Tramadol is a type of synthetic opioid medication that is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Tramadol was initially thought to be less addictive than other opioid pain medicines. It, therefore, acquired a false reputation for being the ‘safe’ opioid. The FDA first approved Tramadol in 1995. Since the neurotransmitter mechanism of Tramadol on how it activates the reward response was different from other opioids, the FDA did not classify it as an exact opioid. However, beginning in 2008, the DEA realized Tramadol was causing addiction and therefore named it a ‘drug of concern.’ In 2014 the DEA reclassified Tramadol as a controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and or addiction.
When Is Tramadol Prescribed?
Tramadol is most often prescribed to people who need a mild pain killer who cannot tolerate a more potent opioid like Vicodin or Percocet and others. Children, the elderly, and people with various illnesses are likely to receive Tramadol to manage their pain. Additionally, people who are in recovery from addiction will be prescribed Tramadol to prevent relapse if pain medicine is necessary. Since Tramadol is a type of opioid, it is addictive. The number of people abusing Tramadol has increased during the current opioid epidemic.
In 2014, The DEA reported that 3.2 million people over the age of 12 had abused Tramadol in their lifetime. (DEA)
How To Know If Someone Is Addicted to Tramadol?
Because Tramadol is an opioid, it will cause physical dependency and addiction. Anyone who is addicted to Tramadol will get physically sick if they do not use Tramadol every day. Not unlike Heroin or potent prescription opioid addictions, Tramadol addiction changes the individual because they are physically addicted to the drug. The signs of addiction to Tramadol will include:
- Falsifying their pain levels to get Tramadol from a doctor
- Borrowing or stealing money to buy Tramadol
- Getting Tramadol from drug dealers or illegally
- Consuming alcohol or other drugs in combination with Tramadol
- Hiding how much Tramadol they have or are using
- Missing work or school often
- Appearing drowsy and nodding off while sitting up
- Having constricted pupils (pinned eyes)
- Vomiting frequently
- Weight loss or gain
- Agitated easily
- Saying they are physically sick a lot
How Can Tramadol Damage Your Body?
The National Institutes of Health published research on the effects of prescription medications. Insights to the dangers of long-term Tramadol use were established and are severe. In addition, the Institute references serious neurological diseases as a result of Tramadol.
“Long-term utilization of Tramadol is associated with various neurological disorders like seizures, serotonin syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Tramadol produces seizures by inhibiting nitric oxide, serotonin reuptake, and inhibitory effects on GABA receptors.” (NCBI)
How Do You Treat Tramadol Addiction?
Tramadol addiction requires medically supervised opioid detox before the person can begin treatment programs. First, Tramadol must be detoxed with the help of opioid replacement medications that will let the person get clean safely and quickly. The next step is to enter a drug rehab program. We provide evidence-based Tramadol treatment programs that work. Don’t let Tramadol addiction become worse, as it does and will in time. The answer is to first get clean at detox and then learn how to enjoy life without drugs at treatment. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is evidence-based and is the mainstay for helping opioid addicts get and remain drug-free.
Call Now for Priority Admission to Evoke Wellness Tramadol Detox and Rehab
We make admission happen fast, so don’t put it off any longer. A drug-free life is waiting for you at Evoke Wellness in Massachusetts. We have seen thousands of hopeless opioid addicts on Tramadol, heroin, and oxycontin find the peace they need to live without drugs for good. So call now to get admitted right away. Chat or email for all questions you have about our Tramadol addiction programs.
