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Tramadol is an opioid analgesic used to relieve moderate pain. It elicits the analgesic in the central nervous system by activating the μ-opioid receptor and by inhibiting the monoamine reuptake receptor. Long-term use is habit-forming, causing mental or physical tramadol dependence. Quitting tramadol abruptly after long-term use may precipitate withdrawal syndrome, making it challenging for users to stop using the drug.
By the time you finish reading this article, you will be well-enlightened about tramadol abuse, the tramadol addiction risk, and have the correct information on how to handle the drug.
What is Tramadol
Tramadol is an opioid analgesic that is prescribed for the management of moderate pain. It is available in different forms: tablet, capsule, solution, and suspension. Some tablets and capsules are extended release and released gradually for 24 hours. Common brands of tramadol are Rybix ODT, Ryzolt, Ultram, Ultram ER, and others. Tramadol is available under a strict distribution program called the Opioid Analgesic REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. Common slang for Tramadol includes “Chill Pills”, “Trammies”, “Ultras”, and others..
The Effects of Tramadol Abuse
Tramadol has a low-abuse potential compared to other opioids. It has a weak affinity for μ-opioid receptors, but many of its metabolites have a stronger affinity which may account for many side effects of tramadol abuse and the desired effects. Tramadol is often abused because of its effectiveness as a pain reliever. After long-term use of the drug, users become more tolerant of the drug, thus requiring a higher dose to receive the same therapeutic effect. This may result in overdose and consequently, be fatal. The mental and physical effects of Tramadol are explained below:
Mental Effects
Mental effects of Tramadol abuse are:
Physical Effects
The physical burden of Tramadol abuse side effects are:
Respiratory paralysis of tramadol is not as significant as other opioids. Paralysis only occurs when Tramadol is taken in a very high dose.
Symptoms and Signs of Tramadol Use
When tramadol is used at the normal levels, some associated adverse effects are:
Though tramadol has low-abuse potential, its long-term use can result in tolerance, in which the user will need to take an increased dose to achieve the same therapeutic outcome. This poses a risk of overdose.
Tramadol overdose can cause the following effects that may lead to death:
When a long-term user of tramadol discontinues the drug immediately, withdrawal symptoms will occur. The symptoms are:
Tramadol Addiction Treatment Options
The treatment option for tramadol addiction are:
Medical Treatment for Tramadol Addiction
Detoxification (detox) is a medically supervised procedure for tramadol addiction to provide a quick and safe discontinuation. The process is a continuous taper-off over time to reduce the possibility of potential symptoms of tramadol addiction withdrawal. The physicians will co-prescribed other medications to manage the resulting symptoms of tramadol abuse addiction. Examples of such drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and anti-anxiety drugs. In severe cases, a partial opioid antagonist such as buprenorphine may be prescribed to help the patients cope.
Inpatient Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment for Tramadol Addiction
Outpatient facilities are for patients with less severe symptoms. The program allows them to maintain their daily routine while receiving treatment. Patients with fatal symptoms of tramadol addiction, such as suicidal thoughts or other life-threatening withdrawal symptoms are managed in the inpatient facilities.
Process and Stages of Tramadol Addiction Treatment in VipVorobjev Clinic
At the VipVorobjev Clinic, we understand fighting addiction is a tough battle; you don't have to fight it alone. We have appropriate medical intervention procedures to help in diagnosing, detoxifying, and initiating other forms of therapy to achieve the desired outcome quickly. Our process starts with an exhaustive initial consultation with a certified addiction professional to help enlighten and quiet the patient's fear.
Diagnosis of Tramadol Addiction
Our tramadol addiction diagnostic procedure is a series of supervised assessments to determine the level of user’s addiction and overall health status. These procedures are conducted by addiction therapists. The process will help to design a personalized treatment option based on the agreement between the patient and the therapist. This ensures compliance and success of the procedure.
Tramadol Detoxification Treatment
Tramadol detoxification is the most reliable treatment approach for the addiction. The process involves a gradual reduction of the dose to mitigate the potential withdrawal symptoms after the discontinuation. Detoxification will prevent the possibility of craving that may lure the patient back into using the drug upon discontinuation.
Average Length of Tramadol Addiction Treatment
It takes a few weeks to a couple of months to treat Tramadol addiction. The average length of treatment varies from one patient to another depending on the severity of the addiction, the overall health status, and existing support systems.
Effectiveness of Treatment for Tramadol Addiction
The overwhelming feedback from tramadol-addicted patients who we have treated affirms the effectiveness of our treatment procedure. Tramadol addiction treatment requires a lifelong commitment. The detoxification process may keep you off for a few weeks, months, or years, but it takes a strong commitment to live drug-free.
Cost of Tramadol Addiction Treatment
Tramadol addiction treatment usually costs from 2700 €. Patients treated in the inpatient facility pay more than the outpatient facility.The severity of the addiction is also a factor that determines the cost.
Doctors
At VipVorobjev Clinic, we have highly trained and experienced addiction treatment specialists with a proven record of helping hundreds of users recover from the tormenting effect of drugs. Our drug addiction medical professionals only use the best tramadol addiction treatment practices.
Patents and Certificates
At VipVorobjev Clinic, our incredible acute care treatment of tramadol patients allows us to stand out among other facilities. We are DAACC (Drug, Alcohol & Addiction Counselor Certification) certified and registered addiction specialists to help you break the cycle of substance abuse and begin a new life.
