Tramadol Methods of Use
In recent years, tramadol has become one of America’s most popular prescription drugs. It is a powerful pain reliever that can be taken orally, snorted, smoked, or injected for those seeking a more intense high. While tramadol is generally safe when prescribed, some risks are associated with each method of ingesting the drug.
In this article, we will discuss the dangers of taking tramadol in these ways and how to stay safe while using it.
If you are concerned about the health effects of tramadol drug abuse, please seek professional medical help. Zinnia Health offers complete tramadol addiction treatment and can assist you in beginning your journey to recovery. Call us today at (855) 430-9439 to find more information.
What Is Tramadol, and What Are Its Effects on the Body?
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. The oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Ultram. It is a centrally acting synthetic opioid agonist and binds to the mu-opioid receptor in the brain. Tramadol also inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, which may contribute to its analgesic effects.
Tramadol is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States, which means it has a low potential for abuse and dependence relative to other opioids. However, tramadol can still be abused, and people who abuse tramadol may experience some of the same effects as those who abuse other prescription opioids like oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, codeine, and hydrocodone.
When tramadol is taken in higher doses than recommended or in ways other than intended, it can cause slowed or shallow breathing, seizures, extreme drowsiness, and even death. Tramadol abuse can also lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
People who abuse tramadol may start to feel that they need the drug to function normally and may take it in larger doses or more often than prescribed.
How Is Tramadol Used – Snorting, Smoking, or Injecting?
Tramadol is most commonly taken orally in pill form. However, some people may attempt to abuse the drug by snorting, smoking, or injecting it. Each of these methods can result in dangerous side effects and increase the risk of overdose.
Dangers of snorting tramadol
Snorting tramadol can damage the lining of the nose and result in a burning sensation, and it can also cause difficulty breathing and increased heart rate. Long-term side effects of snorting tramadol can include chronic nosebleeds and a hole in the septum (the tissue that separates the nostrils).
Dangers of smoking tramadol
Smoking tramadol can also be harmful. The smoke from tramadol can irritate the lungs and airways, causing coughing and difficulty breathing. Inhaling large amounts of smoke from tramadol can lead to lung damage.
Dangers of injecting tramadol
Injecting tramadol carries similar risks as smoking it and additional ones. Injecting any drug risks contracting blood-borne diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Injecting tramadol can also lead to collapsed veins and infection at the injection site.
What Are the Short-term and Long-term Effects of Tramadol Use?
Tramadol is generally safe when taken as prescribed. However, there are some risks associated with taking tramadol in any form.
Short-term effects of tramadol use include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Serotonin syndrome (in rare cases)
- Seizures (in rare cases)
Long-term effects of tramadol use include:
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Addiction
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Respiratory depression (slowed or shallow breathing)
- Coma or death (in rare cases)
While long-term effects may not occur early in tramadol use, they can develop after taking the drug for a period of time. Even if you cannot detect any immediate adverse effects, knowing the potential risk of addiction associated with tramadol use is essential. Being proactive about tramadol abuse and seeking early help can prevent these long-term effects from developing.
Treatment centers like Zinnia Health can provide the support you need to overcome tramadol abuse and addiction. We offer various treatment options, including detox, inpatient, and outpatient care. Our experienced staff is here to help you every step of the way. Please call us today at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about our program and how we can help you recover from tramadol abuse.
How Addictive Is Tramadol, and What Are the Signs of Addiction?
As a schedule IV controlled substance, tramadol has a low potential for abuse and addiction. However, due to its opioid-like effects, tramadol can be addictive if it is not taken as prescribed.
Some of the signs of tramadol addiction include:
- They need tramadol to function normally
- They take it in larger doses or more often than prescribed
- They develop a tolerance to tramadol
- They experience tramadol withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the painkiller
- They neglect essential activities to use or get tramadol
- Tramadol negatively impacts their relationships with loved ones
Can You Overdose on Tramadol, and What Are the Symptoms of an Overdose?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on tramadol. An overdose occurs when someone takes too much of a drug or a combination of drugs and experiences severe and adverse health consequences as a result. When there is an excess use of tramadol, the body cannot process it all and begins to shut down.
Some of the symptoms of a tramadol overdose include:
- Pupils that are slow to react to light
- Excessive sleepiness
- Breathing that is very slow and/or shallow.
- A heartbeat that is slower than usual and/or irregular
- Muscles that feel weak or limp
- Skin that feels cool, moist, or sweaty
- Passing out
How to Get Help for Tramadol Addiction
If you or someone you care about is addicted to tramadol, getting help as soon as possible is essential. Tramadol addiction is a serious condition that can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated.
Thankfully, there are multiple treatment options available for those struggling with tramadol addiction, including:
- Detox: This is the first step in overcoming tramadol addiction and involves ridding the body of the drug. Detoxification can be done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on the severity of the addiction.
- Inpatient treatment: This treatment allows you to live at a residential facility and receive around-the-clock care. This is often ideal for those with a severe addiction or those who have relapsed after previous attempts at recovery.
- Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment provides similar services to inpatient treatment but allows you to live at home while attending treatment. This is often a good option for those with a less severe addiction or more responsibilities at home.
- Therapy: Therapy can be a valuable component of treatment for tramadol addiction. Psychiatry can help you identify the underlying causes of your addiction and develop healthy coping skills.
- Support groups: Support groups provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share your experiences with others struggling with similar issues. This can be a helpful way to stay motivated in recovery.
- Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies, such as yoga and meditation, can help you manage stress and cope with difficult emotions.
At Zinnia Health, we specialize in finding the perfect substance abuse therapy for you from our wide range of options. Every type of substance abuse treatment has different advantages and disadvantages. If you want to learn more about overcoming tramadol addiction or any of the other types of addictions we treat, please give us a call today at (855) 430-9439 or visit our website.
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