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September 6th, 2024
Tramadol Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects
Tramadol has been a go-to prescription for decades due to its effectiveness in managing pain from surgery, injuries, and long-term conditions like arthritis. However, Tramadol’s effects, especially if the drug is taken without proper medical supervision, can also quickly lead to a life-consuming addiction. Understanding the potential for Tramadol addiction is crucial for anyone using this medication, as what starts as a dream solution for pain can quickly turn into a nightmare.
What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a prescription opioid analgesic which works by altering how your brain perceives pain. It was first developed by a German company, Grünenthal GmbH, in the 1960s and since then has been used for various types of pain, including:
- Post-surgery pain
- Chronic pain conditions like arthritis or back pain that cause long-term discomfort
- Pain from injuries such as fractures or severe sprains
- Pain associated with cancer and its treatments
While Tramadol can be very effective, it can also cause various Tramadol side effects, which has seen it become a controlled substance in many countries. In the UK, for example, Tramadol is a Class C drug, which means it is illegal to possess, supply or produce without a license and a Schedule 3 controlled drug which regulates its prescription use.
Common Tramadol side effects include:
- Sleepiness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Dependency and addiction
What is Tramadol addiction?
Tramadol addiction happens when you can’t stop using the medication, even though it’s causing harm or issues in your daily life. Like other forms of opioid addiction, it is both a physical and mental condition that alters the way your brain works and makes it hard to control your use.
You might start taking Tramadol after a serious injury or surgery to manage intense pain. At first, the medication works well, allowing you to live more comfortably without constant pain.
Over time, however, you may notice that the same dose of Tramadol doesn’t relieve your pain as effectively anymore. This is because your body gets used to the drug, so you need more to feel the same relief and start taking higher doses without your doctor’s permission.
Soon, you might struggle to get through the day without Tramadol. Without it, you could feel anxious, irritable or experience flu-like withdrawal symptoms, which is because your body has become dependent on the drug.
Tramadol addiction can then quickly take over your life. You might start looking for extra prescriptions or even buying Tramadol illegally. The physical dependency is joined by a psychological one with your believing that you need Tramadol to cope with life and its challenges.
Why is Tramadol addictive?
Tramadol’s effects mean that anyone who takes the drug can potentially become addicted. However, many people are prescribed Tramadol and are able to use it safely without any complications. This is because there are several personal factors which increase Tramadol addiction risk, which makes certain people more vulnerable than others. These include:
- Genetic predisposition: If addiction runs in your family, you might be genetically predisposed to developing a dependency on Tramadol.
- Mental health struggles: Struggling with conditions like anxiety or depression can make you more vulnerable to Tramadol addiction if you use it to self-medicate these feelings.
- Chronic stress: High-stress levels or traumatic experiences can push you towards using Tramadol as a way to cope, increasing the risk of Tramadol addiction.
- Prolonged use: The longer you use Tramadol, the higher the chance that your body will become dependent on it.
- Risk-taking personality: If you are naturally impulsive or risk-taking, you may be more likely to misuse Tramadol and develop an addiction.
- Environmental influences: Being in an environment where drug use is common or being a young person without adult guidance and support can also increase the risk of abusing drugs like Tramadol and becoming addicted.
Signs of Tramadol addiction
Spotting the signs of Tramadol addiction can help improve your chances of a successful recovery. Here are some things to look out for:
- Are you starting to take more Tramadol than your doctor told you to?
- Do you go to different doctors to get extra prescriptions?
- Have you been avoiding your loved ones or given up activities that used to be important to you?
- Are you feeling tired or sleepy all the time, even when you’ve had enough rest?
- Do you crave Tramadol when you miss a dose?
- Are you having trouble focusing or remembering things, or are you just feeling foggy?
- Are you spending a lot of money to get more and more Tramadol?
- Do you feel anxious, restless or like you have the flu when you don’t take it?
If these signs sound familiar, it is really important to talk to someone because getting help early can make a huge difference.
The risks of Tramadol addiction
Tramadol addiction can turn your life upside down, bringing a variety of serious consequences. Here’s what you need to know:
- Withdrawal woes: Stopping Tramadol suddenly can make you feel like you have the worst flu ever, with nausea, sweating, muscle pain and anxiety.
- Tramadol overdose: Taking too much Tramadol can slow your breathing dangerously, which can cause you to fall into a coma and could be life-threatening.
- Mental turmoil: While Tramadol might have initially helped, it can end up making your anxiety and depression worse over time.
- Wild mood swings: You might find yourself swinging from moments of extreme happiness to deep lows and feeling out of control.
- Relationship strain: Tramadol addiction often leads to lying and hiding your use from loved ones, causing trust issues and breaking down relationships.
- Loneliness: You might start isolating yourself from friends and family so you can use Tramadol, feeling more alone than ever.
- Money problems: Keeping up with a Tramadol habit is expensive, often leading to financial troubles like unpaid bills and mounting debts.
- Neglecting responsibilities: School and work can suffer massively as you focus more on getting and using Tramadol.
- Job loss and academic struggles: Skipping classes, missing deadlines, or even losing your job can all be major risks when Tramadol starts to take over your life.
- Dangerous decisions: Tramadol addiction can push you into risky behaviours, like driving under the influence or seeking out illegal means to get more Tramadol.
- Legal trouble: These actions can lead to severe consequences, including legal problems that can hugely affect your future.
Steps to overcome Tramadol addiction
Tramadol addiction treatment involves several key steps, which all contribute to a full recovery. The detox phase gently manages withdrawal symptoms under close medical supervision so you can begin to heal physically. During opioid rehab, the focus is on individual therapy, group support and holistic activities to unpick all the reasons that Tramadol became a crutch in your life. Following rehab, aftercare programmes and relapse prevention strategies ensure ongoing support to stay on track and enjoy a drug-free life.
Begin Tramadol treatment today
Tramadol addiction can be an enormous challenge, but you don’t have to face it alone. Linwood House offers a comprehensive treatment plan designed to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you in overcoming Tramadol addiction and building a brighter future for you and your loved ones.
