WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT... BARBITURATES

Barbiturates are generally known as "downers" or "barbs." They are classified as depressants because they shut down the activities of the central nervous system. First developed for medical use in the early 1900's, barbiturate overdose today is a factor in almost 1/3 of all reported drug-related deaths.

What does it do to your body/mind?

Similar to the effects of alcohol, barbiturates are used for their intoxicating effects that range which can be very short to very long acting.

Mentally, barbiturates can cause:

• loss of inhibitions
• impairment of memory and judgment
• hostility, depression, mood swings
• intense emotions often expressed in unpredictable ways

Physically, barbiturates can cause:

• slurred speech
• staggering
• slowed reactions
• chronic fatigue
• slow, shallow, and irregular breathing that can result in death from respiratory arrest

Withdrawal from Barbiturates can cause:

• delirium, hallucinations, and anxiety
• tremors, weakness
• abdominal cramps, nausea
• spatial and time disorientation
• seizures
• respiratory failure, heart failure
• death

ARE THEY ADDICTIVE?

Yes, barbiturates are addictive. Once an individual begins abusing barbiturates they are likely to develop tolerance. Physical dependence on downers can be one of the most dangerous of all drug dependencies.

Find out more about barbiturates.