Luminal is a prescription medication that’s used to treat epilepsy, especially in developing countries. It was once used as a sedative-hypnotic drug in the United States. However, it became less popular in the 1960s with the release of benzodiazepines onto the market. 

Luminal is the brand name for a drug called phenobarbital, which is in the barbiturate class of drugs. Barbiturates became known for their high addiction potential and their ability to produce dangerous overdose and withdrawal symptoms. 

Luminal is a depressant like alcohol, and it can cause similar intoxicating effects when it’s abused recreationally. However, frequent or long term use can cause chemical dependence and addiction.

Luminal works by interacting with a chemical messenger in the brain called GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid). GABA is used to limit excitability in the brain to help you relax and sleep. However, high doses can cause euphoria, heavy sedation, and other intoxicating effects. Chemical dependency and addiction can be difficult and even dangerous to get over on your own. 

Signs and Symptoms of Luminal Addiction

Addiction can develop before you realize it’s a problem. It’s characterized by compulsive substance use, even despite serious consequences. Some people realize they have a problem and feel like they can’t stop it. But a lot of people with substance use disorders don’t even realize their drug use is an issue. 

However, there are a few telltale signs that you or a loved one might recognize. Some clear symptoms of a substance use disorder may be a growing tolerance and feeling the need to increase your dose. 

If you feel like the drug is weaker, and you need more to get the same effects it had when you first started, you may be tolerant to the drug. If you try and fail to cut back or stop, you may be chemically dependent. 

When drug use is causing severe consequences to your health, relationships, or finances, and you still can’t quit, it indicates a severe substance use disorder. Other signs and symptoms include:

How Luminal Addiction Treatment Works?

Luminal addiction may be a chronic and progressive disease, but it’s one that can be treated. Effective addiction treatment involves personalized therapy that addresses your medical and mental health, social needs, financial problems, and legal issues. Drug and alcohol rehab needs to address your substance use problem, but it may also have to treat underlying issues like mental health disorders. 

When you enter a treatment program, you’ll go through an assessment process that determines the appropriate level of care for you. Those levels can include medical detox, inpatient services, intensive outpatient treatment, or an outpatient program. You may move through multiple levels of care throughout treatment. Each week, you will meet with your therapist to make and reassess your treatment plan to maximize its effectiveness. 

How Dangerous Is Luminal?

Barbiturates like Luminal were responsible for both intentional and accidental overdose deaths in the 20th century. In fact, a number of high-profile people died in overdoses that were connected to barbiturates, including Judy Garland, Marylin Monroe, and Jimi Hendrix. 

Luminal suppresses excitability in the brain, and the brain adapts over time by increasing excitatory effects or decreasing inhibitory effects. When you stop using it abruptly, it can cause an overactive nervous system, which can lead to symptoms like seizures, extreme confusion, heart palpitations, and cardiac arrest.