As a Schedule IV controlled drug, tramadol is considered to be less addictive than other opioids such as morphine and hydrocodone. However, this does not mean that it is less dangerous, especially when people begin to abuse or misuse it. There is a need for an addiction treatment designed by addiction specialists to ensure the safety of patients.
It is never a good idea to quit taking tramadol without medical guidance since the withdrawal symptoms from the drug can be too much for someone to endure. The assistance of medication is a great resort to alleviate the pain. Although a lot of people feel discouraged about treatment due to the impact of withdrawal, it is the only way to overcome addiction.
Why is a Medically Supervised Tramadol Addiction Treatment Necessary
Anyone who takes tramadol is vulnerable to experiencing physical dependence on the drug – even those who use it as prescribed. It is even emphasized that before prescribing it to patients, doctors must comprehensively examine a patient’s medical history as tramadol may pose serious health risks with certain drug combinations and pre-existing illnesses.
When a person reaches a state of a tramadol use disorder, seeking medical help is completely necessary. It has been known that a lot of people who used the drug have suffered an overdose which eventually led to death. Some people also abuse the drug to amplify the high of other substances such as alcohol and this has impaired their breathing which can be fatal.
Episodes of seizures may also follow with extreme doses of the drug. On top of that, when a person decides to cease taking the substance, the tendency to experience hallucinations is imminent, although some may consider this lightly as this does not lead to death. However, this can still be a huge behavioral problem in the long run.
A medically supervised addiction treatment offers less discomfort when it comes to withdrawal. Tramadol is a semi-synthetic opioid whose withdrawal symptoms vary from other opioids. Experts even classify it into two: the traditional withdrawal which comes with terrible flu-like symptoms and the atypical withdrawal which comes with depersonalization.
The onset of serious health risks during withdrawal is prevented with proper medical care. Medications can be prescribed to limit the strong cravings for the substance and patients are closely monitored, particularly the vital signs since the heartbeat and blood pressure can be seriously affected by the shifting of the doses of the substance.
What Happens in A Medically Supervised Tramadol Addiction Treatment
Tramadol addiction treatment guided by a team of medical experts ensures a safe quality of care. The treatment is no different from the usual addiction treatment with other opioids. It begins with detox and then caps off with a series of therapies aimed to increase coping skills toward addiction.
Medications are prescribed to reduce withdrawal pain.
This is one of the huge advantages of medically supervised treatment. Although withdrawal does not come easy, at least, it does not have to be extremely difficult. Withdrawal without the assistance of medication is a very challenging one and at the same time, more prone to failure. Patients will only end up in the loop of using the drug again and again.
On top of that, multiple attempts of withdrawal can also cause serious health risks in the long run. Even taking the usual dose to relieve the withdrawal symptoms can already bring the risk of overdose. Experts note that the body’s tolerance toward the drug decreases once withdrawal begins.
Methadone and buprenorphine are commonly prescribed to reduce withdrawal symptoms. These are opioids that have an addictive potential too, however, with the supervision of an addiction specialist, this can be safely administered to patients. Only certified addiction centers are qualified to prescribe methadone which makes buprenorphine more accessible.
Therapies are designed to deepen personal understanding of oneself.
Therapies will always come side by side with detox during treatment. This can be both one-to-one and group sessions, and all these contribute to reaching a deeper understanding of oneself. While there are individuals who suffer from underlying mental health problems on top of their tramadol addiction, others also intend to shut off realities by using the drug.
These factors which trigger tramadol use disorder can be identified during therapies. It is important to acknowledge what triggers a person’s substance use disorder so that these occasions can be avoided or overcome in the long run. This is also one way of strengthening individual coping skills towards using the drug.
Group sessions also play an essential part during therapy. Being part of a community that shares similar struggles can make the treatment more enticing. It opens wider insights about addiction and there can just be so much learning that every individual can offer. As long as one remains open, group sessions can be helpful to one’s progress.
Is Inpatient Treatment The Best Option For Tramadol Addiction Treatment
Inpatient treatment is intended for individuals who suffer from serious substance addiction. There is a need for them to be separated from reality and be put in a facility where they can be closely monitored and attended to with the round-the-clock type of care. This allows them to solely focus on their treatment and be less distracted by their usual daily responsibilities.
Although this is a highly effective type of treatment, this does not make the other option less. Outpatient treatment can also be as effective as inpatient care, however; it is mostly intended for patients with mild addiction only. With the affordable cost of outpatient treatment, individuals spend a maximum of 12 hours a week on therapy.
Overall, the best treatment plan for tramadol addiction involves the guidance of medical experts as they are more capable of evaluating progress and assessing personal needs. Addiction treatment is not always the same for all since every experience is unique. It is best to always adhere to medical advice to sustain a lifelong recovery in the long run. If you have questions, feel free to reach out.