Addictiveness Varies Tramadol is safe when used properly, but it has a dangerous ability to get people “high” when used improperly. Taking more than is prescribed or using it to get “high” creates an intense feeling of euphoria similar to opiate medicines, such as Oxycontin. Generally speaking, that euphoria is less intense, meaning tramadol is less addictive than other medicines. In fact, this relatively non-addictive state means that tramadol has not been classified as a “controlled substance.” In many instances, it is even used a method similar to methadone, i.e. …show more content…
treating addiction to harsher opiates. Don 't mistake the relatively benign nature of tramadol as an indication that is 100% safe to use (or abuse). Tramadol addiction is still possible and can dangerously derail your life by forcing you into the spiral of dependency.
People Affected by Tramadol Addiction Tramadol addiction is usually more common in people who have suffered from some kind of addiction in the past. However, that doesn 't mean it 's limited to them: studies have shown that addiction to tramadol can even strike people with no history of addiction, even to substances as common as nicotine or caffeine. People are often blind-sided by tramadol addiction because addiction had been so rarely discussed. As a result, it is often perceived as completely harmless, leading to the potential for misuse. Thankfully, discussions on tramadol addiction are becoming more open.
Symptoms of Addiction People struggling with tramadol addiction are often unwilling to admit they have a problem. After all, tramadol is a medicine prescribed by their doctor: how could it possibly be addictive? Unfortunately, this belief has led to too many people nursing lengthy and damaging addictions. Common symptoms of addiction to tramadol include: Using it multiple times per day, when prescription calls for once a day use Repeatedly and aggressively asking for refills Visiting multiple doctors for multiple prescriptions Obsessing over the amount of tramadol left in the house Accidental overdose, even one time These are just a few examples of the symptoms that may indicate tramadol addiction. If you or anyone you love shows these symptoms, tramadol addiction is likely. Health Effects Like any drug, tramadol comes with its own series of potential side effects. Many of these are relatively benign, while others are more serious. People using tramadol properly are less likely to run into these problems, but people suffering from tramadol addiction increase their risk. Common health problems caused by tramadol use include: A “full” stomach Sensitivity to touch Bloody urine Chills or fever Problems with balance Increased blood pressure Blisters Convulsions or severe seizures Blurry vision Bloating or excessive gas Pain in various parts of the body (arms, legs, jaw, calves) Nausea Jaundice More severe health problems are more commonly associated with tramadol overdose. These problems include: Sudden changes in consciousness Irregular heartbeat Breathing difficulties Confusion Anxiety and paranoia Although relatively rare, complete loss of consciousness, coma, and even death are possible with tramadol overdose. Treating Tramadol Addiction The first step in beating a tramadol addiction involves detoxifying the