The term for what is the street drug called red can be confusing, as it has primarily been used to describe a powerful barbiturate, secobarbital, but has also been adopted more recently for red-tinted methamphetamine. Understanding the context behind this slang is crucial for recognizing the serious dangers associated with these substances.
Barbiturates: The Original “Reds”
During the mid-20th century, the era of barbiturate prominence, pharmaceutical companies produced sedatives in different colored capsules, leading to a colorful lexicon of street names. One of the most famous was Seconal, manufactured by Eli Lilly in a distinctive bright orange/red capsule. This gave rise to the slang terms "reds" and "red devils" for the drug secobarbital. Other barbiturates also received color-based nicknames, such as "yellow jackets" for pentobarbital and "blue devils" for amobarbital.
The Rise and Fall of Barbiturates
Barbiturates were first used in medicine in the early 1900s for insomnia, anxiety, and seizures, gaining significant popularity in the 1960s and 1970s for recreational use. Users sought the sedative effects, which produced a state of relaxation and disinhibition similar to alcohol. However, the medical community soon recognized the extreme risks associated with this drug class, including a high potential for addiction and fatal overdose. By the 1980s, barbiturates had been largely replaced by benzodiazepines, a safer alternative, leading to a significant decrease in their legal prescription and widespread abuse.
The Extreme Dangers of Barbiturate Overdose
Barbiturates are significantly more dangerous than modern sedatives like benzodiazepines, primarily due to their narrow therapeutic index. This means there is a very small difference between the dose that produces therapeutic effects (like sedation) and the dose that causes toxicity or death. Overdose can lead to severe central nervous system depression, which can cause respiratory failure, coma, and death. The risk is dramatically increased when barbiturates are combined with other depressants, most commonly alcohol. The dangers were tragically illustrated by the deaths of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, who were linked to secobarbital.
Signs and symptoms of barbiturate abuse include:
- Slurred speech: Difficulty speaking clearly and coherently.
- Impaired coordination: Stumbling or appearing "drunk".
- Memory problems: Difficulty with memory and concentration.
- Drowsiness: Persistent and excessive sleepiness.
- Mood swings: Irritability, paranoia, or suicidal thoughts.
- Reduced breathing: Slow or shallow respiratory rate.
The Modern Red: Methamphetamine
In recent years, the term "red" has taken on a different meaning in some illicit drug circles, referring to red-colored methamphetamine. The coloring can be a purposeful marketing tactic by drug cartels or an unintentional byproduct of an unrefined manufacturing process. Red-colored meth has been seized by law enforcement and is considered a dangerous new trend. The effects and dangers of methamphetamine, a potent stimulant, are a stark contrast to the depressive effects of barbiturates.
Comparison: Barbiturates vs. Benzodiazepines
This table highlights the reasons why barbiturates, the original "reds," were largely phased out of medical practice in favor of benzodiazepines.
| Feature | Barbiturates ("Reds") | Benzodiazepines |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Central Nervous System Depressant | Central Nervous System Depressant |
| Overdose Risk | High (Narrow Therapeutic Index) | Lower (Wider Therapeutic Index) |
| Addiction Potential | High; dependence develops quickly | High; dependence develops over time |
| Withdrawal Symptoms | Severe and potentially fatal (e.g., seizures) | Severe, but less life-threatening |
| Current Medical Use | Rare (primarily for anesthesia or epilepsy) | Common (for anxiety, insomnia, seizures) |
Conclusion
The street drug called red holds two distinct meanings with vastly different pharmacological effects. Historically, "reds" referred to dangerous barbiturates like secobarbital, notorious for their high addiction and overdose potential. In contemporary contexts, the term can also describe red-colored methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. Both interpretations of "red" point to severely dangerous and illicit substances, underscoring the critical importance of understanding drug slang and the associated risks. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, seeking professional help is the safest and most effective course of action.
For more information on barbiturate and other drug abuse, visit the official website of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
