Barbiturates Detox
Barbiturates Detox Program in Orange County, CA
Barbiturate use or abuse for longer than a month by any individual may lead to drug addiction both physically and psychologically. Heavy users of barbiturates face dangerous levels of withdrawal symptoms and should only attempt a barbiturate detox under supervision.
Detox treatment of barbiturate withdrawal is an extended process and should be monitored closely to avoid neurological problems, or damage to nerve cells, potential physical injuries during convulsions as well as coma or death. Do not attempt to quit using barbiturates “cold turkey” if you are a heavy user of barbiturates and have become addicted to a high tolerance.
Barbiturates are primarily used these days as a hospital anesthetic for emergencies and to prevent seizures for those with epilepsy. Benzodiazepine use has largely replaced barbiturates prescriptions in practice.
At True Life Recovery, we have a professional caring staff to help you through the detox process safely and as comfortably as possible.
Key Facts
New Cases per Year
3,000
People at Risk
1.6 Million
Most Common
80 - 90%
Median Age
34
01. What is Barbiturates?
What Is Barbiturates Abuse and Detoxification?
Teens or adult addicts may use a barbiturate to reduce the anxiety or amped up feeling of meth, cocaine or amphetamines. Because of the narrow therapeutic index taking a barbiturate street drug can cause coma or death if taken inappropriately. Low dose symptoms include the user being drowsy, uninhibited and intoxicated. At higher dosages the user appears drunk with slurred speech and is highly confused. Again, a high dose can cause a person to go into a coma and may stop breathing. Mental cravings for barbiturates can last for months or in some cases years. A substance abuse program, counseling and joining a support group is highly encouraged after detox.
02. Effects of Using BARBITURATES
The Effects Of Barbiturates Abuse On The Body
Barbiturates can be taken orally in liquid or pill form and can be injected intravenously. Additionally, they are sometimes crushed and snorted. When they are taken, the user usually experiences feelings of calmness, relaxation, and euphoria. Barbiturates are depressants, as they depress the central nervous system and lower heart rate and blood pressure. The effects of the drug typically can be felt within 15 minutes of taking it, but may take up to an hour to feel the full effects. Overuse or abuse of barbiturates may have some or all of the following effects:
- Euphoric feeling
- Drowsiness or sluggishness
- Staggering or trouble walking
- Altered mental state
- Mood swings
When taken over longer periods of time or in large quantities, barbiturates may cause:
- Slurred speech
- Emotional instability
- Confusion
- Impaired judgement
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Irritability
- Low respiratory rate
- Shallow breathing
- Paranoia
- Suicidal ideation
- Coma
- Death
03. Side Effects of Detox
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Alcohol Detox?
When someone develops a physical dependence on barbiturates, they will usually exhibit obvious side effects and if the drug is discontinued, they will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. This is because the body has become accustomed to having the drug in its system. Individuals may experience detox symptoms differently, but they typically follow a fairly common timeline.
Days 1-3 of Withdrawal
In the first few days of withdrawal, symptoms will begin and are usually the most severe. Users may have diarrhea, severe vomiting, tremors, and sweating. The symptoms typically peak around the three-day mark after discontinuing the medication and it’s during those first few days that user are most at-risk of experiencing severe medical complications.
Days 4-10 of Withdrawal
During the first week or so, people may have difficulty sleeping, but withdrawal symptoms will likely start to subside at around seven days in. As the body recalibrates itself to function without barbiturates, people may suffer from muscle and body aches, abdominal cramps, nausea, sweating and shaking.
Days 11-17 of Withdrawal
Around the two-week mark, most of the physical withdrawal symptoms will have subsided, but emotional and psychological symptoms like anxiety and panic attacks may begin to happen. Excessive fatigue and feelings of depression are often experienced during this timeframe as well.
Day 18+ of Withdrawal
Usually, by the time people reach this point, the worst of their withdrawal symptoms are over. Any continuing symptoms will fade over time. However, some people continue to experience emotional and psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression for weeks or even months after they stop using barbiturates.
04. How Long Does Detox Take to Finish?
How Long Will It Take to Detox from Barbiturates?
While there is a typical timeframe for detoxing from barbiturates, it’s difficult to predict how long it will take for each person. There are various factors that can affect the duration of an individual’s detox. Some of those factors include the type of barbiturate used, the length of time and amount of barbiturates used, the age and overall health of the person, and how the drug was used. Usually, withdrawal symptoms peak around three days after the drug is discontinued. However, longer-acting barbiturates will take longer to peak (4 days to a week) and last for two to three weeks. With shorter-acting barbiturates, it takes a shorter amount of time for withdrawal symptoms to peak, about two to for days, and they subside within a week or so.
How to Recognize if Barbiturate Detox May Be Right for You
When someone is abusing or addicted to barbiturates, he or she may experience some of the following behaviors:
- Taking large or frequent doses of barbiturates
- Craving barbiturates
- Requiring the drug to feel “normal”
- Faking symptoms or lying to doctors to obtain prescriptions for barbiturates
- Isolating from family and friends
- Stopping activities that were previously enjoyable
- Failing to be able to stop using barbiturates when attempted
05. Detox by Drug Type
What Are the Different Types of Detox?
At True Life Recovery, we offer clients medically supervised detox in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment. All clients are monitored closely, including vital signs and medical exams, by professional staff, to ensure clients’ safety and comfort. In some cases, clients may be given medication to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and provide a more comfortable detox.
We offer detox for drugs and alcohol including:
06. Getting Help
Getting Help & Barbiturates Detox
Detoxing from barbiturates can be unpredictable and withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, so it’s important to do so safely, under medical supervision. Individuals who attempt to detox by themselves, face a higher risk of suffering serious, even life-threatening complications. Even if withdrawal symptoms are not severe enough to require medical intervention, they can be uncomfortable enough that it causes the person to go back to using barbiturates to relieve the discomfort.
Detox is only the first step in recovery. After barbiturate detox, it’s important to continue treatment in a residential or outpatient program. In treatment, you will receive the therapy, education, and tools that are needed to achieve long-term recovery. Underlying psychological and psychiatric issues will be uncovered and addressed to better help you break the cycle of addiction.
At True Life Recovery Orange County detox program, we can help you stop using barbiturates and get on the road to recovery. We have a compassionate and professional staff that will care and support you through the detoxification process safely. Our center is home-like, comfortable, and private, allowing you to focus completely on your treatment and recovery. With the right treatment, support, and medical care, recovery from barbiturate addiction is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addiction is a complicated, irrational and multi-faceted disease. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that is persisting, recurring and difficult to stop. Addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of will power. Nobody chooses to be an addict. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol may lead to addiction in certain people. People basically use drugs or alcohol to relax, escape or reward themselves. A potential addiction occurs and is more likely in people who have an addictive personality caused by biology, environment or socially or are predisposed through heredity. These people don’t just feel good after using they feel so good they chase the feeling and the substance.
Signs of Addiction:
- Increased Tolerance & Intense Urges
- Physical or Emotional Withdrawal Symptoms
- Negative Consequences
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Stop
- Too Much Time Spent Seeking Next High
- Addiction without the proper professional help can be terminal.
If you cannot control or stop using alcohol or drugs and your use is affecting your life adversely regarding health, self-esteem, family, employment, friends even law enforcement it’s probably time to consider a recovery program for yourself.
The first step after deciding to take control of your life back is to detox. Detoxing from an addiction is the first step in changing your life.
A “cold turkey” approach is not recommended because of the physical problems that may arise. In our experience people who try going cold turkey usually disappoint themselves and relapse. Detox should never be attempted at home or without medical supervision at a licensed detox treatment facility.
At True Life Recovery, we medically manage your detox stay and provide you with as pain-free and safe experience as possible. We manage the physical effects of withdrawal, give you a safe comfortable supportive environment with proper food and emotional support.
When an individual determines to live life clean and sober the first step is detox.
The next phase is adjusting to abstinence. Lasting recovery means behavioral changes that support your journey. Talking it out in a private or public support system will assist in recovery.
Active involvement in support groups such as AA or NA are recommended.
There are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers also available to assist individuals to learn new coping skills and focus on their recovery. As well, your religious organization may be of great support.
Addiction is a chronic disease, therefore the goal is a long-term successful management of the disease.
Detoxification from drugs or alcohol varies depending on the type, the level of abuse, and the individual client’s health.
In general, detox will take 3 to 10 days.
When you speak with one of our True Life Recovery representatives they will begin to assess your dependency and will give you a good idea of what timeline to expect to stay.
Costs include 24-hour supervision and monitoring, room and board in a private or shared room, intake evaluation, counseling and therapy sessions as well as nutritious food freshly prepared daily.
For anyone worried that the wrong person will find out that you are going through a detox program – don’t be. Deciding to become clean and sober is a very personal issue and we highly respect individual rights. We do not give out personal information, have and maintain a very strict confidentiality policy.
