Signs of Tramadol Addiction

The opioid crisis was considered an epidemic since the 1990s, and continues to be a huge problem here in the United States. Between 2019 and 2020 alone, the number of overdose deaths have increased by 30%, according to the CDC. This includes both prescription and illicit drugs.

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187 people die every day from an overdose on opioids, including doctor-prescribed ones. With knowledge and awareness, along with encouraging people to ask questions and be their own advocates, we can greatly reduce this number.

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It is easy to disregard the risk when taking a medication prescribed by an experienced doctor, but it is vital to be cautious even with legal drugs. Prescribed medications and synthetic opioids make up a large portion of these opioid addiction and overdose statistics.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a schedule IV synthetic opioid medication prescribed as an alternative to other painkillers. Doctors turn to tramadol as a backup when non-opioid pain medications have been ineffective for their patient.

How is Tramadol Prescribed?

It is a narcotic analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain in people with constant pain. Tramadol is typically prescribed for just a short period of time to help someone recover from surgery or a specific injury. In rare cases, it can be prescribed long-term.

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Tramadol comes in a variety of forms: extended release tablets and capsules, slow-release tablets and capsules, soluble and dissolvable tablets, injections, and drops.

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What form of tramadol to take, how much, and for how long will be determined based on the most suitable plan decided by you and your doctor, but it is always good to get in a routine of taking the medication at the same time of day.

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Check in with your doctor regularly and do not stop taking tramadol without consulting your doctor first as you may require medical detox.

Tramadol Addiction Risk

Tramadol was actually developed to be a “safer” option than some other more dangerous and addictive pain relievers, but it is not without risk. Because tramadol is considered an opioid, there is still a risk for addiction. However, it is a milder option than drugs such as fentanyl, morphine, or oxycodone.

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Regardless of the lower risk of tramadol abuse and developing dependence, taking it still has addiction potential. That does not mean everyone who takes tramadol will become addicted, but those who are at higher risk for addiction be cautious and aware when taking the medication.

Signs of Tramadol Addiction

Someone addicted to tramadol will display the “normal” signs of addiction:

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Developing a tolerance
Physical and psychological dependence
Mood swings
Feelings of withdrawal
Loss of interest in hobbies or relationships

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Prescription medication addiction has some unique marks too. Someone with an addiction to a prescription medication like tramadol may take more than prescribed to them by the doctor. They may make excessive trips to the doctor in an attempt to get more.

Tramadol Addiction Treatment

If you realize you or someone you care about needs to be treated for tramadol addiction, consult a doctor. Most substance use disorders require a detoxification plan. This can be assisted by medication assisted treatment or MAT.

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MAT involves the administration of a similar but far more mild medication that helps to ease the withdrawal symptoms without the high. For opioids, methadone or suboxone are typically used.

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Treatment for tramadol addiction looks like many other addiction treatments. The goal is to eliminate physical dependence and find alternative pain management for long-term success.

Opioid Withdrawal

Once you become dependent on tramadol, you’re likely to experience some withdrawal symptoms. Like all opioids, Tramadol affects the brain’s opioid receptors, but it also prevents the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Therefore, you get two unique sets of withdrawal symptoms.

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Typical withdrawal symptoms include:

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Nausea
Gastrointestinal pain
Body pains
Muscle aches
Vomiting
Diarrhea

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Atypical withdrawal symptoms are rarer, and generally unique to opioids. These include:

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Hallucinations
Anxiety and panic attacks
Extreme paranoia
Confusion and disorientation
Sensory experiences that are unusual such as numbness and prickling in the extremities
Depersonalization

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MAT can reduce the severity of these symptoms or eliminate some of them altogether. Depending on the nature, the duration, and the severity of your addiction, MAT may be a necessary step towards recovery.

Managing Pain After Addiction Treatment

Those that abuse medications are in a unique position—their pain doesn’t go away because the addiction is treated. So, how do you deal with the pain going forward?

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Part of successful rehabilitation is finding alternative pain management solutions.

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Some common pain management alternatives include:

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Yoga
Meditation
Non-opioid analgesics
Acupuncture

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It is important to find alternative means of care that work for you—both managing the pain and managing your mental health. It helps to be surrounded by supportive people and to find activities, hobbies, and self care that you enjoy and can make time for.

Addiction Care at Sequoia Behavioral Health

At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we specialize in addiction care with dedicated programs for medication management and MAT. We understand the intricacies of addiction and the havoc it can wreak on people’s lives. However your addiction may have started, we can help you get through it.

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Support from family, friends, and professionals can greatly help in the recovery process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support. You don’t have to do this alone, and you shouldn’t.

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At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we take a holistic approach to treating you as the whole and unique person you are. We have a team of caring and experienced medical professionals trained in a variety of therapy techniques to help you fight this disease and improve your mental health.

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