Barbiturate Use Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Barbiturate use disorder is a medical condition that develops from long-term misuse of a barbiturate. You are not able to stop even though the misuse causes physical or social problems. Barbiturate use disorder is also called barbiturate abuse.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have chest pain or breathing problems.
• You feel like hurting or killing yourself or someone else.
• You have a seizure.

Seek care immediately if:

• You faint.
• You have hallucinations.

Call your doctor or therapist if:

• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

• Your dose will be gradually decreased by your healthcare provider to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.
• Antianxiety medicine may be given to decrease anxiety and help you feel calm and relaxed.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Therapy

may be offered in a hospital, outpatient facility, or treatment center. Your healthcare provider can help you make decisions about therapy treatment. The goal is to help you decrease or stop taking the barbiturate. The following are common types of therapy:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you manage depression and anxiety caused by barbiturate use disorder. CBT can be done with you and a talk therapist or in a group with others.
• Motivational enhancement therapy can help you set and reach healthy, positive goals.
• Twelve-step facilitation (TSF) is a short, structured approach to reach early recovery. It is done one-to-one with a therapist in 12 to 15 sessions.

What you need to know about barbiturate safety:

• Do not mix barbiturates with medicines, drugs, or alcohol. The combination can cause an overdose, or cause you to stop breathing.
• Learn about the signs of an overdose so you know how to respond. Tell others about these signs so they will know what to do if needed.
• Keep barbiturates out of the reach of children. Store them in a locked cabinet or in a location that children cannot get to.

Follow up with your doctor or therapist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For support and more information:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  PO Box 2345
  Rockville , MD 20847-2345
  Web Address: http://www.samhsa.gov or https://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/
  

• National Institute on Drug Abuse
  6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5213
  Bethesda , MD 20892-9561
  Phone: 1- 301 - 443-1124
  Web Address: www.nida.nih.gov
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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