As prescriptions for tramadol continue to rise, so too do reports of its addiction risk and associated dangers. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) noted that drug-related emergency room visits mentioning tramadol increased 165% between 1995 and 2002. MedWatch, which is a program of the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also received a growing number of reports of tramadol abuse, as well as reports of withdrawal effects which indicate physical dependence.

Although it is still widely believed that tramadol is not addictive, that perception is beginning to change. In 2009 the FDA found that manufacturers of the drug had minimized its addiction potential. In 2010 the Physicians Desk Reference added new warnings.

Certain information about prescription drugs must be included with them when they are purchased. The “Drug Abuse and Dependence” information that accompanies tramadol has been modified a number of times since the drug was first introduced. It currently notes that the medication may induce dependence and that the dependence may involve drug-seeking behavior and taking illicit action to obtain it. It also states that these actions are not limited to patients with a prior history of drug dependence.

Failing to Recognize and Address Tramadol Addiction

The misconception that tramadol is a medication free from addiction risk can easily cause people to take more of the drug than they would if they realized the dangers. It can also lead people to ignore withdrawal symptoms. Failing to recognize signs of addiction and dependence until they are well-established can make recovery more difficult.

Sometimes even people who realize they’ve become addicted to tramadol are hesitant to seek treatment. This is often due to an erroneous mental picture of a “typical” drug abuser. Sometimes people assume that rehab is only for people addicted to street drugs like heroin or cocaine, and that addiction to a prescription drug is less serious.

The truth is that the body doesn’t know if an addictive substance is a drug that is legally prescribed or one that is always purchased and used illicitly. The addictive process is similar for all substances of abuse. It’s very difficult to break an addiction, whether to a street drug or to a prescription medication, without help. Rehab programs help people addicted to a wide variety of drugs, including tramadol.

Tramadol Addiction Help

If you’ve become addicted to tramadol, help is available and we can assist you in finding it. Call our toll-free helpline and let us answer your questions. Our counselors can even check your insurance coverage, if you wish, to help you better understand your treatment options. We’re ready to take your 24 hours a day, so there’s no need to put it off. Don’t let misconceptions about tramadol keep you from realizing and addressing a problem.

Tramadol is a pain reliever marketed under several brand names including Rybix, Ryzolt and Ultram. It is only prescribed to those in need of constant pain relief. If you are using tramadol in larger quantities than prescribed or for purposes other than pain relief you are greatly increasing your risk of developing tramadol addiction, a dangerous disease characterized by compulsions to abuse the drug.

You may use tramadol to numb emotional pain, and you may have used tramadol so often and for so long that you feel as though you cannot function without the drug. When you stop using tramadol, you may no longer be able to function at a normal level. This is why drug rehab, which can provide treatment for your addiction, is so important. Rehab can provide you with the tools you need to stop abusing tramadol; with professional help, you can recover from your addiction permanently.

What Happens during Integrated Treatment for Tramadol Addiction?

Many people who suffer from tramadol addiction also suffer from co-occurring mental health issues. Mental health issues and drug addictions perpetuate one another. Recovery from both conditions is crucial to overall drug addiction recovery. Integrated treatment for tramadol addiction combines traditional drug addiction treatment methods with psychiatric care, in order to address both conditions. The goal of this combination is to help patients heal as thoroughly as possible. Integrated treatment focuses on the whole person rather than a singular addiction. It seeks to forge a healthy mind, body, and spirit connection in patients, so that relapse is highly unlikely. After treatment, patients maintain recovery with the help of aftercare, in the form of outpatient support group meetings, and sponsorships.

Tramadol Addiction Help

If you need help ending your tramadol addiction, or if you would like to help a loved one recover from tramadol addiction, don’t hesitate to call our toll-free helpline, which is available 24 hours a day. When you call, you will reach one of our trusted and knowledgeable counselors who can answer your questions and connect you to the treatment program that is right for you or your loved one. We can also check your insurance information for your level of addiction treatment coverage. Our helpline is available right now, so please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. We are ready to help you begin the recovery process. All calls are free and confidential. Call us today.

The common experience for many people with drug abuse issues or with a drug addiction is that of social pressure. A surprisingly large number of abusers and addicts begin when Tramadol is offered in a social situation as a way to relax, to “chill out,” to have some fun, or to simply be a part of the group. For someone considering rehab or someone wanting a way out of the drug abuse, the thought of leaving behind this “social” scene can be frightening.

• You might fear not have any friends at all.
• You might be afraid of being ostracized by your Tramadol-using friends.
• You might think you can’t have fun without Tramadol.

A powerfully addictive drug

The fact is, Tramadol (also Ultram) is an addictive drug when used outside the supervision of a doctor. The drugs works in a way similar to morphine by binding receptors in the brain that receive opioids; this blocks the sensation of pain and, if taken outside of prescribed doses, it can cause a temporary euphoria or good feeling. But there are significant negative consequences in addition to the harmful effects addiction has on the body.

Negative consequences

There are, however, negative consequences to keep in mind with drugs and parties mix:

• Taking Tramadol at a party may seem like just a good way to fit in and have fun, but often at such parties other drugs are present. The possibility of mixing drugs in dangerous and even fatal ways increases.
• Alcohol is usually present as well, and, again, mixing Tramadol with alcohol can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.
• At such social situations where Tramadol (and other drugs) are freely shared, dangerous (and stupid) behaviors are much more likely, from casual, dangerous sex to risky stunts to driving while under the influence. Accidents will happen, and people will get hurt.

Positive alternatives

When considering the likelihood of something bad happening while taking Tramadol—even just “a little bit to relax,” you should consider the positive alternatives.

With friends like these…

It’s a cliché, but it’s true: With friends like these, who needs enemies? What could you do to harm yourself more than hanging out with others’ who are addicted to drugs and who pressure you to likewise take Tramadol illegally, simple to “fit in”?

Get out of the Tramadol rut

To start new, call the free hotline now. Don’t let the social pressure keep you the Tramadol rut. Call now.

Tramadol is a synthetic opiate used for moderate to moderately severe pain. It binds to opiate receptors in the brain to relieve pain. Tramadol is different from many other painkillers because it also behaves similarly to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) which are typically prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and mood disorders. It can be abused for the euphoria it causes, and many people use it to self-medicate a mental health concern.

Problems with at Home Tramadol Detoxification

Because people commonly believe that drug addiction is a matter of willpower, many addicts think they should be able to stop on their own. Unfortunately, suddenly ceasing Tramadol use leads to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. An addict may not be aware of or be able to deal with the issues that caused the addiction in the first place. Faced with these complications, an addicted person is highly likely to relapse, or fail to become sober at all.

Addiction is closely related to other neurological diseases. When a person has abused Tramadol for a long time, it changes the reward pathway of the brain which brings about an instinctive compulsion to keep using the drug, in spite of negative consequences.

Self-treatment may seem like a good idea at first, but it rarely results in long-term sobriety. Without treating co-occurring mental and mood disorders, or without discovering the root causes of addiction, relapse is highly likely. If an addicted person tries to quit using and fails, it may discourage them from trying again in the future.

How to Treat Co-Occurring Tramadol Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

Drug addiction often occurs in individuals that have an underlying mental illness or mood disorder. Undergoing evaluation at rehab is often the first time a person learns that she has clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or another mood disorder. If an addict tries to quit Tramadol on her own at home, she avoids the benefits of care and counseling from a medical professional. If Tramadol has been used to treat the symptoms of a mood disorder, and the person stops using but does nothing else to improve her condition, she is highly likely to go back to Tramadol when the symptoms resurface.

How Tramadol Rehabilitation Works

A quality rehab center will have knowledgeable medical personnel and trained addiction counselors that have experience with many situations involving addiction. Besides the benefit of having someone lead you through the treatment process, rehab will include the following advantages:

• Medically supervised withdrawal services. Some drugs, including Tramadol, cause uncomfortable or painful side effects with sudden absence of use. Rehab will begin with detox, and professionals will be on hand to make the process as simple and as comfortable as possible.
• Peer support. Being around others that are going through similar issues as you are can be encouraging. Addicts in treatment often relate to and support each other in recovery.
• Trained counselors. A trained counselor will help recovering addicts discover and deal with issues that lead to addiction. They will suggest appropriate behavioral changes addicts can make and encourage ongoing management of these symptoms.
• Relapse prevention. Well-rounded treatment for addiction will include education about preventing relapse, and it may help addicts find outside community services for continued recovery.

Tramadol Addiction Help

If you are addicted to Tramadol, rehab is your best option for long-term recovery. Call us now to learn about different options for treatment. Our toll-free helpline is available 24 hours a day, and we can help you find a rehab center that is right for you.

No one plans to start a habit of drug abuse that leads to addiction, but it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew when it comes to powerful drugs like tramadol. Some people start using tramadol to relieve pain, while others abuse it to escape from reality. Either way, no one can predict tramadol addiction; as long as you abuse tramadol you’re leaving yourself at risk for developing a dependency. The more you keep coming back to tramadol, the more likely it is that you’ll continue your pattern of abuse, leading to a painful, possibly deadly habit. If you want to break the cycle you’re going to need help.

How Tramadol Addiction Develops

Tramadol addiction doesn’t take hold the first time you abuse the drug, but it can creep up on you without you ever knowing what’s happening. By the time you realize you have a problem with tramadol abuse, you could have already been addicted for some considerable time. The cost of tramadol addiction is great. It can cost you your job, your family, and your money, and you still may not admit you have a problem. It’s not until you look yourself in the mirror and admit your addiction that you can receive meaningful treatment. Admitting you have a serious problem will allow you to get the most out of your treatment.

Treatment for Tramadol Addiction

If your tramadol abuse is becoming more of a habit, you need to get help to minimize the damage it does to your life. Tramadol rehab will help you get the drug out of your system and teach you helpful techniques to avoid relapse once you leave treatment. Living without tramadol addiction will allow you to reach your full potential and experience things you haven’t been able to since you began abusing tramadol.

Tramadol Addiction Help

Call our 24 hour, toll free helpline today so we can do everything we can to help you overcome tramadol addiction. We will give you all kinds of valuable information concerning addiction and rehab, and we will let you know if your health insurance will help you cover the cost of rehab. Our helpline is available right now, and we’re waiting for your call, so pick up the phone. Call us today and let us help you get into rehab so you can begin the healing process. You will not regret breaking a costly addiction.

Tramadol is a synthetic version of codeine that is prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. When abused, tramadol can cause confusing mood swings and disorientation. This can lead to unexpected behavior that can have embarrassing or dangerous consequences.

How Tramadol Affects Behavior

Tramadol floods receptors in the brain that control how you feel pain and pleasure. Tramadol is selective in what kind of receptor sites in the brain it affects, making it potentially less addictive than a more powerful drug such as morphine. Due to this, some people think abusing it is not a big deal; however, any drug that gives a high can become addicting when abused.

Tramadol also affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels. This is similar to how SSRIs work (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which are prescribed for depression, anxiety, mood swings, and other neurological issues. Due to these similarities, taking tramadol in combination with an SSRI puts a person at risk of serotonin toxicity, which can be fatal. Taking large quantities of tramadol may have adverse effects such as extreme mood swings, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and anger, as well as withdrawal symptoms similar to those associated with opiates.

Tramadol is highly addictive because tolerance builds quickly, which may lead to an increased chance of overdose. Just because a person needs a larger dose to feel the euphoric effects, doesn’t mean a larger dose is safe.

Consequences of Abusing Tramadol

Abusing or overdosing on tramadol can create embarrassing or dangerous situations. High amounts of the drug can suppress breathing which can lead to respiratory failure, coma, and death. Tramadol may also cause seizures, especially when taken in high doses or combined with SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants.

Symptoms of Tramadol Overdose

Symptoms of tramadol overdose may include the following:

• Seizures – Especially in people with epilepsy or when combined with SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants, tramadol has been known to cause grand mal seizures.
• Shallow breathing – In large doses or when combined with other drugs or alcohol, tramadol can suppress respiratory functions.
• Coma – In extreme cases tramadol can cause coma and even death.

Signs of Addiction to Tramadol

Due to tramadol’s non-scheduled status some sources may claim that it has no addictive qualities. But, this is not true. While tramadol is different from other painkillers and opiates, it can still be abused and consequently become addicting. Some signs of tramadol addiction may include the following actions:

• Seclusion – Avoiding family and people you usually spend time with may be an effort to hide tramadol abuse or the effects of the drug.
• Larger doses – People abusing drugs such as tramadol may make excuses to themselves or others about why they need a higher dose. An individual may become defensive about her level of drug use.
• Craving – Constantly thinking about when you can take the next dose is a potential sign of mental addiction.
• Finishing a prescription early – Going through a prescription faster than intended or before expected can be a sign of tramadol abuse.

Tramadol Addiction Help

Misusing tramadol can eventually turn into addiction or worse, overdose. If you are worried about your tramadol use, call us today. Our helpline is toll free and available 24 hours a day. We can answer your questions about tramadol addiction and use, and help you decide what treatment will help.

One of the many reasons that people avoid recovery from tramadol addiction is due to dread of withdrawal symptoms. The first step to recovery is detox, and it entails withdrawal symptoms that can sometimes be severe. Detox is the process of removing the drug entirely from your system with the intention of ending its use permanently. Withdrawal symptoms often accompany detox and can be quite uncomfortable.

Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms

It is important to understand the withdrawal symptoms that you might face before attempting to end your abuse of tramadol. The withdrawal symptoms that are commonly associated with tramadol addiction include but are not limited to the following:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Trembling
• Diarrhea
• Hallucinating

As you can see, some of these withdrawal symptoms can be pretty severe. These symptoms can be so intense that you will probably need medical attention.

Where to Find Help for Tramadol Withdrawal Symptoms

The best place to find help with detox and withdrawal symptoms is at a rehab center or a hospital. The medical professionals in these facilities can help you safely through detox and give you the best chance at a drug-free life after treatment. Rehab centers will also have therapists and counselors who can help you work through psychological addictions and emotional or mental health issues that may have arisen or become worse with your tramadol addiction.

Although you may be tempted to try to go through detox and withdrawal symptoms on your own at home, this can be very dangerous and may result in relapse and a devastating loss of confidence. Going to a rehab center can greatly increase your chances of succeeding through detox and withdrawal symptoms; these professionals can even help you heal while you adapt to a drug-free lifestyle.

Tramadol Detoxification Help

If you or someone that you love is struggling with tramadol addiction and need help, call us today. Our toll free helpline is open 24 hours a day; we have abuse and addiction counselors ready and waiting to answer your questions and help you find the help that you need. Our counselors can help you to find the right treatment center to meet your needs and even help you find out if your insurance company will be able to help cover the cost of treatment. Don’t let another minute pass by without finding the help that you need; call us now. Get help today.

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid pain reliever. It is not scheduled as a controlled substance in the United States by the DEA suggesting that it has low potential for abuse and that its clinical benefits outweigh its potential for addiction. However tramadol can be highly addictive in some cases and can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped abruptly.

Who Is at Risk of Addiction to Tramadol?

Due to tramadol’s low euphoric effects and unpleasant side effects at high doses it is not among the most sought-after opioids for recreational users. Tramadol dependence tends to occur most often in people who have used the drug over long periods of time for legitimate medical reasons. However tramadol dependence occurs with the greatest frequency in those with a history of opiate addiction.

Physical Addiction to Tramadol

Extended use of tramadol leads to a tolerance for the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Opiates release the chemical neurotransmitter serotonin into the brain causing euphoric effects. With regular use over time the reward pathways in the brain are altered, and symptoms of depression emerge when drug use is stopped, since the brain no longer produces enough serotonin on its own.

Stopping use of the drug induces extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. A feature of opiate addiction is the need to continue using the drug simply to avoid these symptoms. Since the typical tramadol addict is not a recreational user but a medical patient who became dependent, the afflicted person continues using the drug regularly not to get high but to avoid feeling low. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped is one of the most telling signs of physical addiction.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Tramadol

Withdrawal symptoms of tramadol are similar to those of other opiates and include the following:

• Anxiety
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Sweating

Tramadol withdrawal can also cause symptoms not generally associated with withdrawal from other opiates including the following:

• Sneezing
• Headache
• Electric shock like sensations in the brain and body known as “zaps”
• Seizures

How to Decrease the Chances of Addiction to Tramadol

Many people will use opiates like tramadol to self-medicate. This includes non-recreational users of the drug who become dependent on its effects to ease psychological and emotional pain. Use of any opiate medication involves the risk of addiction. If your doctor thinks that tramadol is the best option for your case, you can decrease your chances of becoming addicted by using tramadol exactly as directed by your doctor. It is up to the patient as a health care consumer to know what drugs he or she is taking. Ask your doctor specific questions about tramadol or any drug you are prescribed. Be informed. If you are concerned about possible negative consequences, ask your doctor about alternatives to tramadol.

Treatment for Tramadol Abuse or Addiction

Tramadol addiction is a serious condition that requires professional treatment. If you are addicted to tramadol, we can help. Our number is toll free, and we are available 24 hours a day.

Tramadol is a prescription drug commonly prescribed to manage severe pain following surgery or injury. Many patients who use tramadol do so without a proper understanding of the potential for dependency and addiction associated with the drug.

How Tramadol Addiction Develops

An addiction to tramadol begins with tolerance. Tolerance is the result of the body’s ability to counteract the effects of a drug, and because of tolerance the more tramadol you use the more frequent your doses will have to be to maintain the same level of symptom management. This is usually the first and most obvious warning sign that you may be at risk for dependency. Tolerance becomes dependency when you need regular doses of a controlled substance to maintain feelings of normalcy, to avoid withdrawal symptoms and to function throughout the day.

Tramadol Addiction Treatment

Tramadol rehab can be pursued on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Inpatient or residential rehab is more effective and will give you consistent care and attention from qualified medical professionals. This can be helpful during detox, as this time period is often associated with painful withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient care also allows for more intensive therapy and counseling in a positive and supportive environment. Outpatient rehab facilities have become more popular in recent years but are primarily reserved for milder forms of addiction. If an outpatient treatment facility is right for you, it can help you maintain your responsibilities at home or in the work place while undergoing quality rehab, because you can return home after you complete your daily classes or therapy sessions. Therapy and counseling addresses the reasons behind addiction and treats the person as whole.

Both inpatient and outpatient services for tramadol addiction should include aftercare. Aftercare provides support and encouragement for maintaining a tramadol-free life after primary treatment. A treatment facility will only be as good as the network of support that it is able to provide you with in the weeks and months following your rehab.

Tramadol Rehabilitation Help

If you have additional questions regarding tramadol rehab, we are available 24 hours a day to provide you with quality options for rehab. We can work closely with your doctors and insurer to provide you with the best possible options for successful long-term abstinence. The call is free and confidential. Learn about tramadol addiction treatment; call now.

Tramadol is a centrally acting opioid analgesic used in treating moderate to severe pain often associated with arthritis, restless leg syndrome and fibromyalgia.

About Arthritis Pain

Arthritis may be treated with tramadol. To understand arthritis pain start with understanding the two primary types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory arthritis and an autoimmune disease. The causes of RA are not fully understood, but the body’s immune system begins to attack the tissues within the body and especially those around the joints. The attack results in fluid buildup, inflammation and pain. RA is a chronic disease without a cure. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease characterized by the deterioration of cartilage that cushions bones. When this occurs the bones begin to rub against each other causing stiffness and pain. More than 27 million Americans suffer with one of the following two types of OA:

• Primary OA is generally associated with aging
• Secondary OA tends to develop relatively early in life and typically occurs 10 or more years after a specific cause such as an injury or obesity

Using Tramadol for Pain Management

Many prescription painkillers are intended for short-term use only, but tramadol can be formulated as extended-release tablets for those who need medication to relieve pain around-the-clock for a long time. A person using tramadol must be aware of certain side effects which may exacerbate pain rather than help manage it. These side effects may include the following:

• Dizziness and weakness
• Sleepiness or conversely difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Nervousness and agitation
• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• Muscle tightness
• Changes in mood
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating or chills

There are some side effects of tramadol that are quite serious and require medical attentions. These include the following:

• Seizures
• Sores on the inside of your mouth, nose, eyes or throat
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hives or rash
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
• Hallucinations

Tramadol Abuse or Addiction Treatment

The serious side effects that can occur with tramadol misuse or abuse are often the same as the withdrawal symptoms a person may experience when he or she discontinues using tramadol without medical supervision. If tramadol abuse has occurred in response to pain management, there are several factors that a quality rehab center can provide. It is important to remove tramadol from the body to end physical and psychological addiction, but an pain sufferer needs medical guidance to manage detox and withdrawal without causing an increase in pain. Rehab centers have medical professionals on hand, and they will supervise and monitor patients during and after detox. Treatment for emotional issues is also a necessary part of recovery, as people who suffer with chronic pain often struggle with emotional balance. Being in constant pain can make a person depressed, fearful and anxious. Quality treatment programs offer counseling to help a person deal with these emotional issues and find freedom from tramadol.

Get Help for Tramadol Addiction

Recovering from tramadol abuse or addiction while managing pain is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with tramadol, call our toll-free helpline today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about tramadol addiction treatment. You can break free from tramadol and find a drug-free and pain-free life. Please call today.