptoms begin and are usually the most severe within one to three days of barbiturates being consumed. Tremors, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea are common symptoms during the onset of withdrawal. During these first few days, patients are the most at risk of developing severe health complications as symptoms of withdrawal peak during this time.

Days 4-10

Patients going through barbiturate withdrawal may experience trouble sleeping within the first week of detox. Around seven days into treatment, the body begins to learn to function without the presence of barbiturates once again, and symptoms of withdrawal may begin to lessen. Shaking, sweating, nausea, body aches, and abdominal cramps are common during this stage of the detox process.

Days 11-17

After around two weeks, the physical symptoms of barbiturate withdrawal will likely have subsided. However, the psychological symptoms of withdrawal may begin to occur at this time, including feelings of anxiety and panic attacks. Depression and feelings of fatigue and exhaustion are commonly reported during this time as well.

Day 18+

After around two and a half to three weeks, the worst of withdrawal from barbiturates is usually over. Symptoms that persist will continue to lessen as time goes on. Some patients continue to experience psychological symptoms of withdrawal, such as anxiety and depression, for weeks to months after they discontinue their use of barbiturates.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Barbiturates?

The length of time it takes an individual to detox from barbiturates is hard to predict, despite there being a typical timeframe for detoxification to take place. This is because there are many different factors that can affect the duration of a patient’s detox, including the type of barbiturate being used, the amount being consumed, the length of barbiturate use, the method of use, and the age and overall health of the user. Symptoms of withdrawal tend to peak around three days after the last use of barbiturates. However, barbiturates that have longer-lasting effects on the body may take longer to peak, and symptoms can last for a number of weeks. Patients who consume barbiturates that are shorter-acting will experience peak withdrawal symptoms more quickly, and symptoms should subside after about a week.  

Recognizing if Barbiturate Detox May Be Right for You

 Those who experience addiction to barbiturates and require assistance through a detoxification program may experience: 
  • Intense cravings for barbiturates
  • Needing to consume barbiturates in order to feel normal
  • Lying to healthcare professionals and faking symptoms in order to obtain barbiturates
  • Taking barbiturates frequently or in large doses
  • Ceasing activities that were enjoyed before starting barbiturates
  • Isolating from friends and family
  • Having unsuccessful attempts at stopping the consumption of barbiturates

Different Types of Detox

 There are many different types of detox programs available to those who have problems with substance abuse. Detox programs are safe, confidential, and medically supervised by trained staff members. Clients may receive medical assistance through the detoxification process when necessary. Detox programs are available for:

Barbiturate Detox and Getting Help

Detoxing from barbiturates has the potential to be unpredictable. Withdrawal symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and it is important to undergo detoxification in a safe and medically supervised setting. Those who attempt to stop using barbiturates on their own can face severe and life-threatening complications. Even when symptoms of withdrawal are not severe, they can be uncomfortable enough that the person may go back to consuming barbiturates in order to stop their discomfort. 

The detoxification process is the first step toward a healthy recovery at Bright Future Recovery. After the completion of a detox program, it is important for those addicted to barbiturates to continue their treatment in an inpatient or outpatient recovery program. During treatment, our clients are taught skills that will help them properly cope with triggers, deal with cravings appropriately, and prevent instances of relapse. Underlying mental health issues are also addressed within our addiction treatment programs in order to help patients achieve long-lasting recovery.

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(831) 245-1623

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Detox | Residential Rehab | Relapse Prevention

We accept most insurance – Free Insurance Benefits Check.

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