Benzodiazapines are considered minor tranquilizers with varying hypnotic effects, including sleep. They are often used to treat anxiety disorders, however many of these drugs are highly addictive. Benzos are indirect agonists that bind to the benzo non-competitive binding site of the GABA(a) receptor and this results in an increased receptor binding and sensitivity for the GABA(a) neurotransmitter.
I often classify clients in drug rehab as either GABA Addicts or Glutamate Addicts. People who like "downers" are the GABA addicts and people who like "uppers" are glutamate addicts.
There are short acting, intermediate acting, and long acting compounds of benzos. The longer acting ones are best for anxiety, while the shorter acting ones are often used to help people sleep. The problem with these shorter acting drugs is that they have a high potential for abuse and they have a rebound effect that actually can cause insomnia.
Some of the more popular benzos are Xanax, Niravam, and Klonipin.
Barbituates serve as an indirect agonist on the GABA(a) receptor by attaching to its corresponding barbituate binding site (non-competitive binding). Barbs are often used for their sedating effects and to help control seizures. These can be highly addictive as well and include the drugs Phenobarbitol, Amytal, Nembutal, and Seconol.
Withdrawal from any of these drugs is dangerous and should always include some sort of titration in a supervised detox.

Labels: Barbituates Drug Treatment, GABA(a) Drugs, Treatment for Benzos