Physical Addiction to Ultram Signs and Symptoms
Out of the 52,404 total fatal overdoses on drugs in 2015, over 20,000 are attributed to the abuse of opioid medication such as Ultram. Once a physical addiction to Ultram forms, then the abuse of the substance can become so severe that physical and mental health suffers, and other areas of the person’s life such as their job and social life become heavily strained. Some may lose their source of income and facture their family unit because of their constant abuse of Ultram.
Physical Addiction to Ultram: What Are The Signs and Symptoms?
In this article, we will discuss the signs of Ultram dependence, withdrawal symptoms and what you need to do to get better.
Major Signs of a Physical Addiction to Ultram
Many Ultram users believe that the low-risk opioid that Ultram was designed to be means that you can’t have a physical addiction to Ultram; however, it is still an opioid and therefore is highly addictive when misused. It is made from tramadol, which is an opioid.
With enough misuse (abuse) of the substance, a person’s body adapts to the drug. This adaption results in both a physical dependence as well as withdrawal symptoms.
The major signs of a physical addiction to Ultram are as follows:
- A Tolerance – Tolerance is one of major Ultram dependence signs. It signifies that too much of the drug is being used, which is causing the body to go through adaptions to try and counter the adverse effects of the substance. If a person is tolerant to Ultram, they will need more of the drug before they feel the same effect they had before on far less. Another one of the dangerous aspects of a tolerance is that when a user stops for a short period, their tolerance lowers. If they then relapse, they are at a high risk of overdose because the user often uses the same amount as before, which is far too much with a lowered tolerance.
- Withdrawal – The next major sign of dependence is Ultram addiction withdrawal. The altered state the body changes to due to overuse of Ultram not only causes a tolerance, but it also causes the user to feel severe withdrawal symptoms when abuse of the drug suddenly stops – also known as cold turkey. Ultram addiction withdrawal symptoms are similar to intense flu-like symptoms, along with severe cravings. The symptoms include abdominal cramping, pain in the muscles and bones, depression, heavy sweating, tearing and severe constipation among others.
How to Overcome a Physical Dependence
While the symptoms of withdrawal can be severe, there are ways to overcome them with medication. A medical detox program is one which a person can be given methadone or another similar opioid replacement drugs. This allows the individual to taper off the substance at a pace that reduces many of the overwhelming symptoms. It is done in a controlled setting with medical supervision to ensure that the entire process is completed safely.
Opioid replacement therapy can continue for months and even years in some cases where a person is highly prone to relapse. However, this is done with the aid of other therapy programs. By itself, the medication is not as effective as it can be with behavioral therapy added to the treatment approach.
With an improved mental outlook, education on the science of addiction, opioid replacement therapy and relapse prevention techniques, any person can find a way to beat their addiction for good.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get help right away. Make a phone call that will connect you to a professional drug treatment center. The call you make may save your life or the life of someone you love. Call us today at (800) 429-7690.