Reducing the pain in those suffering from persistent conditions is one of the most noble goals in medical science, and a seemingly endless variety of pharmaceuticals have been developed for just such a purpose. When used improperly, however, these drugs can lead their users down a path of addiction that can devastate relationships and destroy lives. One example of such a drug is Ultram.
Ultram, one of the best known brand names of the drug tramadol, is an analgesic used to treat those suffering from chronic pain, especially neuralgia. Like its pharmacological cousin Codeine, tramadol is an opioid that derives its therapeutic benefit by acting upon the opiate receptors in the brain. It has also been proven to be useful in veterinary medicine as a treatment for animals in constant pain, making it one of the most used medicines in the world.
Technically a “non-narcotic” pain reliever, its beneficial analgesic properties are frequently taken advantage of by those looking for a euphoric, long lasting high. The abuse of prescription drugs always comes with the danger of addiction, but misuse of an opiate such as Ultram can also have immediate serious consequences such as convulsions when taken at sufficient dosages.
Addiction to Ultram can also occur when the drug is being used therapeutically. Though some people equate the phrase “non-narcotic” with “non-habit forming,” this is sadly not the case. Patients can develop a physical and psychological dependence on the drug, resulting in symptoms of withdrawal upon cessation of use. This dependence only worsens when a tolerance is formed and a patient must take more Ultram to experience the same levels of pain relief they did in previous usages.
Withdrawal symptoms from Ultram are slightly different from those of other opioid withdrawals, due to its slight chemical difference, but are no less disabling than those of a drug such as morphine. These withdrawal symptoms are both physical and mental – including seizures, anxiety, insomnia, perceived painful sensations mimicking electric shock, and palpitations among other unpleasant side effects. The intensity of these withdrawals make it difficult for an addict to treat their problem alone, and in most cases some measure of drug rehab is needed at an inpatient treatment center.
Treatment centers specializing in drug rehab can provide medical support in managing these withdrawals, including supervising a gradual dosage reduction in extreme cases. Medical treatment & detoxification alone is not always enough for rehabilitation, as frequently a patient is in need of therapy to cope with the underlying issues that cause addiction. Drugs such as Ultram serve as a psychological crutch for many people, and group and individual therapy in a treatment center can help patients prepare for a normal life lived free of their previous chemical dependencies. The path to recovery from Ultram addiction is an arduous journey, but with the proper support and a willingness to submit themselves treatment former addicts can go back to living a normal life, no longer a slave to their drug addiction.
