Am I Addicted To Tramadol
If youre addicted to tramadol, you probably feel like your body cant get anything done without the medication. Its common for abusers to experience withdrawal symptoms when they dont take tramadol. This is because the body develops a chemical dependency to the drug. It actually needs the drug in order to function properly.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is when a chemical dependency to a drug is combined with an uncontrollable urge to consume the medication.
How To Find A Treatment Center
Speak to a doctor or other health professional for a recommendation. You can also search for a treatment center close to where you live using the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, a free online tool provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration .
- panic attacks
- paranoia
Detoxification is a process aimed at helping you stop taking tramadol as safely and as quickly as possible. This can include medication to ease withdrawal symptoms, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , muscle relaxants, and anti-anxiety drugs.
Before detox begins, your doctor will perform a physical evaluation. This may also include blood tests to determine if there are any additional physical issues that must be addressed. Stabilization is achieved when the drug is out of your system.
Detox can take several days or several weeks. Your individual timeline will depend on your bodys level of dependency. Your doctor will help you prepare for treatment once the drug is completely out of your system.
I Can Help You End Your Addiction Once And For All
I want you to realize;that I know what youre going through.;
Though Ive never gone through tramadol withdrawal, I have been dependent on and suffered from withdrawal from the following drugs at different periods in my 17-year drug history:
- Rx opiates
- Paxil
Even though Ive never been through tramadol withdrawal personally, I assure you I am an expert on the subject.;Ive dedicated my life to researching and writing about;all of the most effective natural ways to come off opioid and opioid-agonist drugs and medications. When it comes to tramadol, I know my stuff, and Ive helped many individuals come off tramadol with ease while I worked as a counselor at the OTP.
You see, from my years of intense research, Ive realized;that withdrawal from opioids and opioid-agonist drugs such as tramadol doesnt have to be physically or psychologically traumatic. Furthermore, Ive learned that while medications can be very helpful, there is also a superabundance of extremely potent natural remedies for easing withdrawal symptoms.;The things Ive learned are very exciting, and it brings me great joy to share them with you, but firstlets take a closer look at the monster were up against, shall we?
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How Long Will It Take To Taper Off Tramadol
The timeline for tapering off tramadol can vary, based on factors such as the amount is taken and the length of time a person was using. Tapering schedules should be monitored by the prescribing doctor or a medical detox staff member, in order to keep patients safe and comfortable throughout the detox process.
Opioid withdrawal typically lasts between 4-10 days. Based on how the patient is feeling, physicians will determine the best length of time between tramadol dose reductions, along with any additional medications the patient may require.
Can I Quit Cold Turkey Is It Dangerous
Quitting tramadol cold turkey has potential dangers.
- Risk of suicide. The withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting tramadol are generally not considered life-threatening. 4 That said, anyone going through the withdrawal process can experience accidents or become depressed and suicidal. 2, 4
- Cravings and relapse. Additionally, someone undergoing the withdrawal process will probably experience strong cravings to use the drug again to alleviate painful symptoms.
Enrolling in a medically assisted detoxification program can help someone avoid these complicationsand also avoid experiencing the extreme discomfort that may occur during the withdrawal process.
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Help For Tramadol Addiction
If you have been struggling with an addiction to tramadol, or you know someone who has, finding the proper treatment program is essential. Treatment for addiction can restore your quality of life.
Regardless of how long youve taken tramadol, getting the proper treatment can help you stop taking the drug for good. Luckily, its not difficult to find help for tramadol addiction.
Challenges Of Cutting Down Your Tramadol Intake
Weaning yourself off tramadol without medical supervision can be complex. First, it is important for your doctor to be aware of all the medications you are taking. Second, choosing the best taper schedule can be tricky. For example, if you accidentally become too aggressive with your taper schedule and experience withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will have an easier time helping you if he or she is already aware of your tramadol dose and attempt to taper.
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How To Help An Addict Quit
Its difficult to watch a friend or a loved one with a substance use disorder try to carry on as if nothing is wrong. Despite the negative consequences of abusing a drug such as tramadol, many abusers do not recognize their situation. However, approaching the person in a hostile or confrontational way can make the problem worse.
What to Do
Express concern for the person and point out facts instead of making accusations. For instance:
- Be caring, genuine and concerned for the individual.
- Communicate the fact that you want to help.
- Be understanding.
The goal is for the person to consider treatment based on documented situations that you present to illustrate different reasons that his or her substance use disorder is harmful.
It can also be extremely helpful to enlist the aid of an interventionist, professional therapist or an experienced member of a 12-step group who can help approach a loved one with a problem.
What Not to Do
While an addicts behavior may bother you, approaching a user in an angry fashion is often counterproductive. To avoid a reactive response, do not:
- Threaten the person.
- Judge the individuals behavior.
- Attempt to confront the user with his or her problem.
- Use the words addiction or substance abuse when you approach the person.
Reasons For A Tramadol Taper: Why Stop Taking Tramadol
There are several reasons a person may want to stop taking tramadol. Many people do not like being dependent on a prescription drug, especially if it begins to interfere with their work or home life.
Other people may notice that they require higher doses of tramadol to get the same effects and avoid withdrawal symptoms. This is called having tolerance. When a person realizes they need to take ever-increasing amounts of the drug, they may decide it is time to find an alternative.
Its possible to stop taking tramadol for good. If you are ready to get off of this medication, talk with your doctor or consider a medical detoxification program.
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What Does Tramadol Addiction Treatment Entail
Once youve detoxed from tramadol, then you can begin addiction treatment, which may include interventions, such as:
- Individual therapy: You work closely with a therapist to identify and rectify the maladaptive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to tramadol abuse.
- Group counseling: You share your feelings and experiences with a group of individuals struggling with addiction. Facilitated by an addiction or mental health professional, these groups may also teach various skills, such as anger management and coping skills.
- Family therapy: You and your family members meet with a therapist whose aim is to promote healing, facilitate healthy communication, and teach boundary-setting.
- Complementary or alternative therapies: Some treatment programs include holistic treatment interventions, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, music therapy, and art therapy. These interventions are intended to help heal the whole person.
- 12-step meetings: Depending on the treatment programs philosophy, you may also attend 12-step meetings during your tramadol recovery program.
Not everyones treatment plan looks the same, though. When you enter a treatment program, an addiction or mental health professional will first conduct an intake evaluation in order to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
An intake evaluation typically assesses:9
Signs Of Tramadol Addiction
A tramadol addiction, or substance use disorder, is characterized by a set of behavioral signs that indicate a pattern of compulsive tramadol use regardless of detrimental consequences. It is this uncontrollable use that differentiates tramadol addiction from tramadol dependence or abuse.
If you demonstrate at least two of the following behavioral signs within a one-year period, you may be struggling with a tramadol addiction:6
- Obtaining tramadol illegally or doctor shopping for new physicians to prescribe the medication.
- Using tramadol in dangerous situations, such as while driving a car.
- Spending a considerable amount of time obtaining and using tramadol, as well as recovering from use.
- Failing to control or quit tramadol use, despite efforts to do so.
- Using increasing tramadol doses in order to experience the same effect .
- Combining tramadol with other drugs or alcohol.
- Neglecting important responsibilities and hobbies in favor of tramadol use.
- Continuing to abuse tramadol despite negative occupational and interpersonal consequences.
- Engaging in dishonest or secretive behaviors.
In addition to behavioral signs, there are also some physical signs of tramadol addiction, including:6
- Constricted pupils.
- Neglected personal hygiene.
- Changes in appetite resulting in sudden weight gain or loss.
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Causes Of Tramadol Withdrawal
As mentioned above, your brain and body get used to the presence of tramadol when you take it in high doses or when it is used regularly. In fact, your brain learns to rely on tramadol to function normally so should you try to stop using it, it will have to readjust. This can take both time and result in a range of withdrawal symptoms.
Tramadol acts on various parts of the brain to block pain and induce feelings of warmth, pleasure and relaxation. When these areas of the brain are stimulated, chemicals are released; it is these chemicals that help you to feel good when you take the drug.
Taking chemicals to stimulate the production of certain chemicals causes your brain to adjust its own natural production. When you stop taking the chemicals that it has been relying on, the brain must once again take responsibility for producing these chemicals. It is this that can lead to a range of psychological withdrawal symptoms.
Physical symptoms usually occur when the drug you were taking to depress your central nervous system is withdrawn. Your body will race in response to the removal of tramadol as it tries to get back to normal. This causes symptoms such as agitation, restlessness, and a rapid pulse.
Mixing With Other Drugs
Medical professionals who prescribe tramadol will warn patients about the dangers of mixing tramadol with other substances. However, data shows that tramadol prescriptions are often diverted for recreational use or for illegal sale on the street or internet. Evidence suggests these illicit users abuse tramadol along with other drugs and alcohol.
In 2011, only 29% of tramadol-related emergency department visits involved tramadol alone:
- 20% of the visits involved tramadol with 1 other drug.
- 26% involved tramadol with 2 other drugs.
- 26% involved tramadol with 3 or more other drugs.
Mixing tramadol with alcohol, benzos, and/or other opioids is a serious health risk.
The most common substances involved in these emergency visits were alcohol and other pharmaceutical drugs, such as opioid painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, or benzodiazepines commonly used as anti-anxiety and insomnia medications.3
Mixing tramadol with alcohol, benzos, and/or other opioids is a serious health risk. All of these substances depress certain key functions in the central nervous system, especially breathing and heart rate. When used in combination, these drugs can have a compound effect that reduces the users rate of breathing and circulation to dangerously, sometimes fatally, low levels.3
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The Dangers Of Serotonin Syndrome
Since you experience atypical withdraw symptoms from toolittle serotonin, you can reduce the severity of atypical withdrawal symptomswith medications that increase serotonin or serotonin and norepinephrine levelsin the brain.
However, taking any serotonin-increasing medication at thesame time as serotonin-increasing tramadol puts you at risk of serotonin syndrome this is definitely not something to consider without your doctors fullendorsement.
- Serotonin syndrome = A life-threatening condition of toomuch serotonin in the brain that occurs most usually after taking a combinationof drugs that raise serotonin levels.
Note – Even if considering medications to raise your serotoninlevels after complete tramadol stoppage you still need to makesure that you leave enough of a gap between your last tramadol tablet and yourfirst tablet of your new serotonin-increasing medication Best to discuss this with your doctor.
Some examples of medications that raise serotoninlevels include:
- SSRISs or SNRIs
- Dextromethorphan the herbalsupplement
- St. Johns Wort
- Many others
The Take-Home Message
Though you see people recommending the use of serotonin-bumping medications on tramadol forums, this isnt something to take lightly.Remember:
Does Tramadol Withdrawal Work
Breaking free from tramadol is the first step on the road to full recovery. It is this process that allows the body to eliminate the toxins that have accumulated due to the tramadol use. To overcome your addiction, you must quit tramadol, and quit it for good. In detox, you will have the care and support of fully trained, experienced individuals who can help you to achieve this goal.
The unpleasant symptoms normally associated with tramadol withdrawal are often an obstacle to recovery as many users will quickly return to the drug to avoid feeling so ill. However, you should remember that no matter how ill you feel, you will get better. Furthermore, in a dedicated detox facility, the impact of tramadol can be significantly reduced, meaning that the worst of the symptoms can be avoided and those that do occur can be treated effectively.
In a nutshell, withdrawal from tramadol works best when it is handled correctly. Detoxing in a supervised facility is the safest and most comfortable way to break free from this medication.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Tramadol Addiction
If you’re concerned that you or someone you love might be an addict, trust your instincts. Still on the fence? Check out these common signs and symptoms of Tramadol addiction:
- Changes in mood or behavior; many Tramadol users experience depression, lethargy, and a lack of motivation.
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling like yourself without Tramadol.
- Frequent bouts of nausea or vomiting.
- Lying to your doctor to get more Tramadol, or taking higher doses than prescribed by your doctor.
- Snorting Tramadol, or taking it via any method other than prescribed .
- Spending most of your time under the influence of Tramadol, or ignoring other responsibilities so you can use.
Can I Just Stop Using Is It Dangerous
Quitting clonazepam cold turkey is not recommended for the following reasons:
- Dangerous withdrawal symptoms. As mentioned above, due to potentially serious and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, a person trying to quit clonazepam should seek professional help.
- Mental health complications. During the withdrawal process, individuals can become emotionally distressed and are at risk for harm due to accidents, poor judgment, or even suicidal behaviors.
- Risk of relapse. Many people going through clonazepam withdrawal experience strong cravings, which can lead to relapse. Even if successful for a period of time, quitting on ones own may do little to address the reasons that led to the substance abuse, which can lead to relapse later on if these issues resurface.
The most effective way to quit clonazepam long-term is to seek medically supervised detox followed by a structured recovery program that includes behavioral therapy and aftercare.
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Symptoms Of Tramadol Overdose
It is possible to overdose on tramadol, though it does not happen frequently when taken as prescribed by a doctor. Overdose is more likely to occur when taken inappropriately, such as taking more than the prescribed dose, taking someone elses medication, or taking it illicitly.3
Mixing tramadol with other opioids, with alcohol or other central nervous depressants, as well as some types of illicit drugs can dangerously increase the potential for oversedation, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.5 Symptoms of a tramadol overdose include:1,7
- Slow or shallow breathing.
- Oversedation that could progress to stupor or coma.
- Constricted or pinpoint pupils.
- Rapid heart rate.
How Do I Identify A Tramadol Addiction
Tramadol, a pain reliever that may also be called Ultram® or Ultracet® has a lower addiction profile than many other pain relievers. This doesnt mean people cant become addicted to it or overuse the drug. People most at risk for tramadol addiction include those who take it on a regular basis to treat chronic pain and those who have a history of substance abuse. Yet, others may become addicted to Tramadol too, particularly if they use it without recommendations from a doctor.
There are some similarities in structure between tramadol and morphine, though morphine has a much higher addiction profile, and there is particular danger in overusing many forms of the medication because it also contains acetaminophen. Overuse of acetaminophen can quickly damage the liver, and this action can be accelerated if a person concurrently consumes alcohol.
Tramadol addiction is very different than dependency. Some of the signs of this would include:
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