During the 1940s and 1950s, Nembutal was a popular sleeping pill and anti-anxiety remedy. Sleep and anxiety problems have plagued our society for centuries, and solutions have always been in high demand to curb these issues. Phenobarbital is an extremely powerful barbiturate that came in to fill the void and offer relief to those plagued by these ailments. Unlike modern sleeping pills, however, Nembutal has the potential to be fatal in the event of an overdose. It is one of the drugs used to assist in suicides in states that allow this practice and has been used in cases of the death penalty.
Upward of 70 million Americans deal with some form of sleep disorders in our society. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, and it is important to have medications that can fight against the battle of sleeplessness. As mentioned above, human beings have dealt with these problems for quite some time as demonstrated by the release of barbiturate drugs.
Fortunately, however, scientists have developed Z-drugs that are much more effective and less addictive than their counterparts in years past. Barbiturates are well known for their addictive traits. Nembutal, in particular, can be extremely dangerous when it is abused. It is reliable in how it brings peace and euphoria to its user and is a drug that is known for its addictive qualities.
The ability to gain access to Nembutal has diminished over the years, and its primary use is for the euthanasia of animals. It still can be accessed on the black market, however, and that is a cause for concern. It has been noted that the famous Marilyn Monroe used Nembutal to end her life, and to this day we’ll never know if it was accidental or intentional. It’s often difficult to imagine that drugs used to end lives today were originally used to induce sleep. It answers the question of why Nembutal has been phased out by doctors.
Nembutal is extremely dangerous, and you must avoid it. The drug is much more difficult to obtain than in years past; that doesn’t mean there is still a market for the drug. If you suspect that someone you know has been consuming barbiturate drugs, you must speak with them immediately and discuss the dangers that are present. The toxicity of Nembutal poses a real threat, and an overdose can occur without warning. Once a problem is identified there is a better chance it is resolved. Read more to learn about Nembutal addiction and how it is treated.
What is Nembutal?
Nembutal is a short-acting barbiturate that is prescribed in the treatment of short-term sleep disorders. It can be used for many other health conditions and can be used as an anticonvulsant in some scenarios. It also can be used as an anti-anxiety medication if the doctor sees it to be necessary, but that is not as common. Barbiturates belong to the sedative-hypnotic family of drugs and induce feelings of relaxation. The most common symptoms from these drugs are hypnosis, drowsiness, and sedation.
There are a few routes of administration that medical professionals can use by including an oral capsule, an injection into the muscle, an oral elixir, or as a rectal suppository.
Nembutal is the official name of the drug, but it has other street names that include reds, red bird, phennies, barbs, and yellow jackets.
Nembutal is a highly potent drug as described earlier in this article and can cause someone experienced to lose their life because of an overdose. If you excessively consume barbiturates it will increase your chances of developing an addiction which can, in turn, increase the odds of an overdose occurring. Nembutal is abused for its effects which are described as more euphoric feeling than alcohol. There are warning signs to look for if you are concerned you, or someone you know is abusing Nembutal.
The most common side effects of Nembutal abuse include:
- Slurred speech
- Memory loss
- Intoxication similar to alcohol
- Motor coordination loss
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Poor decision making
- Concentration difficulties
- Mood swings
- Uncontrolled eye movement
Other general signs relating to addiction can include:
- Strong Nembutal cravings
- High Nembutal tolerance
- Consuming for nonmedical purposes
- Constantly thinking about Nembutal
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Exceeding prescribed dosage
- Feeling unable to quit Nembutal
- Using Nembutal with other drugs
- Taking Nembutal only to avoid withdrawal symptoms
If you are starting to develop a substance use disorder and want to stop, you must speak with your primary care physician first. The method of quitting a drug on your own is called “cold-turkey,” and is something that should never be attempted without weaning off under the supervision of a professional. Nembutal is not only dangerous when being used, but it is just as deadly if it is stopped suddenly. Addiction specialists strongly advise getting help before stopping on your own to avoid life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Entering treatment is a much more responsible way to stop using barbiturates, and will help you transition safely back into sobriety.
How is Nembutal Addiction Treated?
When treating addiction to barbiturates, the entire continuum of care is required to ensure the transition is smooth.
This is a suggestion for most addictions, but barbiturates are so dangerous that they need a much more intensive approach.
The first stage in the continuum of care will be entering into a medical detoxification facility and will allow all foreign substances in your body to be removed efficiently and safely. You will receive 24-hours of what will feel like personalized care for a period of up to seven days. This will ensure that the detox process goes according to the plan. If anything unexpected was to occur, the staff is trained to deal with any serious medical issue.
All cases are unique and will be treated in this fashion. Treatment requires a customized approach, and clinicians will assess you and suggest which course of action they consider to be the most optimal for you. The next level of care could vary, but in most cases, you will be placed into residential treatment for a period of up to 90 days. In the event they decide another course, you could be put into partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or an outpatient treatment facility. Factors that determine where you will be placed can include the history of your drug use, or if you were given a dual diagnosis.
There are a variety of therapies you could take part in that are motivational, holistic, and delve deep into past trauma. The effective therapy programs you could attend could include:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Addiction education class
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention planning
How Dangerous is Nembutal Abuse?
Barbiturates have been proven not to offer much therapeutic use which is evident in the search for alternatives. Even when any barbiturate is used as prescribed, the person using it runs the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Overdose is a genuine possibility, and even stopping on your own can kill you. Nembutal has a short half-life which means it does not last long but will stay in your system. If someone continues to re-dose after the effects have diminished, they can overdose even though they were taking the same dose as before.
Nembutal Abuse Statistics
- Barbiturates may be a factor in up to 33% of all drug-related deaths that are tracked in any given year.
- In 2014, barbiturates caused 396 deaths.
- In 2001, 2.8% of high school seniors reported their use of barbiturates.
