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Commonly
Known As:
barbies, dolls, reds, yellows, yellow jackets, downers, barbs, rainbows,
Phenos, Tuinol, Seconal, and Nembutal.
Access to
Drug:
It is a controlled substance that is available through prescription.
Some Doctors will freely write the prescriptions and dealers will sell
the Barbituates individually. Can be bought on the street, parties,
clubs, raves, through friends. It is illegal to sell barbiturates
without a prescription. Users can be arrested for being under the
influence, driving under the influence, possession and trafficking.
Scientific
Name:
Secobarbitol. It is a Central Nervous system depressant and under the
classification of Sedative/Hypnotics.
Interesting Facts:
It was first synthesized in 1863 but didn’t begin being used on the
medical scene until 1903 as an alternative to opiates. Phenobarbitol was
introduced in 1913 followed by at least 2,000 other forms of
barbiturates. Peak use of Barbituates was in the 40’s through the early
70’s and declined with the introduction of Benzodiazepines (Vicadon) but
remains on the legal and illicit market today. Legally used for the
treatment of epileptic seizures, sleeplessness, anxiety and tension.
Methods of
Use:
Orally in pill form. Will be injected if the pill is crushed or a cap is
opened and the powder mixed with water.
Common
Effects When Intoxicated:
Poor control over speech and body, extreme and unpredictable emotional
reactions and mental confusion. There is a sense of sedated euphoria and
in some cases unconscoiusness. The effects of Barbituates are similar to
alcohol.
Duration
of Intoxication:
The duration of intoxication depends on the barbituate that is used.
Some are short acting and last about 2 to 4 hours while others can
create intoxication for up to 12 hours. The very short acting
Barbituates, such as Pentothal can cause immediate unconsciousness or
even death if too much is ingested.
Withdrawal:
Tolerance does develop rapidly and it becomes necessary to take higher
doses to achieve the same effects. Depending on the duration of abuse,
the user will feel “spacey” and tired. Slurred speech may continue
through the next day for several hours and body movements will be
slowed. Heavy users require treatment in a medical facility to tritate
the dosage and allow the body to return to a regular state. There will
be disrupted brain functioning for an extended period of time.
Effects of
Long Term Use:
This would be similar to chronic inebriation with impairment of memory,
and judgment. There may be hostility, aggression, and depression with
mood swings, chronic fatigue and paranoia. In some cases there is
suicidal thoughts or tendencies. Heavy users are also more susceptible
to bronchitis and pneumonia due to the cough reflex being depressed and
hypothermia from the drug blocking normal response to cold.
Abuse,
Dependence, and Addiction:
People seeking the sedated euphoric effect will abuse the Barbituates
and can develop a psychological and physical dependence to the drug as
the body and brain adapt to the chemicals. People also trying to ease
the effects of speed or cocaine will also abuse Barbituates. The
addiction follows quickly due to the fear of the withdrawal.
Associated
Risks:
Combining barbiturates with alcohol, heroin, codeine, methadone or
antihistamines can be lethal. Because of the sedative effects, people
have been in car accidents, or hurt themselves due to the lack of
feeling created by the drugs. They are not sensitive to hot or cold.
Poor judgment and motor control also can create situations that can
cause bodily harm to the user or others.
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