Tramadol is a fully synthetic prescription drug used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain in adults.
It is also a common drug of choice for treating long-standing pain when weaker painkillers are no longer effective.
Tramadol works in the same way as opioid analgesics.
While it does not necessarily stop the source and occurrence of pain, the drug acts on the pain receptors in the brain so that the body does not feel pain.
Tramadol is generally safe when taken according to the doctor’s recommendations and when used for a short period.
Unfortunately, those who take this medication for a long time can
develop a tolerance to it. When this happens, they may take larger doses of tramadol and abuse it to experience the desired effects.
Dangers of Tramadol Abuse
If you or your loved one is using tramadol to help manage pain, you must strictly follow your doctor’s recommendation on dosage and frequency of use.
Taking this drug can already cause several discomforting side-effects, such as constipation, dizziness, headache, and nausea, even when used properly; how much more if you abuse it?
If you need specific reasons why you shouldn’t abuse tramadol, consider the following long-term effects of tramadol addiction:
Seizures
Experiencing seizures is one of the most serious side-effects of tramadol, particularly at high doses.
In a recent study published in the Archives of Academic Emergency Medicine, it was found that an increase in tramadol dosage is linked to an increase in the frequency of seizures.
Serotonin Syndrome
Tramadol use increases the concentrations of serotonin in the brain.
It is a chemical that regulates mood, memory, social behavior, and other functions of the body.
As such, tramadol misuse significantly intensifies the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when the person takes drugs that boost the serotonin levels in the body.
Serotonin syndrome is characterized by agitation, confusion, loss of muscle control, nausea, dilated pupils, and rapid heart rate.
In severe cases, people with this condition may experience high fever, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Androgen Deficiency
Respiratory Depression
People who abuse tramadol may also suffer from androgen deficiency, a condition wherein the body develops lower levels of male sex hormones than what is needed for optimal health.
A decrease in testosterone levels can lead to lower libido, erectile dysfunction among males, irregular menstrual cycles among females, and even infertility.
Tramadol misuse can also cause respiratory depression, a dysfunction that results in carbon dioxide build-up in the body.
Common symptoms include shallow breathing, abnormal blood pressure, tremors, and rapid heart rate, among others.
When left untreated, respiratory depression can lead to heart attack, brain damage, and even death.
Warning Signs That Your Loved One Is Abusing Tramadol
Perhaps your loved one is using tramadol to treat chronic pain and you are suspecting that they are taking more than what the doctor ordered.
If you want to know if the person is abusing tramadol, you may want to look out for the following warning signs:
- The person has more pills than what was prescribed, which may indicate that they are visiting multiple doctors to get more prescriptions or maybe even obtaining the drug illegally.
- They are neglecting their usual responsibilities, spending most of the time in seclusion and experiencing money problems.
- Your loved one appears moody, secretive, lethargic, and uninterested in things that usually excites them.
- They exhibit the following physical symptoms:
- Pinpoint pupils or myosis
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty speaking
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Lack of coordination
If you notice any or all of the signs above, your loved one needs help before it is too late.
Keep in mind that tramadol misuse has severe negative consequences that could impact not just the person but also those around them.
Helping a Loved One Suffering from Tramadol Misuse
Watching someone you love abuse tramadol can be painful, especially if the person is in denial.
It is easy to feel hopeless, frustrated, and disappointed.
Still, you cannot let these negative feelings prevent you from taking action so that your loved one will receive the treatment they need.
If you do not know what to do to help someone abusing tramadol, consider the following suggestions:
Educate Yourself
The first crucial step you need to do if you want to help a person who is suffering from substance misuse is to learn everything you can about tramadol abuse and the recovery process.
Keep in mind that the more you know about the situation, the better you can address it.
Look for information online, but try to limit your searches to credible websites.
You can also attend open meetings for families of people with substance use disorder so that you can hear the experiences of people with similar struggles as your loved one.
Apart from learning valuable inputs about substance abuse, such gatherings can also give you hope and the right perspective.
Find a Suitable Treatment Program
Once you have more information about tramadol misuse, the next step would be to explore the treatment options.
You can ask the people in the support group meeting you are attending for referrals, or you can do your own research.
When looking for the right program, make sure that you consider the specific recovery needs of your loved one in connection to the following factors:
- Type of care (inpatient or outpatient)
- Length of the rehab program
- Treatment approaches and methods
- Involvement of family in the recovery process
- Support services once formal treatment has been completed
- Cost
- Location
Stage an Intervention
You do not have to wait for your loved one to admit their tramadol misuse or to hit rock bottom.
You can stage an intervention before the situation becomes much worse.
During the intervention process, you and other members of your family will share how the person’s addictive behavior affected your lives.
After sharing, the group will then encourage the person to seek help.
You will also present the treatment program you found and explain the consequences should your loved one decline treatment.
Note that it is best to seek assistance from a certified mental health professional or interventionist to guide you in the process.
Intervention meetings are emotionally charged, and the presence of an objective professional can help defuse tension and keep the meeting on track.
Offer support
Your part does not end once your loved one enters treatment because recovery is a lifelong process.
The person will need your support to maintain the gains of treatment.
Here are some ways you can show your support:
- Set healthy boundaries, and avoid enabling your loved one.
- Participate in counseling sessions when you are needed.
- Encourage the person to engage in recreational activities.
- Offer a listening ear.
- Talk with your loved one without judgment.
Helping someone get on the road to recovery can be challenging, but remember that healing and rehabilitation are possible.
Brighter days are ahead.
You just need to be patient and to be hopeful until your loved one brings their life back on track.