When we hear the phrase “prescription drug abuse,” most of us think of opioids, benzodiazepines, or amphetamines. However, barbiturates are another category of prescription drugs that carry a high risk for abuse and addiction. Many people underestimate the dangers associated with barbiturate dependence.

This guide offers an in-depth look at what barbiturates are, how abuse can develop, what signs to look for, and the treatment options available. Learn more about other types of addiction on our website.

Quick Navigation

  1. What Are Barbiturates?
  2. History of Barbiturates
  3. Risks of Barbiturate Abuse
  4. Street Names for Barbiturates
  5. Signs & Symptoms of Use
  6. What is Barbiturate Addiction?
  7. Addiction Symptoms
  8. Side Effects
  9. Addiction Complications
  10. Treatment Options
  11. Why Choose Renaissance Recovery Center

What Are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic drugs that act as central nervous system depressants, often prescribed to treat:

Barbiturates are sedative-hypnotic drugs that act as central nervous system depressants, often prescribed to treat:

  1. Anxiety
  2. Insomnia
  3. Seizure disorders
  4. Severe headaches

Common examples include:

  1. Amobarbital (Amytal)
  2. Butabarbital (Butisol)
  3. Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
  4. Secobarbital (Seconal)

Read about other commonly misused substances like Kratom.

The early medical use of barbiturates

History of Barbiturates

Barbiturates became widely prescribed in the 1960s and 1970s for anxiety and sleep disorders. Unfortunately, this era also saw a dramatic increase in recreational use and dependency. Users were drawn to barbiturates for their euphoric and calming effects.

Over time, benzodiazepines began to replace barbiturates in medical use due to a wider safety margin, although barbiturates are still used for:

  1. Pre-surgical anxiety
  2. Certain seizure disorders

Risks of Barbiturate Abuse

Barbiturates are dangerous because the difference between a therapeutic dose and a lethal dose is small. Abuse can lead to:

  1. Coma or death from overdose
  2. High risk of physical and psychological addiction
  3. Severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium

Emerging concern: Recent studies suggest increasing misuse among youth, particularly to counteract stimulant highs (from drugs like cocaine or meth).

Warning: Barbiturates and alcohol combined can be lethal.

Learn how combining substances increases risk.

Emotional toll and danger of barbiturate abuse
Understanding the street names linked to barbiturates

Street Names for Barbiturates

Barbiturates are often known by slang or street names, including:

  1. Downers
  2. Barbs
  3. Goofballs
  4. Reds / Red Devils
  5. Blues / Blue Heavens
  6. Yellow Jackets
  7. Rainbows
  8. Pinks
  9. Christmas Trees
  10. Sleepers

Signs & Symptoms of Recent Barbiturate Use

  1. Drowsiness or confusion
  2. Slurred speech and poor coordination
  3. Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
  4. Mood swings or irritability
  5. Difficulty thinking clearly
  6. Dizziness, faintness
  7. Depression or anxiety
  8. Memory issues or hangover-like symptoms
  9. Loss of inhibition
  10. Shallow or slowed breathing

Read more about how to recognize drug use.

Behavioral signs of recent barbiturate use
Symptoms of barbiturate addiction and dependency

Barbiturates Drug Addiction

Even at therapeutic doses, prolonged use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. The challenge is that while tolerance increases, the lethal dosage does not, making overdose a constant risk.

Barbiturates Addiction Symptoms

Signs of addiction include:

  1. Craving or urge to use
  2. Increased dosage for the same effect
  3. Withdrawal symptoms, such as:
  4. Restlessness or anxiety
  5. Nausea or stomach cramps
  6. Hand tremors
  7. Difficulty sleeping
  8. Seizures
  9. Delirium

Explore withdrawal symptoms and how to cope.

Side Effects of Barbiturates

Short- or long-term side effects may include:

  1. Chest pain or tightness
  2. Depression or confusion
  3. Ulcers or sores in the mouth
  4. Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  5. Hallucinations or paranoia
  6. Joint or muscle pain
  7. Skin rash or hives
  8. Bruising or bleeding
  9. Appetite or weight loss
  10. Swollen face or lips
  11. Fatigue and weakness

Seek medical help immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Side effects experienced from barbiturate use

Barbiturates Addiction Issues

Withdrawal is serious and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms can appear within 8–16 hours and may include:

  1. Seizures (up to 75% of cases)
  2. Delirium and hallucinations (up to 66%)
  3. Hyperthermia, anxiety, agitation
  4. Exhaustion and even cardiovascular collapse

While symptoms often subside within 8 days, medical supervision is crucial.

Addressing long-term issues of barbiturate dependence

Barbiturates Addiction Treatment

Treatment for barbiturate addiction is most effective when tailored to each individual and supported by a multidisciplinary care team that includes:

  1. Physicians
  2. Psychiatrists
  3. Counselors
  4. Nurses
  5. Social workers

Assessment

Your treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of:

  1. Physical and mental health
  2. Effects of barbiturates on your life
  3. Family and social dynamics
  4. Legal, financial, and employment issues
  5. Cultural and educational background
  6. Previous recovery attempts

Explore our outpatient programs.

Detoxification Rehabilitative Programs

Medically supervised detox may take place in:

    • A detox-specific facility
    • A hospital unit
    • An outpatient setting with close monitoring

    Duration: Several days to over a week.

Options include:

  • Inpatient or residential treatment
  • Partial hospitalization (day programs)
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): 4–8 hours/day, lasting at least 3 months
  • Standard Outpatient Programs: 9–20 hours/week, lasting 2–12 months

Counseling & Therapy Individual Counseling

Rehabilitative Programs Counseling & Therapy Individual Counseling

Options include:

  • Inpatient or residential treatment
  • Partial hospitalization (day programs)
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): 4–8 hours/day, lasting at least 3 months
  • Standard Outpatient Programs: 9–20 hours/week, lasting 2–12 months

Covers:

  • Behavioral and life skills

  • Employment and money management

  • Stress management

  • Repairing relationships

  • Preventing relapse

     

Group Therapy

Focuses on:

    1. Peer support
    2. Shared experiences
    3. Strategies to manage triggers

Learn how family involvement can support recovery.


Top Recovery Center to Treat Barbiturate Drug Addiction

At Renaissance Recovery Center in Gilbert, AZ, we specialize in customized, compassionate treatment for individuals battling barbiturate addiction.

Our mission is to help you heal from the inside out—by treating not just the addiction, but also the underlying issues driving substance use. We offer a warm, safe, and supportive environment to help you regain control of your life.

See how our faith-based approach supports transformation.

Get Help Today

Whether you're ready to take the first step or you're simply seeking more information, our compassionate team is here to guide you. We provide a judgment-free space where your story matters and recovery is always possible. Let us help you reclaim control, restore hope, and build a healthier, more fulfilling life—starting today.

Call us at (480) 725-8560

Or contact us online to schedule your initial assessment.

You don’t have to face addiction alone. At Renaissance Recovery Center, healing starts here.