Tramadol Addiction and Its Effects on the Body

While most people with a drug addiction are addicted to illegal substances such as cocaine or heroin, there are a growing number of individuals who are developing addictions to medication prescribed for them by a doctor. Prescription medication is only available from a pharmacy with a prescription from a physician, and most people assume it is safe to take as a result. However, medications such as tramadol are dangerous when abused, and they are incredibly addictive. Sadly, tramadol addiction is becoming an all too common problem these days among both adults and teens.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is an opiate drug prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is not as strong as other opiates such as heroin, but it is still as addictive and should only be taken over a short period of time to reduce the risks.

Tramadol can treat pain, but it can also make the user feel sleepy, relaxed and content. Nevertheless, the side effects also include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, diarrhoea, dizziness, and fainting.

The Risks Associated with Tramadol Use

While tramadol is not as strong as other opiate drugs, it is still very addictive, and prolonged use or abuse can lead to addiction. Some people believe it to be a gateway drug to harder, more addictive drugs such as heroin, especially in those who develop an addiction and then are no longer able to source tramadol from their GP.

Addiction to prescription medication begins with an increased tolerance to the drug. Abuse of tramadol, such as taking more than prescribed, can mean that the drug becomes less effective as the body adapts to its presence. This can also happen with prolonged use, so even those who take the drug exactly as prescribed are risking addiction to the drug.

As the body becomes used to tramadol, users will find that it is not providing the same relief that it did when they first started to take it. This can prompt them to take more of the drug, or take it more often, in order to achieve the desired effect. Doing this is dangerous as it can lead to a physical dependence on the substance.

The Dangers of Tramadol Addiction

Once a person has built up a tolerance to the drug, he or she runs the risk of becoming physically dependent on it. This means that when this individual stops taking the drug, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, and intense cravings.

Those who mix tramadol with other drugs or alcohol are in danger of overdosing, which can lead to coma, respiratory failure, or death. The drug has also been linked to a condition known as ‘serotonin syndrome’. Tramadol stimulates the serotonin receptors in the brain, which leads to increased levels of the chemical. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for a variety of the body’s functions. Nonetheless, increased levels may result in a rapid pulse, increased body temperature, sweating, shivering, muscle twitches, agitation, tremors, and confusion. Serotonin syndrome is potentially life-threatening, and those with those with a prescription drug addiction are at higher risk of developing it.

As with all other addictions, a tramadol addiction can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Once this individual has become physically dependent on the drug, he or she may begin displaying signs of addiction. The person might lose interest in activities that he or she once enjoyed and may neglect spending time with their loved ones.

Some individuals with a tramadol addiction may be unable to function properly, which can affect their ability to do their job properly, possibly leading to missed days at work and reduced take-home pay. This can then result in financial hardship and relationship struggles.

Since tramadol is only available with a prescription here in the UK, those who become addicted to the drug may become agitated and irritable when they are nearing the end of their prescription. The affected person might begin visiting a number of doctors to try to get more prescriptions for the drug, and if that fails, many will try to source the drug online. This is dangerous as it is impossible to know for sure that one is getting genuine tramadol pills when buying over the internet.

Unfortunately, fake prescription pills are often sold via the web, so those who buy them really are putting their lives at risk. Fake prescription medication often contains chemicals that are harmful and often fatal.

Others that have developed a tramadol addiction may turn to street drugs such as heroin if they become desperate when they cannot source more tramadol. Once these individuals begin to take heroin, they are at risk of developing a devastating addiction to that particular substance, which could then utterly destroy their lives.

Do You Have a Tramadol Addiction?

You may find it hard to believe that you could become addicted to a drug prescribed by your doctor. However, this is something that is happening with increasing frequency to people just like you. Despite what you might believe an addict to be, if tramadol has become a negative force in your life and if you are continuing to take it despite the negative consequences, you have most likely become addicted.

If you find yourself becoming anxious when you are nearing the end of your prescription, or if you are taking more of the drug than you used to, you could have a problem. You may also have a problem if you take tramadol to change your mood and to make you feel better. If you have reached the stage where you feel you cannot function without the drug, you most certainly have a problem and one that you need to address sooner rather than later.

Here at Recovery.org.uk, we deal with people who struggle with all types of addiction – including tramadol addiction – every single day. You are not the first person to become addicted to prescription medication and, unfortunately, you are unlikely to be the last. The good news is that this is a condition that can be treated, and we can help you to access this treatment. Contact us today for information and advice on how we can help you.