Phenobarbital, also known under the trade name Luminal, is a barbiturate sedative. Used to treat seizure disorders in children, it’s also often used for anxiety and sleep disorders, as well as an aid to drug withdrawal. Unfortunately, its fast-acting nature makes it attractive to abuse.
Phenobarbital abuse is relatively uncommon but comes with a heavy price. It’s easy to build up a tolerance to its effects, and barbiturates in general have fallen out of favor due to the risk of overdose. Treating phenobarbital addiction is also very difficult; withdrawal can be prolonged, unpleasant, and complex.
A detox center can make phenobarbital addiction somewhat easier to treat.
