- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tramadol Addiction?
- Am I Addicted to Tramadol?
- How to Encourage Someone to Get Treatment
- Staging an Intervention
- Support Groups for Family and Friends
- Tramadol Addiction Treatment
- Finding the Best Tramadol Treatment
Is Tramadol Addictive? How Addictive is Tramadol?
Tramadol is an opioid, which means that it's chemically similar to heroin. Not only can it produce an intoxicating high and intense sense of euphoria, but prolonged use can elicit severely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Once you become chemically dependent on Tramadol, quitting the drug without professional support can be quite difficult, if not impossible for some. Even prescription users can become addicted, so it's incredibly important to monitor yourself for signs of addiction and regularly check in with your doctor.

Tramadol, a powerful opioid pain reliever, is one of the world's most popular painkillers. It's also one of the most addictive. Anyone can develop a dependence on this powerful drug, and once you're an addict, you'll probably need professional help to kick the habit.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Tramadol Addiction?
If you're concerned that you or someone you love might be an addict, trust your instincts. Still on the fence? Check out these common signs and symptoms of Tramadol addiction:

- Changes in mood or behavior; many Tramadol users experience depression, lethargy, and a lack of motivation.
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling like yourself without Tramadol.
- Frequent bouts of nausea or vomiting.
- Lying to your doctor to get more Tramadol, or taking higher doses than prescribed by your doctor.
- Snorting Tramadol, or taking it via any method other than prescribed (i.e., by oral administration).
- Spending most of your time under the influence of Tramadol, or ignoring other responsibilities so you can use.
Am I Addicted to Tramadol?

If you think you're addicted to Tramadol, trust yourself. It's easy to fall into denial, especially when you're a prescription user. No one wants to admit that they are an addict, but doing so is the first step on the road to recovery. If you're still unsure, consider taking a day or two away from Tramadol. If doing so is easy, you're probably fine, but if quitting is challenging or impossible, you might be an addict.
Therapists are Standing By to Treat Your Depression, Anxiety or Other Mental Health Needs
Many Tramadol users find themselves experiencing intense muscle pain, sleepiness, and lethargy when they try to quit. Some also experience paranoia or anxiety. These symptoms are clear indications that your body has grown dependent, and that you may be addicted to the drug. Moreover, opiate withdrawal is notoriously difficult, and can lead to debilitating gastrointestinal distress, dehydration, and vomiting, so intense, it could endanger your life due to the risk of choking or aspirating on it.
How to Encourage Someone to Get Treatment
No addict will recover until he or she is ready, and some need to hit "rock bottom" before that happens. Try gently talking to your loved one without criticizing or offering judgment. If he or she is still unwilling to seek treatment, then you need to take appropriate steps to protect yourself. Don't allow yourself to enable your loved one's abuse of Tramadol, and if you support him or her, consider slowly withdrawing support. Doing so can convince an addict that treatment is the easier option, and may expedite the process of hitting rock bottom.
Staging an Intervention
An intervention harnesses the power of peer pressure to help struggling addicts accept the help they need. The process is a relatively simple one. Like-minded loved ones gather to share how the addict's struggles have touched their lives. Then, they encourage the addict to seek treatment and explain what they will do if the addict refuses.
Following up with these threats is critically important, since many addicts initially decline treatment. Once an addict sees that you're serious, he or she may change their mind and finally accept the much-needed treatment.
Support Groups for Family and Friends
Loving an addict is extraordinarily challenging. Someone struggling with Tramadol addiction may lie, cheat, and steal. They may also appear apathetic and depressed, causing them to ignore your feelings and dismiss your thoughts. If you need support, know that you're not alone; millions of people struggle with loving an addict each year. A program such as Nar-Anon can offer the support you need in a safe and confidential environment.
Many people Tramadol users become addicted because of struggles with chronic pain. Educating yourself about chronic pain can help you more effectively help your loved one.
And if you opt to seek family therapy, consider working with a somatic therapist who understands the mind-body connection and who is experienced in dealing with chronic pain issues.
Tramadol Addiction Treatment
Finding the Best Tramadol Treatment
No two addicts are alike, and what worked wonders for your neighbor might be pure misery for you. Before you sign up for treatment, think about what you need from treatment. For instance, a trauma survivor may need a safe, single-sex program while a person with a mental illness could benefit from a dual diagnosis treatment program that addresses both the addiction and the underlying mental health problems.