Tramadol Treatment Therapy

Tramadol is a narcotic-like painkiller prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. At one time Tramadol was used to aid in the withdrawal process of other opiate drugs, but has since become recognized as an addiction-causing drug itself. Physical addiction can be recognized by the onset of tramadol withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. Tramadol abuse may cause some of these symptoms can include the following symptoms:

Nausea
Vomiting
Anxiety
Depression
Sweating
Insomnia
Tremors
Hallucinations

The first step in recovering from Tramadol addiction is to consult a doctor. A physician will be able to aid the addict in determining the best plan for recovery. Detox will likely be a priority. This is the process by which the body is cleansed of the drug and withdrawal is experienced. Detox should not be undergone without the aid of a physician, as it can be dangerous.

Detox Treatment Options

There are a few different methods in the tramadol detox process. One well-known program is the Waismann Method, or Accelereated Neuro-Regulation, which treats the addiction as a medical condition. In a hospital setting, the detox process is sped up while the addict is placed under sedation. The person then wakes up in 3-4 hours free of both the physical addiction and memories of the withdrawal.
Another method is to taper down the drug little-by-little until the drug is stopped in order to lessen the symptoms. Some argue that this method can be conducive to relapse since the drug remains close at hand, however most would agree that this is a good method of detox. In fact, Tramadol has been used in drug-replacement therapy as treatment for other drug addictions, such as in hydrocodone or oxycodone addiction, since it alleviates the withdrawal symptoms of those drugs and it is relatively easy to lower the quantity of its usage.
A third method of detox is the traditional ‘cold turkey’ method. This method has the potential for the most extreme withdrawal symptoms and should be undergone with extreme caution and a good deal of support.

Tramadol Addiction Rehab Treatment

After detox, tramadol rehab should continue at either an in-patient or out-patient rehab facility. At an inpatient facility, a recovering addict will receive 24-hour support along with a secluded environment to prevent relapse. An outpatient rehab facility is typically more long-term in nature, where a person can live at home and partake of the services at the facility for as long as is necessary. Treatment while in rehab could include the following methods:

Counseling
Support groups
Psychological treatment
Continued medical treatment
Classes on drug-free living
Behavioral therapy
Psychotherapy
Dual diagnosis of other issues such as anxiety or depression

One of the most important aspects of treatment for Tramadol addiction is the development of a strong support system of people. This could include family, friends, medical staff, counselors, therapists, faith communities, and support groups. A recovering addict needs a great deal of encouragement and accountability to remain free of the drug. A person’s close circle of family and friends might even consider attending group counseling or support groups such as Nar-Anon to aid in their ability to support.