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How Tramadol Use Can Affect Emotional Health

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Tramadol —- like other opioid pain medications —- is prescribed to patients to help manage moderate to severe pain. This pain reliever works by changing the way the body senses pain. Tramadol can be addictive, and long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.1

While tramadol addiction can cause physical damage for the patients, it can also seriously affect the their emotional health as well as the emotional health of those who love him or her. Because of the high potential for abuse and addiction, tramadol can cause ripples of strain and problems for those around the patient.
 

Effects of Tramadol

The experience of using, abusing and becoming addicted to tramadol can wreak havoc on a person’s health in so many ways—-even physical side effects can lead to emotional complications. When side effects affect a patient’s emotional health, the new issues only exacerbate the problem, prompting the user to use more tramadol to cope.

Physical Side Effects

Tramadol use can affect the user’s emotional health by causing the following side effects:
 

  • Agitation
  • Nervousness
  • Tension
  • Changes in mood
Addiction Side Effects

Tramadol addiction may even cause more serious side effects, such as the following:
 

  • Compulsion to seek the drug
  • Loss of relationships
  • Isolation
  • Stress
  • Aggression
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Severe mood swings2
Withdrawal Symptoms

Suddenly stopping tramadol use can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Users may experience a range of psychological withdrawal symptoms, including the following:
 

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Aggression
  • Severe mood swings
  • Nightmares3

 

Tramadol’s Effects on Loved Ones

The user is not the only person whose emotional health is threatened by drug use and addiction. Family, friends and co-workers also suffer from the emotional consequences of addiction. The user’s loved ones may experience a wide range of emotions, including the following:

  • Guilt
  • Anger
  • Confusion
  • Fear
  • Hurt
  • Disappointment
  • Stress
  • Depression

Addiction places an emotional burden on the user’s loved ones. While not as visible as the physical consequences of addiction, the emotional consequences can be just as damaging —- and these burdens can damage relationships for years to come.
 

Treatment for Addiction Recovery

TherapyWhen treating addiction, it is important to treat both the physical and emotional side effects, as emotional effects can impede recovery or cause relapse. Tramadol addiction treatment typically involves a gradual tapering of the drug over a period of time in order to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Emotional symptoms are addressed in one-on-one counseling or in group therapy sessions.

During this time, it is important to identify the causes of addiction and the emotional triggers. Users can learn techniques to deal with certain emotions, such as stress or depression, in healthier ways than resorting to drug use. Loved ones may also benefit from counseling or group therapy.
 

Need Help Finding Treatment for Tramadol Use?

If you or someone you love is suffering from tramadol addiction, you are not alone. Please call our toll-free helpline at 760.548.4032. We are available 24 hours a day to offer you more information about tramadol addiction, and our caring admissions coordinators can answer any questions about the emotional effects of tramadol use you may be experiencing and your treatment options.

Do not let tramadol affect your emotional health any longer. Call us today, and get the help you need.


Sources

1 "Tramadol." Medline Plus, January 11, 2018.

2 "Tramadol." Drugs.com, January 11, 2018.

3 "Opiate and opioid withdrawal." Medline Plus, April 20, 2016.

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