How Tramadol Abuse Progresses to Addiction?

Tramadol is a widely prescribed pain reliever used primarily for moderate to moderately severe pain. While this use is legitimate, the abuse of Tramadol, like many other opioids, can quickly progress into drug addiction.

It is important for anyone considering taking Tramadol or other pain medications to have sufficient drug information so that they can utilize it in a safe and effective manner.

When Tramadol was first marketed and sold in Germany in 1977 and then in the United States in 1995, it was perceived as a low risk alternative to more addictive opioids then on the market. By 2014, it was clear that Tramadol can be used and is in fact demonstrably used as a drug of abuse, and the DEA moved to classify Tramadol as a controlled substance. 

Tramadol is now considered a Schedule IV drug. The schedule system is designed to weigh the relative medical merits of a substance against its addictive potential. Tramadol, as a schedule IV drug, is considered to have a low but still notable potential for abuse and a recognized medical purpose. 

This schedule category means medical professionals are limited in the number of refills they can prescribe before having to entirely renew the prescription.

As an opioid, Tramadol provides users with a feeling of euphoria by activating opioid receptors. It also has some mild antidepressant effects. As a result, not only can abuse of the drug be tempting for those in possession of legitimate prescriptions, but recreational use of the drug can be very appealing. 

The pleasant and uplifting effects of Tramadol are especially acute for those with a history of substance abuse, in particular opioid abuse, as these users have brains that have been sensitized to the effects of opioids and a predisposition toward drug abuse.

Tramadol abuse becomes exponentially riskier when combined with other drugs, amplifying side effects into life-threatening emergencies.​

• Alcohol: Both depress the central nervous system, causing extreme sedation, slowed breathing, and coma risk; respiratory failure is also common.
• Muscle relaxants: Heighten CNS suppression, leading to dangerous coordination loss, falls, and breathing arrest.
• Other opioids/stimulants: Opioids deepen overdose danger, stimulants spike heart strain and seizures.

Prescribed doses rarely cause severe issues, but abuse levels multiply side effect intensity, mild dizziness becomes vertigo, blackouts, nausea turns to violent vomiting, and itchiness escalates to hives/anaphylaxis.

These combinations don't just intensify highs, turning 'one more dose' into a medical crisis. Seek external medical guidance immediately if mixing is suspected.

Tramadol abuse leads to rapid tolerance, dependence, and a range of physical, psychological, and behavioral effects that escalate with higher doses beyond the 300mg daily maximum.

Physical Effects

• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Itching
• Weakness
• Excessive sweating
• Heartburn
• Dry mouth
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Shallow breathing

Psychological Effects

• Initial euphoria shifts to anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and paranoia.
• Cognitive fog, mood swings, and heightened suicide risk during withdrawal.
• Serotonin syndrome risks include agitation, rapid heart rate, and delirium.

Behavioral Effects

• Compulsive dose escalation and secrecy around use.
• Social withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities, risky decision-making.
• Cravings drive isolation, financial strain, and polydrug seeking.

People who are addicted to opioids such as Tramadol are often capable of living apparently normal functional lives — at least on the surface. Even while holding down a job and maintaining the appearance of stability and health, it is still possible for someone to be addicted to Tramadol. 

The signs of Tramadol abuse can be subtle, but for a concerned friend or family member, it is possible to take notice of subtle changes. The surest signs of Tramadol abuse are “doctor shopping,” which is when an addict switches doctors to renew a prescription, taking Tramadol “just in case” when no pain is present, and taking Tramadol for any off-prescription purpose. 

Dangerous behavior surrounding the substance, for example not keeping it out of the reach of children, can be a sign of an unhealthy relationship with the drug. Addicts also often have unpredictable mood changes, altered sleep patterns, and poor decision-making.

Sometimes these symptoms may have nothing whatsoever to do with a drug addiction problem. However, certain people are at a higher risk of becoming Tramadol addicts than others.

Younger people and people experiencing stress or depression are susceptible, as are people with a history of substance abuse in their families. The latter is particularly true for Tramadol, which is generally a low-risk substance for anyone except those who have a history of abusing opioids.

Studies have found that users who had been sensitized to opioids previously increased the risk of becoming addicted to Tramadol and other ostensibly less intense opioids. For these populations, the symptoms outlined above might constitute sufficient reason to seek help.

If you suspect you might be abusing or addicted to Tramadol, talk to your doctor. A medical professional can help you get the help you need. According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, behavioral therapies are the most common form of treatment. These treatment methods address the individual, not just the drug problem, which is more helpful in preventing relapse.

A medically supervised detox may be necessary, however, before more long term recovery plans is initiated. Such long term recovery options might include rehabs or sober living houses. One study on sober living showed that being in a sober environment is of paramount importance in the first months of addiction recovery.

The most crucial fact to keep in mind when dealing with a Tramadol addiction is that addiction is a real disease and is eminently treatable. However, whether it is treatable or not depends on an individual’s willingness and amenability to outside help.