Barbiturates are a derivative of barbituric acid, used as a sedative or anti anxiety drug. They are potentially addictive, and can be extremely dangerous, leading to severe short and long term physical and psychological symptoms. Barbiturates can have deadly effects if abused by teens, along with alcohol, narcotics, stimulants etc.

Barbiturates are snorted after crushing, swallowed as a pill, or injected intravenously.

Signs and Symptoms

A person under barbiturate intoxication may become very talkative, feel elated, display less inhibitions, exhibit impaired judgment with incoherent speech patterns, feel confused, lack coordination, and become emotionally unstable.

Physical Health signs: These may include – enhanced sensitivity to sound and pain, erratic breathing and erratic blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, vulnerability to bronchitis, pneumonia, kidney failure, increased aggression, assault, accidental overdose and death.

Mental Health signs: These may include – anxiety, panic, restlessness, emotional instability, lack of sleep, short or long-term memory loss, hallucinations and bouts of depression, isolation, and suicidal tendencies.

Studies and Social Functioning signs: These include decreased performance in school both academic and other activities, lower grades, decrease or loss of hobbies and responsibilities, poor diet, intoxicated driving and strained relationships.

Barbiturate Withdrawal

When barbiturate use is discontinued abruptly, teenagers may suffer severe withdrawal symptoms. Multiple symptoms develop within the first few hours of stopping the use of barbiturates. Its effects in adolescents may last up to a week. Barbiturates withdrawal effects include – hallucinations, hypo tension, tremors, irritability, loss of sleep, delirium, fever, profuse sweating, and suicidal tendencies etc. Good treatment rehabilitation programs can assist with withdrawal symptoms and help to overcome the drug abuse effects in teenagers.