Tramadol is in the opioid classification and is a prescription medication used as a painkiller. Unfortunately, a tramadol addiction can have disastrous consequences.

It is important to understand the great addictive profile of Tramadol, so much so that while the FDA originally classified it as a controlled substance – the DEA revised tramadol’s classification in 2014 as a federally controlled drug. This change in classification was due to the great overwhelming abuse by those who were prescribed the drug in addition to the difficulty in withdrawing from using it. In fact, tramadol is often compared to the highly abused opiate medication, oxycodone (OxyContin).

What are the effects and signs of tramadol abuse?

In addition to nausea, vomitting, constipation, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth and insomnia – there is also the risk of seizures and convulsions. Users find that the drug can effect their brain in such a way that it motivates them to increase the dosages. A great tolerance for the higher dosages causes a great psychological and physical dependence toward the drug. Additionally, abusing tramadol can lead to tolerance sustaining the dependence. The escalation of the tolerance, increasing of the dosage, increase craving and abuse increases the grave risk factor of overdosing.

Solutions

Tramadol addiction and overdose is on the rise. It is so important to treat tramadol addiction as early as possible before the addict reaches stages that can cause long term harm to the body.

Tramadol addiction can be treated through medicine and clinical therapy.

The most effective therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps to change the person’s drug use expectations and behaviors and also helps to manage triggers and stress.

The most important key to beating any addiction is recognizing each individual’s needs. Even though addiction has common underlying factors, they effect each person uniquely. Personalized treatment is the secret to addiction recovery. Smaller facilities naturally are able to take better care and keep better watch over each of the few patients.