The effects of mixing barbiturate and alcohol differ with each user. However, there are some basic outcomes that can occur. The uncertainty stems from the fact that there are a number of elements that determine the reaction one has, and these can change. Elements include:
- Ailments
- Other medications being taken
- People’s moods
- Individual body chemistry
This is why some people are not affected, while some are only slightly impacted, and others are unable to function as long as the combination is in their bodies.
If you are addicted to barbiturate and alcohol, you may be wondering why this happened. In fact, many people do not fully understand what these substances do once introduced to the body. They are merely aware of the “feel good” phase that follows.
Drugs under the barbiturate classification are sleep aids or sedatives made using barbiturate acid. They work as depressants that affect the central nervous system, leading to various levels of sedation or anesthesia depending on the intended use and strength. They also have weak pain relieving properties.
Alcohol is a depressant and a sedative as well. This is why so many people notice feeling “down” once the effects of it start to wear off. An occasional drink may have very little influence however, excess use can impair judgment, cause mood swings, and result in a number of other problems.
Since both substances are depressants, mixing them can trigger severe depression, or worsen the condition in persons already suffering from it. Depending on one’s tolerance, the body can easily become overwhelmed resulting in unpredictable reactions, or an overdose can occur based on the amount ingested. As explained on the Santa Clara University site in the article Mixing Alcohol with Other Drugs: “the combination can [also] lead to extreme depression of the central nervous system and be fatal.”
If you already know this, but still feel compelled to continue using them, hopefully, you can find consolation in knowing that the fault is not yours. Unfortunately, each of these depressants can easily become addictive because of how they affect the chemical processes in the body. In many cases, the brain begins to associate the substances with a certain emotion, action, or reaction. This means that if you habitually use the cocktail to go to sleep or feel happy, your brain and body may become incapable of doing either naturally.
The result is an abuse of the mixture, usually unintended, simply because you get the desired effect. Over time, you may lose the ability to control this usage despite concerted efforts. You are not alone. Millions of people succumb to addictions and far too many do not know how to solve the problem.
Stopping on your own may feel impossible, but do not be discouraged. There are treatment options that can increase the chances of success, and help people regain control of their own lives and bodies. The first step to a fresh start is finding affordable solutions.
The general approach to treating substance abuse is detoxification. In some cases, the dose of barbiturate used is gradually decreased until you reach zero. This method can even be complemented with therapy and support to create the advantage you need to deal with the process. Invariably, the plan embarked on will depend on the type of assistance that is necessary.
