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Tramadol Addiction Treatment

A tramadol addiction is a type of opioid use disorder (OUD). While the person might primarily abuse tramadol, they are addicted to opioids in general.

Struggling with Opioid Addiction? Get Help Now

Tramadol addiction can be treated with a combination of medication and talk therapy. With evidence-based care, the condition can be effectively treated and managed for life.

Key Facts

  • Tramadol addiction is most often treated with a combination of medications and therapy.
  • Medications used to treat tramadol addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.[1]
  • Tramadol addiction treatment may take place in residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and standard outpatient programs.
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is associated with better long-term outcomes for OUD recovery.[2]

Treatment Options for Tramadol Addiction

Tramadol is an opioid, a type of drug with significant abuse and addiction potential.[3] The medication should only be used exactly as prescribed. If misuse occurs, tramadol addiction can quickly develop.

Tramadol is increasingly being reported as a substance of choice in both adolescents and adults admitted to addiction treatment.[4] 

OUD, including an addiction where one primarily is abusing tramadol, is typically treated with a combination of medications and talk treatments. Treatment works best when tailored to the individual. 

These are some of the evidence-based treatments for tramadol addiction: 

Medical Detox for Tramadol

A detox is when a person stops their use of an addictive substance. Opioids like tramadol can cause physical dependence relatively quickly, so quitting these drugs often means a person will experience withdrawal as their body adapts to their absence.

A person with an addiction to tramadol will often begin their recovery journey in a medical detox program. Some people may taper off all use of opioids, whereas others may mitigate or largely avoid withdrawal through the use of medications. Even those using medications to offset tramadol withdrawal can often benefit from the structured and supportive environment of a medical detox program, particularly since early recovery is a vulnerable time.

Inpatient Rehab Treatment for Tramadol

Inpatient rehab is a type of addiction treatment where clients stay at a treatment facility for an extended period. Usually lasting at least a month, this type of treatment allows a person to receive focused care at a facility specially designed to help people recover from tramadol addiction. 

You will work with professionals and other people in recovery to develop the skills needed to better adapt to the outside world. With residential treatment, you can fully focus on treating your addiction and get ready for the greater level of autonomy you will have once you leave the facility.

This type of treatment can be more expensive than outpatient treatment, but insurance may cover a portion of the cost. Inpatient or residential treatment is a good option for those who have a severe or long-term addiction, those who have attempted rehab in the past without success, and those with co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.[5]

Outpatient Rehab

Many of the services available in a residential treatment program are offered in outpatient treatment. The intensity of the program will depend on the severity of the tramadol addiction. Programs can be intensive, such as partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient offerings. Standard outpatient programs are also available.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medications like buprenorphine or methadone can be used to block the same receptors tramadol attaches to.[6] When taken as prescribed, these medications can greatly reduce opioid cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. 

Naltrexone is also sometimes used to treat tramadol addiction. This medication can reverse the effects of opioids, reducing a person’s ability to feel the effects of opioids even if they misuse them.

Therapy

The specific talk treatments that work best for OUD treatment can vary, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used. In CBT sessions, clients work with therapists to better understand their minds and the types of thoughts and patterns that lead them to abuse tramadol. The goal is to change the way of thinking to avoid thoughts of opioid misuse when possible and avoid engaging in it when cravings are present.[7,8]

Long-Term Recovery From Tramadol Addiction

Tramadol addiction is a chronic condition, so long-term recovery means ongoing maintenance.[9] This doesn’t mean that intense treatment has to last indefinitely, but it does mean that some level of ongoing aftercare and support is important to sustaining a healthy lifestyle that is free of substance abuse.[10]

Here are some tips for success in long-term recovery from tramadol addiction:

  • Maintain connection with treatment. Once you graduate from a formal rehab program, it doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Keep in touch with your treatment team and participate in alumni and aftercare activities. This can be the framework of your support network.
  • Stay in therapy. Regular therapy on a more relaxed schedule can keep you on track with your recovery. If relapse triggers start to stack up, your therapist can help you design a plan of action, so you don’t return to tramadol abuse.
  • Build a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and good self-care practices all offer support for ongoing recovery. Build healthy habits that support your overall well-being.
  • Know that relapse isn’t a failure. Relapse is often simply part of recovery. If you relapse, it isn’t a sign that you have failed at recovery. It’s just a step on your long-term journey. Get back on track, which often means getting back in treatment.[11] 

At Boca Recovery Center, we offer a robust aftercare program for clients. Just like all our addiction treatment plans, your aftercare programming will be individualized to your unique needs. You may participate in a long-term outpatient treatment program, support groups, or relapse prevention classes. All our offerings are built to support your long-term recovery from tramadol addiction.

Why Choose Boca Recovery Center for Your Tramadol Addiction Treatment?

If you struggle with tramadol or other types of opioid use, there are many reasons our team at Boca Recovery is worth considering:

  • Individualized treatment plans: We tailor treatment plans to address your unique needs, history, goals, and more.
  • Evidence-based treatment methods: We use addiction treatment modalities that are backed by scientific research and considered best practices.
  • Top credentialed and accredited medical directors and staff: We employ some of the most experienced and knowledgeable therapists, doctors, and psychologists in the country.
  • Insurance coverage: We work with most major insurance providers (including private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid) to help make tramadol rehab more accessible.
  • Financing options and flexible payment options: We don’t want a lack of insurance to be a burden to receiving quality tramadol addiction treatment. We offer financing and payment plans to reduce the cost of care.
  • Proven success in addiction care: We’ve treated over 10,000 patients at our various facilities, helping them achieve sobriety and create a long-term recovery plan.
  • Top 10% of rehabs in the U.S.: All our locations are accredited by The Joint Commission, meaning we meet the highest standards of care in addiction and behavioral health.

Starting a Tramadol Addiction Treatment Program at Boca Recovery Center

Beating addiction isn’t easy, but no matter the stage you’re at in recovery, it’s possible. The best way to regain control of your life and stop abusing drugs is with professional help. At Boca Recovery Center, we can craft a recovery plan tailored to the severity of your addiction and your specific needs, maximizing your chances of long-term recovery.

If you struggle with tramadol or other types of opioids, reach out to us. We offer medical detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient care, MAT, and evidence-based therapy. Our team of empathetic and professional addiction treatment experts is ready to help. 

Check out the locations of our addiction treatment facilities in Florida, New Jersey, and Indiana. Whether you live locally or travel for treatment, we can set you up today.

Updated March 22, 2024
Resources
  1. Data overview. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published August 8, 2023. Accessed March 8, 2024.
  2. How effective are medications to treat opioid use disorder? National Institute on Drug Abuse. Published December 2021. Accessed March 8, 2024.
  3. Tramadol. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Published May 2023. Accessed March 8, 2024.
  4. Almér Herrnsdorf E, Holmstedt A, Håkansson A. Tramadol misuse in treatment-seeking adolescents and young adults with problematic substance use – Prediction of treatment retention. Addictive Behaviors Reports. 2022;16:100446.
  5. de Andrade D, Elphinston RA, Quinn C, Allan J, Hides L. The effectiveness of residential treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders: A systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2019;201:227-235.
  6. Whelan PJ, Remski K. Buprenorphine vs methadone treatment: A review of evidence in both developed and developing worlds. Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice. 2012;3(1):45.
  7. McHugh RK, Hearon BA, Otto MW. Cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33(3):511-525.
  8. Prescription tramadol: new preteen high. ABC News. Published September 11, 2008. Accessed March 8, 2024.
  9. Prescription opioids DrugFacts. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Published June 1, 2021 Accessed March 8, 2024.
  10. Recovery is possible: treatment for opioid addiction. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published September 2, 2021. Accessed March 8, 2024.
  11. DiClemente CC, Crisafulli MA. Relapse on the road to recovery: Learning the lessons of failure on the way to successful behavior change. Journal of Health Service Psychology. 2022;48(2):59-68.
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