the depressing truth behind barbiturates
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The Depressing Truth Behind Barbiturates
By: Meghan O’Sullivan, Olivia Murray, and Andy Benavides
Health 3rd hour
ClassificationUltra-short= used by the medical field for
anesthetic purposesShort/intermediate-acting= anesthetic; also
cure anxiety or insomniaLong-acting= treat convulsions; sedation
during the daytimeCentral Nervous System Depressants (CNS)
History First synthesized
December 6, 1864Adolf Von Baeyer-
German ScientistComposed of a
combination of urea and malonic acid
But, barbiturates didn’t have a use until 19o3.
Mental Effects
HallucinationsAnxietyInsomniaIncreased dreamingLack of focusTiredness
Physical Effects
Muscle twitchesShaky handsSeizuresDizzinessStomach problems and
nauseaDifficulty breathingLoss of reflexes
DependenceUsers of this drug might become physically
and mentally dependant. When a person using this drug tries to cut
back they experience withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can range from minor
like anxiety to much more serious symptoms like compulsions or even death.
StatisticsBetween 1959 and
1974 27,000 people died from barbiturate abuse
Since the 1980’s doctor prescriptions for this drug have greatly declined.
TreatmentTreatment for barbiturate abuse is similar to
that of most addictions to drugs.Sometimes, a person may go through a
detoxification process to rid all the toxins from their body.
Also, a person who abuses barbiturates may be given medicine to control their addiction and relieve symptoms.
Therapist and counselors motivate addicts to stop using and become clean
Bibliographyhttp://
alcoholism.about.com/od/barbs/a/withdrawal.httphttp://
www.fadaa.org/services/resource_center/resources/JTF/BARB02.pdf http://www.pdrhealth.com/disease/disease-mono.aspx?contentFileName=ND2405G.xml&contentName=Barbiturate+Abuse&contentId=268&TypeId=2
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/barbiturates/barbiturates_stats.shtml