Opioid addiction rates continue to rise in the United States. Even less potent opioid medications like tramadol are increasingly abused. A tramadol addiction treatment program can help break the cycle of addiction and provide hope for a better future.
Northpoint Washington offers help for people struggling with tramadol addiction. Our substance abuse treatment programs provide therapeutic and medical interventions to help people get back on track with their lives. Learn more about our services or get started by calling 425.437.3298 today.
What Is Tramadol?
Tramadol is an opioid medication. It is commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. People usually take it as a tablet, either on a prescribed schedule or on an as-needed basis.
This medication is often one of the first opioids doctors will choose in a treatment regimen. This is because they assume it to be non-addictive, unlike other opioid drug options. It works very well when it is taken as intended. It’s not supposed to be used as a long-term solution for pain.
Tramadol is also available under a few brand names, including Ultram, ConZip, and Ultram ER. Ultram ER is an extended-release formulation of the drug. This means it releases a little bit of the medicine in the body at a time.
Understanding Tramadol Abuse
Most people begin taking this medication because they have a prescription from a doctor. Of course, this isn’t the case for everyone. There are those who choose to abuse it recreationally as well.
There are different ways that this narcotic medication can be abused. Some people simply swallow the pills. Others who are more tolerant of opioids may use various other methods instead.
Snorting, smoking, or injecting tramadol often results in faster or more intense highs than when people swallow them.
How Abusing Tramadol Leads to Dependence
Abusing tramadol consistently will eventually lead to dependence. Tramadol dependence is a bit different from having an addiction, but the two are related to one another.
When someone is dependent on this drug, prescribed dosages don’t work as well. Because of this, it takes more of the drug to feel any noticeable effect. Also, if someone stops taking it, they may find that they begin to experience withdrawal. These symptoms occur once the drug begins to leave the body. Dependence quickly leads to addiction, which causes a person to seek tramadol use above most other things, including work, school, and family.
Side Effects of Tramadol Drug Abuse
Even when someone takes this medication in normal, prescribed doses, it can still result in side effects. When someone abuses the drug, these effects are likely to be worse.
Some of the more common side effects of tramadol abuse may include:
- Depression
- Fever and chills
- Itchy rash
- Joint pain
- Bouts of constipation
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Problems with concentration
- Feeling weak
- Redness in the face
Someone’s reaction times are likely to be slower with continued tramadol use. They may not be able to drive safely, focus, or remember things, either.
Tramadol Addiction Symptoms
Some common signs of addiction include:
- Taking risks in order to obtain more of the drug
- Being completely focused on using and making sure there is enough on hand
- Hiding drug use
- Being unable to stop using
- Becoming withdrawn from friends, family, and social situations
- Being unable to control how much or how often tramadol is used
- Neglecting activities that were once important
If these signs seem familiar, it’s time to find help from a tramadol addiction treatment program. Northpoint Washington offers detox and inpatient plans for people living with addiction.
Tramadol Withdrawal Treatment and Rehab at Northpoint Washington
Tramadol withdrawal and recovery are different for everyone. The severity of the symptoms depends on how dependent a person is and how long they’ve been using. It can be hard to go through these withdrawals without professional help.
Our tramadol addiction treatment program includes medical detox and residential rehab:
- Medical detox – Our medical team will monitor each patient and provide round-the-clock care.
- Residential rehab – While in an inpatient setting, patients will be able to focus on their recovery without the distractions of everyday life. This includes individual therapy sessions, group counseling, and other evidence-based therapies.
If you or someone you love is struggling with tramadol addiction, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Contact us at 425.437.3298 today to learn more about our services or get started on the path to sobriety.