Tramadol Addiction

Tramadol Addiction Statistics

According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1,753 people (or 0.6 percent of the population) misused Tramadol over the past year. About 63 percent of people who misused pain relievers like Tramadol reported doing so to relieve pain and 13 percent said they did it to feel good or get high.

The dangers of Tramadol abuse and addiction are also reflected in these recent statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

• Emergency department visits involving Tramadol misuse and abuse increased 250 percent from 2005 to 2011.
• In 2011, there were an estimated 54,397 emergency department visits involving Tramadol and 40 percent of them were attributed to misuse or abuse.
• In 2011, Tramadol was ranked ninth on the list of narcotic pain relievers secured in law enforcement operations and analyzed by forensic labs.
• Prescriptions for Tramadol increased 88 percent from 23.3 million in 2008 to 43.8 million in 2013.

Causes of Tramadol Addiction

Although it is highly effective for treating pain, it also comes with a host of risks such as dependence and addiction. Some people develop substance abuse problems after misusing Tramadol and the risks for people who have previous substance use are even higher.

When Tramadol is taken in pill form by mouth, it can cause a euphoric, opioid-like high, similar to the high users feel when they abuse OxyContin and other prescription opioid drugs. Tramadol can also enhance the user’s mood because it increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.²

Because of these pleasurable effects, Tramadol users may repeatedly take large doses of the drug to feel the euphoric effects again, and gradually develop tolerance, dependence, and eventually, addiction. For most people, Tramadol remains an effective way to manage pain for about six months. After that, the consistent use and misuse of the drug can lead to tolerance.

Signs and Symptoms of Tramadol Addiction

Tramadol abuse can easily lead to addiction. If you’re taking this medication and start to notice the following symptoms, you may be dependent or addicted to it.

• You have compulsive cravings to use Tramadol.
• You feel like you need Tramadol to cope with everyday problems.
• You are concerned about experiencing withdrawal when the effects of the drug wear off.
• You feel anxious or scared when you think about not taking Tramadol anymore.
• You are preoccupied with getting more Tramadol.
• You have mood swings.
• You feel physically uncomfortable if you don’t take Tramadol.
• You take a higher dose than prescribed by your doctor.
• You visit several different doctors to get more Tramadol.
• You keep using Tramadol despite concerns voiced by family and friends.

Effects of Tramadol Addiction

Tramadol abuse and addiction can cause many negative physical and psychological side effects. Many of the side effects of Tramadol addiction mimic those of opioid abuse.

Common Tramadol addiction side effects include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Lack of energy
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Low appetite
• Loss of libido
• Fertility problems
• Decreased muscle and bone mass
• Mood swings
• Respiratory problems
• Hallucinations
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Depression

Tramadol Addiction Treatment

Tramadol addiction and withdrawal are similar to opioid withdrawal and share many of the same symptoms. If you are anticipating going through Tramadol detox and withdrawal, you may experience some of the following symptoms.

• Stomach pain/gastrointestinal issues
• Depression
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Irritation
• Numbness in the hands and feet
• Paranoia
• Cravings
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Ringing in the ears
• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Muscle pain
• Tremors
• Diarrhea⁸

Most medical experts recommend slowly tapering over time to stop Tramadol abuse instead of quitting cold turkey. This may help minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Kicking Tramadol addiction isn’t easy but it’s certainly not impossible. Tramadol addiction detox is the first step to getting sober with a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Individualized Tramadol detox will ensure that you get the personalized treatment you need to safely and comfortably flush your body of Tramadol and any other substances you may be abusing.

During detox, you’ll receive personalized treatment from a professional team of medical doctors, nurses, and clinical counselors that is designed to help you obtain physical sobriety and mental clarity while also preparing for entry into rehab.

Regardless of your drug abuse history, enrolling in a Tramadol addiction treatment and detox program is the safest and most comfortable way to overcome your physical and psychological dependence on Tramadol.

Although detox is an essential step in the addiction recovery process, it will do very little to curb addiction on its own. To address the psychological, social, and cognitive issues associated with addiction, you may want to continue your treatment with a drug rehab program.

Drug rehab comes in many forms and may be either an inpatient or outpatient program. Inpatient drug rehab is often referred to as residential rehab because clients live onsite at the rehab center while they complete their program. Each client follows a structured daily schedule and attends regular group therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, chemical dependency classes, and other group activities as directed by their treatment team.

Inpatient clients are also allowed free time that they can use for personal activities like journaling, meditating, playing an instrument, or taking a walk outside.

Outpatient drug rehab provides the same types of services for people in recovery. The primary difference is that clients are permitted to live at home while attending treatment. Outpatient programs consist of group sessions that meet twice a week.

Depending on your needs, personal circumstances, and budget, inpatient or outpatient rehab may work better for you. Many people choose to enroll in outpatient rehab, as it allows for more flexibility in terms of childcare, work, and school. However, if your Tramadol addiction is severe, a residential program may be more beneficial for your long-term recovery.

Many rehab programs also offer several different payment options to make rehab more affordable, such as utilizing health insurance benefits for rehab, third-party healthcare loans, or EAP benefits.

An addict cannot get through it alone. Tramadol addiction treatment should be approached in holistic manner including intensive therapy, behavioral therapies and support that leading rehab centers provide. If you are fighting urges to use, even if you believe the problem is under control, call us right now at 855-706-9275. Our helpline representatives can answer your questions and provide you with tips for immediate treatment options at the appropriate recovery center in your area.