Tramadol is an addictive drug, which means that users can become dependent on or addicted to it. As the body gets used to the drug, it develops tolerance, necessitating higher doses in order to experience the same effects. Simultaneously, the user feels adverse withdrawal symptoms after the effects of the drug wear off, compelling the person to continue using the drug. This process is the start of the cycle of dependence, and eventually addiction, to tramadol.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic drug prescribed as a painkiller to help people manage mild to moderate pain, such as after surgery or for chronic conditions. It interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain to minimize the pain felt by the user; but it also releases dopamine at the same time. Although it is considered a relatively safe drug with a low potential for abuse, dopamine is the hormone that increases happiness, a feeling of contentedness, and reward in the brain, explaining why tramadol is addictive.
Tramadol Addiction:
Tramadol addiction is defined as compulsively using tramadol despite the negative impact it has on the user physically, emotionally, and psychologically. The negative impact caused by addiction includes adverse physical ailments and a strain on relationships, finances, and work life. An addiction can also be identified when the user experiences physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings when the effects of the drug wear off.
Tramadol has been marketed as a safer, less addictive alternative to other pain-relief opioid medications, such as Percocet and oxycodone because it contains a lower level of opioid content. These findings have led to doctors prescribing it more quickly than other painkillers, making it easier for people who abuse the drug to get access to it.
Here are three frequently asked questions about tramadol addiction:
- Is tramadol habit forming? Yes, if you repeatedly consume tramadol, you will most likely become addicted to it. Sadly, this can occur even to people who follow a doctor’s recommendation for taking tramadol.
- How addictive is tramadol? Tramadol is considered to have the same strength as codeine and just one-tenth of the potency of morphine. This means that it is not very addictive relative to other drugs. Nonetheless, it is widely abused, especially by people experiencing acute chronic pain.
- How long does it take to get addicted to Tramadol? Unfortunately, although an addiction may take several months to develop, it can take just a couple of weeks to become addicted to tramadol. The length of time taken to become addicted to tramadol depends on several factors, such as the history of drug use, age, gender, and other factors.
Side Effects of Tramadol Addiction:
Although tramadol addiction produces the immediate pleasant effects of calm and euphoria, there is much uncomfortable short and long-term damage to the body, emotions, and mind after prolonged tramadol misuse. These include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Loss of concentration
- Slower heart rate
- Slower breathing
When people play around with Tramadol by taking a higher dose than recommended, mixing Tramadol with other illicit substances, or both, they risk overdosing, which can lead to death. Signs of an overdose from Tramadol include:
- Seizures
- Low blood pressure
- Sleepiness
- Unconsciousness or coma
- Cold, clammy, sweaty palms
- Weak muscles
- Slow heart rate
- Slow breathing
If you suspect that you or your loved one may have overdosed on Tramadol, call for emergency medical services right away. Don’t leave a person who has overdosed alone- stay with them until medical help arrives.
Tramadol Addiction Symptoms:
Addiction is often linked to denial. People who are struggling with addiction will often deny to themselves and their loved ones that they have an addiction problem, even causing otherwise rational, moral people to lie, steal, and engage in other destructive behaviors to cover up their issues. However, identifying the issue is the first step toward the solution. Here are some common signs that you or your loved one may have a tramadol addiction problem:
- Using up prescribed tramadol medication earlier than expected
- Abusing tramadol despite suffering from physical, emotional, and mental side effects
- Increase arguments and fighting with your loved one about tramadol
- Sudden disinterest in activities, hobbies, and friendships previously enjoyed
- Intense cravings for tramadol and constant thinking about where to get the next dose from
- Constantly increasing the quantity of tramadol to feel the same effects (indication of tolerance)
- Decrease in performance at work, home, or in relationships
- Trying but failing to quit using tramadol
- Experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when not using tramadol (indication of physical dependence)
If you identify two or more of these signs in yourself or a loved one, you may be physically dependent on or addicted to tramadol. Reach out to a mental health professional right away so you can diagnose the addiction and work on a treatment plan before it gets worse.
Withdrawal Effects of Tramadol:
Once the immediate pleasant after-effects of tramadol consumption wear off, the user experiences adverse withdrawal effects, compelling them to binge on the drug again to relieve themselves of the uncomfortable effects. Here are common withdrawal effects from tramadol misuse:
- Feeling flu-like symptoms
- Depression/ anxiety
- Aggression
- Insomnia
- Body tremors
- Hallucinations
Tramadol Addiction Risk:
Several factors can be used to determine whether you or your loved one is at risk of developing a tramadol addiction.
- Environmental factors- People who are exposed to drugs at a young age, such as children whose parent/s use drugs, are at greater risk of becoming addicted to drugs themselves. Peer pressure is also a significant cause of addiction, so people whose friends are abusing drugs are more likely to try it out and eventually become addicted. This is especially true for young children and teenagers who are not always capable of making rational, mature decisions since their brains are still developing, with areas such as risk assessment, self-control, and impulse control not fully formed yet.
- Genetic factors- It has long been believed that there are people who are genetically more likely to become addicted to drugs. An ‘addictive personality’ refers to people who engage in risky, impulsive behavior and have a love for thrilling, exciting activities. People who fit the bill for an ‘addictive personality’ can learn skills like self-control to help minimize the risk of becoming addicted.
- Psychological factors- People who struggle with mental health issues can use drugs to self-medicate. Since tramadol makes the user feel calm and euphoric, people who are unhappy or battling emotional and mental conditions may use tramadol or other substances to banish the dark, uncomfortable feelings and feel removed temporarily from their complex emotions.
Tramadol Addiction Treatment:
Tramadol addiction can start innocently enough with a prescription for pain relief. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant if you have received a prescription or if you are playing around with someone else’s tramadol pills. Tramadol is an addictive drug like any other addictive substance, so it is wise to monitor yourself or your loved one.
If you suspect you may already be dependent on or addicted to tramadol, reach out for help. Avenues Recovery has a wealth of experience helping people recover from addictions with one-on-one and group therapies, support groups, and more. Your journey to recovery is closer than you think. Reach out today to experience top-notch care and guidance. Our staff are experts in helping people battle their addictions and they can get your life back. Contact us today to take your first step towards a happier, healthier and addiction-free future.