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Is Tramadol Addictive?

The reality is that there is an opioid epidemic in the U.S. and around the world. Many of these opioids can be found in the form of strong pharmaceutical painkillers. This is the case with Tramadol, which can be both damaging to the individual and devastating to the people in that individual’s life. Yet, many people still ask, “Is Tramadol addictive?” The answer is an emphatic, “Yes!”

Better Understanding Tramadol

Tramadol is a very strong pharmaceutical opioid. It is primarily used to treat pain, but many people misuse it recreationally.

According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Tramadol, by Doctors Dhesi, Maldonado, Patel, and, Maani, “Tramadol is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a pain relief medication, specifically indicated for moderate-to-severe pain. Since July 2014, the FDA has classified tramadol as a class IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and addiction. Therefore, its use is restricted to cases of pain refractory to other medications, such as nonopioid pain medication.” Also, because of the classification of substance Tramadol is in, it is highly addictive.

Is Tramadol Addictive?

As previously mentioned, many people ask the question, “Is Tramadol addictive?” The answer is not only yes, but also that an individual can become addicted to Tramadol very quickly.

Tramadol is so potent that it is often used post-surgery. According to the peer-reviewed journal, Clinical Pharmacokinetics, “The analgesic potency of tramadol is about 10% of that of morphine following parenteral administration. Tramadol provides postoperative pain relief comparable to that of pethidine, and the analgesic efficacy of tramadol can further be improved by combination with a non-opioid analgesic.”

It is also important to understand that Tramadol can also lead to the use of more potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl. However, getting to this stage can be interrupted if one knows the signs and symptoms of Tramadol misuse and addiction.

The Signs and Symptoms of Tramadol Addiction

Now, the signs and symptoms of opioid addiction and Tramadol misuse are going to vary based on the individual. However, there are some universal signs that someone may be struggling. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:

  • Isolating away from family and close friends
  • Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Struggles with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
  • Loss of appetite and sudden changes in weight (loss or gain)
  • “Nodding out,” which means that someone becomes unconscious while remaining upright
  • Co-occurring with other mental illnesses
  • Feeling overly anxious, nervous, or “stressed out”
  • Having feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
  • Feeling depressed
  • Engaging in other risky behaviors
  • Exhibiting excessive mood swings
  • Harming oneself or others
  • Having suicidal ideations

As one can see, Tramadol addiction should never be minimized. It can be life or death. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences.

Is Tramadol Addictive, but Treatable?

The good news is that while Tramadol is addictive, it is also highly treatable. The key is to treat it with a multi-angled approach.

The multi-angled approach to recovery is all about utilizing as many means, methods, and modalities as possible. This means utilizing experiential therapies like art therapy and nature immersion therapy. It also means using holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it should involve using psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

CBT and DBT can be particularly effective because they can get to the underlying root/core causes of one’s addiction. Many people don’t realize that addiction is not just about the drink or the drug. It is often about the behaviors that cause an individual to use that drink or drug. This is why many people often say “It is about the thinking more than it is about the drinking.” CBT and DBT can help individuals see the negative way they view themselves and the world around them, and help them change their cognitions, emotions, and behaviors positively.

The Phoenix Difference at The Phoenix Recovery Center

Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we know that recovery is about teamwork. The Buddha famously said, “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

Recovery is also about empowerment. That is why we hold to the maxim – “Empowering individuals and families suffering from addiction and mental health disorders, to celebrate life through lasting solutions.”

Recovery is out there. The key is to go out there and get it. There is hope. We can help.

Many people don’t realize just how addictive tramadol can be. The fact of the matter is that tramadol is both very dangerous and highly addictive when used recreationally. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities to help individuals recover from tramadol addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with mental illness, addiction, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information on the dangers of tramadol and how addiction can be treated, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.

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The Phoenix Recovery Center
489 W. South Jordan Pkwy
Suite 400
South Jordan, UT