Tramadol Addiction | Symptoms, Effects and Causes

Tramadol is a commonly prescribed painkiller, but it comes with risks that can turn relief into reliance. In the UK, tramadol addiction has been a growing and deadly problem. In 2023, tramadol poisoning was the cause of 223 deaths in England and Wales in 2022. This alarming figure marks the second-highest number on record, highlighting how dangerous tramadol can be when misused or taken in excess. Understanding the telltale tramadol addiction signs and symptoms can help reduce the risks and ensure timely help is sought if tramadol addiction does take hold.

Tramadol-tablets-in-bottle

What is tramadol?

Tramadol is a powerful opioid painkiller often prescribed for conditions like arthritis, post-surgery discomfort or other types of long-term pain. Tramadol works in two ways, which makes it a little different to other opioids:

Tramadol binds to opioid receptors in your brain to reduce pain
Tramadol also increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your system so you feel peaceful and even high

This combination of actions helps change how your body feels and responds to pain, making tramadol an effective analgesic. However, there are also various tramadol side effects, including:

Nausea
Drowsiness
Headache
Dry mouth
Constipation
Dizziness
Sweating

Tramadol can be prescribed in several forms but is usually taken as a pill or capsule. Quick-acting tramadol pills work for sudden pain, while extended-release versions provide longer-lasting relief for chronic conditions and help people manage their pain throughout the day.

What is tramadol addiction?

Tramadol addiction is when drug use becomes compulsive, despite the problems it causes beginning to stack up. It often begins innocently, perhaps with a doctor’s prescription for pain management or the occasional tramadol pill to relax or get high.

Initially, tramadol may seem like a wonder drug, providing fast and effective relief. But the body adapts quickly, and soon, the same dose doesn’t work like it did before. This growing tolerance can soon see you taking more pills each day and flooding your brain and body with tramadol.

The problem is that your body gets used to those higher levels, and suddenly, stopping or even cutting back a little can make you feel awful. This is known as tramadol withdrawal, and it can cause nausea, anxiety, depression and various other symptoms.

But tramadol doesn’t just take over your body; it gets in your head, too. Soon, tramadol can feel like it’s keeping you afloat in the ocean of life’s challenges. Once this emotional dependency has taken hold, too, it is time to seek help for tramadol addiction.

What are the signs of tramadol addiction?

Being able to spot the signs of tramadol addiction is really important because, if left untreated, it can cause real harm to your health and personal life. The problem is that tramadol addiction symptoms can often go unnoticed or hidden out of shame or denial. Here are some potential red flags to look out for:

Your tramadol use is no longer about pain but is now about getting high or avoiding cravings.
Tramadol now takes up all of your money and time.
Your usual tasks and responsibilities are being ignored because of tramadol.
Tramadol use has hurt your friendships and family ties.
You have upped your dose of tramadol to get the same high or pain-relieving effects.
You are not being truthful to loved ones or doctors about how much tramadol you take.
You use tramadol even when it is clearly a dangerous situation, like when you are about to drive.

Spotting these tramadol addiction signs and symptoms can cause a lot of fear and worry, but recognising you need help is the first step to getting it.

What causes tramadol addiction?

Tramadol’s potency means it is a drug that anyone could become dependent on, given enough exposure. But the risk isn’t the same for everyone, as different factors can make you more vulnerable to tramadol addiction. Some of the main ones include:

Genetics

Addiction risk can be inherited just like height and eye colour are passed from parents to children. This doesn’t mean tramadol addiction is unavoidable if your parents have issues, but it can increase the chances.

Struggles with mental health

Tramadol is sometimes used as a form of self-medication by people dealing with trauma, depression or anxiety. It can be effective initially, making everything seem a little lighter. Unfortunately, this can trap you in a cycle where the very thing you are using to cope starts making everything worse.

High levels of stress

Living under constant pressure from your job, past trauma, or just the everyday grind might make tramadol look like a welcome escape. Unfortunately, leaning on tramadol to unwind can lead to a habit where it becomes your go-to solution, not just in hard times but every day.

Your environment and personality

If you have grown up in a situation where drug use is common or where there were a lot of bad influences, tramadol abuse and addiction may be more likely. On a personal level, being someone who tends to make hasty decisions without thinking about the consequences can lead to risky behaviour with tramadol. This might mean taking it for a quick high, upping your dose on a whim or mixing it with other substances, all of which sharply raise your risk of tramadol addiction.

The mental and physical dangers of tramadol addiction

The dangers of becoming addicted to tramadol are far-reaching and can cause immeasurable damage to your health. Here are some of the most significant risks:

Tramadol overdose: Overdoing it with tramadol can overload your system and put you in danger of tramadol overdose. Early signs include shallow breathing and extreme sleepiness, escalating to unconsciousness, respiratory failure and potentially death.
Liver damage: While prescribed doses are usually safe, using tramadol for a long time, especially if you drink alcohol as well, can seriously harm your liver.

Serotonin Syndrome: Although it is rare, tramadol can cause your serotonin levels to spike to dangerously high levels. This can happen more easily if you are also taking other medications that increase serotonin.
Seizures: Taking a lot of tramadol can raise your risk of having seizures, which can be fatal in the most serious cases.
Mental health problems: Tramadol addiction can also trigger or amplify mental health issues like depression, anxiety and even sleep issues. Increased tramadol use often follows as an attempt to soothe symptoms, but this only causes more harm and increases your risk of tramadol overdose.

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How to overcome tramadol addiction

Treating tramadol addiction effectively is a multistage process that begins with tramadol detox. This is when a professional medical team helps you slowly lessen your reliance on tramadol and break the physical aspect of tramadol addiction. Attempting this on your own can be very dangerous and is unlikely to be successful because tramadol withdrawal symptoms require professional management.

The next phase is tramadol rehab, which focuses on the emotional and mental aspects of tramadol addiction. You can find rehab services through the NHS and many private centres, all providing a variety of treatment methods. Staying in an inpatient programme is usually recommended because it surrounds you with constant support and offers a mix of therapies and aftercare to help you stay on track.

How to get help for tramadol addiction

Struggling with tramadol addiction? You’re not alone—Addiction Helper is here to guide you towards recovery. With professional support, tramadol addiction can be overcome. Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the right path to a healthier future.

Reclaim Your Life Today

Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the worst side effects of tramadol?

Despite its recognised effectiveness, there are also some potentially serious tramadol side effects. Long-term tramadol use can lead to dependency, addiction and life-threatening medical issues. Even in the short term, users may experience dizziness, an increased risk of accidents due to drowsiness and a potential tramadol overdose. Because of these risks, tramadol is classified as a Class C controlled drug in the UK, meaning it is illegal to use without a prescription.

Can you overdose on tramadol?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on tramadol if you take more tramadol than your body can handle. Signs of a tramadol overdose include having trouble breathing, drowsiness and unconsciousness. If you see someone showing these signs after taking tramadol, call 999 right away because it could be life-threatening.

Can you take paracetamol with tramadol?

Yes, you can take paracetamol with tramadol. Doctors often recommend using them together for managing pain because they work in different ways to control pain and can be more effective when combined. However, always use them exactly as your doctor prescribes and tell them about any other medicines or health concerns that may affect your safety.

(Click here to see works cited)

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UK Rehab. “Tramadol Addiction | Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/prescription-drug-addiction/opioid/tramadol/. Accessed 14 January 2025.
Stewart, Conor. “Tramadol drug poisoning deaths 1996-2022.” Statista, 13 February 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/470898/death-by-tramadol-drug-poisoning-in-england-and-wales/. Accessed 14 January 2025.
“Tramadol – StatPearls.” NCBI, 20 February 2024, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537060/. Accessed 14 January 2025.
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