Common Signs of Substance Abuse

Addiction to barbiturates is a common problem. The group of drugs known as barbiturates includes seconal, phenobarbital, nembutal and amytal. These depressants can be incredibly addictive. People take them to calm anxiety, and then end up depending upon them, taking them more than they should and allowing their habit to have a negative impact on their lives. When this happens, the person has fallen into a pattern of substance abuse. Drug tolerance can often develop, and this can mean that they need to take ever increasing doses.

When a person who is abusing barbiturates stops taking them, the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. However, this is not the biggest concern. Using barbiturates to achieve a "high" is dangerous. The difference between a dose that creates a high, and a dangerous dose, is small. An overdose of barbiturates can cause a coma, respiratory failure, and even death. Some people experience adverse reactions to even fairly small doses of barbiturates. Others, when they suddenly stop taking the drug, can experience seizures as a part of their withdrawal symptoms, and there is a risk that the seizures can be fatal.

People who are dependent on barbiturates often become withdrawn and secretive. They may have unusual mood swings, and they may have interpersonal problems, struggle to function during the day, and find that they sacrifice other things in an attempt to feed their addiction.

When they attempt to stop taking the drug they may experience anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, a decreased appetite, fever, seizures and mood swings. It is important that they seek medical attention, because withdrawal is best managed under the supervision of a doctor who can intervene or provide access to medication to ease the withdrawal symptoms. Most people can pass through withdrawal safely in just a few days.