Tramadol Addiction
Is Tramadol Addictive?
Tramadol is an opioid-based prescription painkiller that has similar effects to morphine. It may be used to ameliorate conditions like arthritis, ease pain caused by cancer or surgical procedures, or for restless legs syndrome.
Because it is a newer medication, tramadol addiction risks are not as well researched as addiction to opioids like oxycodone or morphine. Tramadol, nevertheless, remains an abuse-prone drug. Also known by the brand names Tramal, Maxitram, Laripam, Ultram, Olderam, Marol, Mabron, Zydol, Zamadol, Tramulief and Tramquel, tramadol is available in slow-release and regular capsule forms, with dosages ranging from 50 mg to 400 mg.
When taken as prescribed, this opioid can still cause physical and psychological dependence, making addiction a side effect associated with taking tramadol. Tablets are normally crushed and snorted when it is used recreationally. Regardless of whether it is taken as prescribed or otherwise, it’s important to accept that it is possible to become addicted to tramadol.
How to Avoid Becoming Addicted to Tramadol
The central nervous system is affected by tramadol, which blocks pain signals. After consumption, people often feel calm for four to six hours or for up to 12 hours for the extended-release tablets. A person taking tramadol will typically feel relaxed and sleepy.
The simplest approach to avoid tramadol addiction is to take the medication exactly as your healthcare provider has instructed. Never take tramadol for longer or in higher doses than recommended.
Below are some more suggestions for avoiding tramadol addiction:
- Tell your doctor if you have any history of substance abuse or any other mental health issues
- Advise your doctor if you take any other medications, including vitamins, supplements or herbal medications
- Do not take tramadol with alcohol
- Track your tramadol usage and consult your doctor if you find that you require a higher or more frequent dose than prescribed
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Tramadol Addiction Treatment
It’s relatively easy to be oblivious to tramadol addiction. But, it’s vital to remember that addiction often develops over time, prior to you recognising it.
Both outpatient and residential rehab tramadol addiction treatment often commences with a medically supported detox. Once complete during both outpatient and residential treatment, structured days will normally consist of various recreational activities accompanied by counselling. The reason for this is to assist you in understanding the causes of your tramadol abuse as well as provide you with other, more effective coping mechanisms.
If you find yourself feeling guilty or embarrassed about your use of tramadol, it might be challenging to seek help. There is professional counselling and treatment available from the NHS and charity-run addiction treatment drug programmes or outpatient addiction treatment facilities. Yet, you’ll encounter stringent requirements and very long waiting lists for NHS-funded residential addiction treatment.
Tramadol Addiction
Tramadol is frequently used to manage chronic pain or prescribed after accidents and surgical procedures. When taken for an extended period or abused, tolerance to the effects of tramadol will develop. This means larger amounts have to be taken to achieve the same results, and the risk of developing a tramadol addiction is increased.
The amygdala, a region of the brain that influences motivation, emotions and decision-making, has been proven to shrink in size as a result of tramadol addiction. Individuals who are addicted to tramadol and other opioids struggle to control their impulses and can experience intense cravings. This can lead to behaviour that has both legal and health consequences.
Signs and Symptoms of Tramadol Addiction
Spotting signs of addiction can be difficult; one of the key signs is changes in behaviour, such as:
- Disregarding their own hygiene and appearance
- Isolating themselves from friends and family
- Missing obligations at work or home
- Asking for money and selling personal possessions
- Getting into trouble with the law.
Some of the most prevalent physical and psychological symptoms to watch out for include:
- Lack of appetite
- Dizziness and fainting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Loss of coordination
- Sweating
- Itchy skin
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Depression.
Less common side effects are more likely when a high dose is taken, and these include:
- Muscle weakness
- Convulsions
- Hallucinations.
Tramadol Addiction and Alcohol Use
Taking tramadol with alcohol is extremely dangerous as both tramadol and alcohol can cause respiratory depression, and when taken together, it increases the risk of:
- Overdose
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Serotonin syndrome.
Tramadol Overdose and Death
Death from tramadol abuse can occur regardless of if alcohol has been consumed. Always call 999 immediately if you or someone else is showing any signs of an overdose, such as breathing difficulties, high temperature, trembling and twitching or loss of consciousness.
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Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms
Typically, withdrawal symptoms appear 8 to 24 hours following the last dose. The intensity of these side effects is influenced by how long you’ve been using tramadol, the quantity that you take and how often, plus any existing physical or mental health conditions you have. People could go through these symptoms when they stop using tramadol:
- Cravings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain and diarrhoea
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and aching
- Shivering and sweating
- Tremors.
You can take a few steps to control tramadol withdrawal symptoms:
- Slowly decrease the tramadol dose you take
- Drink a lot of water
- Get a sufficient amount of sleep
- Eat a balanced diet
- Don’t consume alcohol.
Severe withdrawal symptoms typically last between three to five days. Seek emergency medical attention if you have acute withdrawal symptoms, which might include seizures or hallucinations. People may still experience some withdrawal symptoms for another two to three weeks, but they won’t be as bad.
Tramadol and the Law
Tramadol is a Class C controlled drug in the UK. As a result, having, distributing, or manufacturing it is against the law. The maximum penalty for Class C drug possession is two years in prison and a fine. A maximum punishment of 14 years in jail and a fine can be imposed for the manufacture, distribution or possession with the intent to supply.
For tramadol addiction, Step-by-Step Recovery offers private residential rehab therapy in Essex. We offer compassionate support to help people successfully overcome addiction. Please fill out our online assessment form or call to speak with our team at 0800 170 1222 if you need advice about addiction treatment.
Page revised in March 2023, by Danielle Byatt, a Level 4 addictions counselling, Level 5 in Leadership & Management, BA applied social work. and Treatment Director at Step by Step Recovery.
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