Tramadol is a synthetic opiate agonist that provokes physical dependence or addiction after regular use. But what are the signs and symptoms of tramadol addiction? And after you finish tramadol withdrawal treatment, what’s next? Find out how to help yourself or a loved one addicted to tramadol here. And ask us your questions about tramadol or treatment for tramadol addiction at the end.
Tramadol addiction signs
There are many signs and of tramadol addiction; some are physical, some are emotional, and others are behavioural. Physical signs of tramadol abuse can include:
- bloodshot eyes
- disinterest in physical appearance
- eye pupils that are smaller or larger than normal.
- changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- impaired or unstable coordination
- incoherent or slurred speech
- lack of personal hygiene or grooming
- seizures without a history of epilepsy
- sudden weight loss or weight gain
- unexplained injuries or accidents
Behavioral signs of tramadol addiction include:
- becoming silent or withdrawn
- borrowing or stealing money
- decreased motivation
- frequent involvement in arguments, fights, accidents, or illegal activities
- lowered performance at work or school
- loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports or exercise
- spending increasing amounts of time alone
- sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
- sudden mood swings
- unexplained change in personality or attitude
- unusual or unexplained need for money
- visiting multiple doctors
Symptoms of tramadol addiction
The primary symptom of tramadol addiction usually become apparent when tramadol use is stopped. The inability to stay away from tramadol, or craving tramadol is the main symptom of tramadol addiction. The uncontrollable, compulsive craving, seeking and use of tramadol is a pretty good indicator that tramadol addiction is present.
Tramadol addiction symptoms: Can they be treated?
Yes!
But getting someone to admit they have a problem with their tramadol use is tough. In some cases, you may have to organize a formal or informal intervention for your loved one. An intervention is a process involving family and friends who care about a person struggling with addiction. Interventions gather these people together to confront the tramadol addict and ask him or her to accept treatment.
Once a tramadol addict agrees to seek support, you can begin to consider what type of addiction treatment would be best. Assessment and screening for both physical and psychological tramadol dependence helps determine a treatment plan. Tramadol addiction treatment can be administered in either an ipatient or outpatient treatment setting. Inpatient tramadol rehab programs are residential, while outpatient programs allow you to stay at home. Specific ways professionals treat tramadol addiction include:
- Behavioral modification – Here, the primary focus is to empower the individual is to control compulsive drug use.
- Pharmaceutical treatment – Medications are sometimes used as complementary treatment or on their own, and involve the prescription of medication to control cravings, withdrawal and relapse.
- Cognitive therapies – This type of therapies includes psychotherapies those that focus on conscious mental processes. They seek to eliminate unhealthy or non-productive thought processes.
- Support groups – 12 step group participation or self-help groups like SMART Recovery, Rational Recovery, or SOS Recovery are encouraged to help manage lifelong abstinence from tramadol.
Help with tramadol addiction questions
Still have questions about how to help tramadol addiction? Maybe you have an experience to share? If so please, share your questions and experiences about tramaol addiction below and we will respond to you personally and promptly.
Reference Sources: NIDA: The essence of drug addiction
NCADD: Learn about drugs, signs and symptoms
The National Library of Medicine
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a licensed medical professional.
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