While substance abuse is a widespread concern throughout America, there’s no question that some drugs take the spotlight. For example, many experts say that we are in the middle of an opioid epidemic, and there is a lot of awareness about the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction. However, other prescription medications also present a significant risk. Barbiturates have fallen from the public eye but continue to be sold on the street to be used for their intoxicating effects. Barbiturate drug rehab is still a common treatment program at many rehab centers.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to barbiturates, help is just a phone call away. Ashwood Recovery has a treatment facility in Boise, Idaho that can treat many substance use disorders, including barbiturate drug addiction. Our compassionate medical staff understands the pain that patients go through when trying to get sober and will do everything they can to make the experience as comfortable and safe as possible. If you are interested in learning more, our operators are standing by to take your call. You can contact us at 888.341.3607 to begin your recovery.
What Are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are a type of prescription sedative that was introduced over 100 years ago as a sleeping aid. They work similarly to other central nervous system depressants. The use of barbiturates eventually spread, and they were prescribed for a wide range of applications.
Experts often sort barbiturates by their speed of onset:
- Very short – Onset within 20 minutes
- Short – Onset within 40 minutes
- Long – Onset within 60 minutes
Common Barbiturates Street Names
There are several commonly abused barbiturates. People can sell them illegally under specific street names.
Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital is probably the most common and well-known barbiturate still in use today. Interestingly, it is also used in clinical settings as a medication for detox. It is highly addictive and can be highly dangerous when taken with other drugs.
Phenobarbital also has the street names “purple hearts” or “goof balls.”
Secobarbital
Secobarbital is often used as an anesthetic and has very high usage rates in presurgical medication. However, outside of that setting, it is highly addictive, and people using it may develop tolerance within two weeks.
Secobarbital also goes by the street names “pink ladies” or “f-40s.”
Amobarbital
Amobarbital is a multi-purpose barbiturate used as a pre-surgery anxiety medication or sleep aid. It is also sold under the brand Amytal, though it is often used in a clinical setting and is not considered a street name.
Amobarbital goes by the street names “blue heavens” or “blue velvet.”
Pentobarbital
Pentobarbital is one of the older barbiturates still in use. It was initially developed in the 1930s as a sleep aid. Today, it is a medication to help control seizures and ease anxiety. It can also be found by the brand name Nembutal.
Pentobarbital has the street names “nembies” or “yellow jackets.”
Get Treatment for Barbiturate Addiction at Ashwood Recovery
If you are struggling with a barbiturate use disorder, Ashwood Recovery has a solution. There is not a lot of awareness of just how addictive these medications can be, so many people who begin using barbiturates have a high likelihood of becoming addicted. Getting help for prescription drug addiction is never something to be embarrassed about or ashamed of, as these are potent medications meant to be used under very specific conditions.
Barbiturate addiction is commonly treated with a comprehensive treatment plan that may include:
- Medically-supervised detox
- Medication assistance
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- 12-step facilitation
Entering a barbiturate addiction treatment program is the first step toward long-term recovery and a healthier life. Reach out to Ashwood Recovery today at 888.341.3607 if you are interested in learning more.
