If you have been prescribed Barbiturates by your doctor, ensure you’re aware of the effects of mixing Barbiturates and alcohol. Before you reach for that margarita, remember that a barbiturate-alcohol concoction can result in a deadly outcome.
It’s actually more usual to mix the barbiturates and alcohol when one is addicted to the latter. This article will zoom into the effects that Barbiturates and alcohol have on the body when taken together, as well as the dangers and risks of mixing the two substances.
Barbiturates and Alcohol
Barbiturates and alcohol have similar impacts on the body as they both amplify the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, depressing the nervous system and causing sedation, impaired judgement, reduced anxiety, and drowsiness. When taken together, the effects can multiply and become deadly.
Is Alcohol a Barbiturate?
Alcohol Is not a barbiturate. Many people mistakenly believe that alcohol is a barbiturate due to the fact that it produces identical effects to barbiturates. Both alcohol and Barbiturates are examples of central nervous system depressants, which slow breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.
Common examples of Barbiturates include:
- Amobarbital
- Butalbital
- Methohexital
- Pentobarbital
- Phenobarbital
- Primidone
- Secobarbital
Effects of Mixing Barbiturates and Alcohol
When mixing alcohol and Barbiturates, it’s impossible to determine how much is safe. For some people, even a small dose of Barbiturate taken with alcohol could be deadly.
Below are symptoms one might experience when mixing the two substances:
- Extreme toxification
- Drowsiness
- Impaired judgement
- Lack of coordination
- Decreased motor skills
- Dizziness
- Labored breathing
- Lowered heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Slurred speech
- Memory issues
- Blackouts
- Overdose
One could potentially become addicted to either substance when taking alcohol and barbiturates together. Notice the cycle: Addiction to the substances can lead the user to mix them and mixing them may lead to addiction.
Serious and dangerous complications can develop too when mixing alcohol and Barbiturates. For example:
- Hypovolemic shock- when the heart isn’t pumping enough blood
- Respiratory arrest- when the breathing stops
- Coma- prolonged unconsciousness
Signs of Addiction to Barbiturates and Alcohol
These are the signs that can help determine whether you or someone you know is addicted to Barbiturates and alcohol:
- You need increasing amounts of the drug to get the same effects. If you increase your dose without professional guidance, your body will develop tolerance to the drug and you’ll need more of it in order to achieve the initial effects.
- You find yourself reaching for the drug whenever you want to relax or sleep. (The calming effects the drug provides are addictive).
- You take the drug despite your doctor’s warnings.
- You always drink when you are on barbiturates.
If you are worried that you or someone you know may be addicted to alcohol and Barbiturates, we can help. Contact Avenues Recovery Center to receive personalized and professional addiction treatment.
Withdrawal from Barbiturates and Alcohol
When one stops to take Barbiturates and alcohol, they will experience difficult withdrawal symptoms as the body tries to manage without the drugs. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Tremors
- Mood swings
- Aggression
Treatment for Barbiturates and Alcohol Addiction
A Barbiturates-alcohol combination could lead to life-threatening repercussions. Struggling with an addiction to these substances is difficult, dangerous, and even deadly.
The following are the steps taken to ensure a complete and safe recovery:
- Detoxification: Under medical supervision, all drugs and dangerous toxins leave the body.
- Medication: Often, medication will be administered to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapy and counseling: Group or individual therapy will help discover the causes of the addiction and address those issues accordingly. Coping mechanisms will be taught so that instead of turning to the drug to numb emotional pain, the client will resort to healthier alternatives.
Barbiturates and Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery
We understand that traversing the path of addiction can be unnerving and confusing - that is why we are here. Our outstanding rehab facilities are staffed with warm, competent and empathetic addiction specialists, who will guide and support you every step of the way to recovery. We have helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addictions, and we can help you too. Reach out today – let us help you find your way home!