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Tramadol addiction treatment that actually works

For more than a decade, Enterhealth has offered treatment for substance abuse and addiction though our comprehensive approach and focus on treating the whole person for a lifetime through a continuum of care that includes inpatient, outpatient, and even virtual addiction treatment programs.

Based on science- and evidence-based techniques and therapies, this approach is designed and administered by board-certified addiction psychiatrists and physicians, and shown to work for 84% of patients, as opposed to traditional 12-step programs that work for 50% at best.

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Three column stats: 8% Recovery Rate, 5000 patients treated, and 1:5 Clinical staff to patient ratio.

Call today and get help. Our Tramadol addiction treatment experts are here for you.

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Treatment options for hydrocodone addiction

Most people who become addicted to Tramadol (which is commonly prescribed under brand names like Ultram, ConZip) require inpatient drug rehab to safely stop taking the  drug.

Here, they can benefit from starting with a supervised medical detox (or withdrawal stabilization) program overseen by board-certified medical professionals who can monitor their health. They may also be prescribed certain anti-addiction medications, such as Suboxone, which can help with the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings many people experience.

The detox process is not a cure for hydrocodone addiction, in fact it’s just the first step. Once a patient is stabilized, they are able to fully participate in a comprehensive treatment plan that combines time-tested behavioral therapies with individualized psychological treatment that helps them address the underlying reasons they started using.

This integration of pharmacological, behavioral, and psychological treatment has proven to be the most effective way to restore normal function to the brain and lead to positive lifelong outcomes.

Behavioral therapy for opioid addiction can be administered in a residential or outpatient setting after withdrawal stabilization. A typical Tramadol addiction treatment plan may include:

  • Medication Management using anti-addiction medications
  • Individual counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy sessions
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
  • Supportive Outpatient Programs (SOP)
  • Maintenance Outpatient Programs (MOP)
  • Holistic treatment services

A range of treatment options based on you

Each person’s path to addiction is unique with different neurological, emotional, social and environmental contributing factors. That’s why the Enterhealth journey to recovery is personalized to meet individuals and families where they are. Whether you need immersive inpatient care or outpatient treatment, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options and innovative therapies.

Enterhealth is the only facility with highly trained on-site addiction specialists, including PhDs, MDs and Master’s Level Therapists, who coordinate care at every stage. Because we understand the science behind addiction, we are best equipped to assess and treat individuals and families. Contact us to see why we’re the only facility with an 84% success rate.

RESIDENTIAL

PROVIDING A HEALING PLACE FOR NEW BEGINNINGS

Enterhealth Ranch offers inpatient care that’s on your side, not on the clock. It’s a nurturing environment where treatment is highly personalized and intensified. Every patient has a private room and 24/7 access to addiction trained specialists who use evidence-based treatments and comprehensive care, including medical detox, in-depth medical and psychological assessments, individual and group therapies, life skills and more.

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OUTPATIENT

PROVIDING EXCELLENCE IN YOUR CONTINUUM OF CARE

Enterhealth’s Outpatient Center of Excellence, conveniently located in the Park Cities, is expertly staffed with board-certified addiction specialists. Our comprehensive program is designed for continued recovery care and provides individuals and families the support they need to reconnect with each other and thrive in recovery.

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ALUMNI

FINDING CONNECTIONS TO STRENGTHEN RECOVERY

The Enterhealth Alumni Association offers a unique opportunity for our patients to continue and thrive in their recovery by building relationships through shared experiences. This one-of-a-kind support environment provides a nurturing space where participants can gain understanding, learn from others and continue to rebuild their lives.

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CORPORATE SERVICES

SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES IN THEIR RECOVERY

Recovery is one of the most important benefits you can give your employees. Enterhealth provides comprehensive, evidence-based residential and outpatient programs and continued 24/7 technological support with Enterhealth Connect. It’s a tool employees can use to access expert care that fits their schedule for online consultations with highly trained addiction specialists, dynamic content including blogs, podcasts, videos, and continuously updated tools and resources that will aid in their recovery journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tramadol Addiction

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a prescription opioid pain medication typically used to treat moderate to severe pain, and it may be found in formulations by itself or with other pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Tramadol is a synthetic analogue of the natural opioid compound codeine. These kinds of compounds bring relief by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which changes the user’s perception of pain and triggers a release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that produces euphoria.

Unlike most opioids, tramadol also raises levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain similar to antidepressant drugs such as venlafaxine and duloxetine (Effexor and Cymbalta). This can lead to feelings of euphoria and well-being and reinforce Tramadol addiction.

What are the side effects of Tramadol addiction?

Even when taken correctly, opioids like Tramadol can lead to a number of side effects, including:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Skin rash
  • Itching
  • Sweating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache

It’s critical to understand that these side effects, as listed, don’t necessarily reflect the reality of addiction. Tramadol tolerance can lead to users taking such high amounts of these drugs that the side effects become extreme.

For example, nausea is a common side effect of many medications, but those addicted to Tramadol may take so much that they vomit but continue taking the drug.

How do you know if you or someone you love is addicted to Tramadol?

Tramadol abuse and addiction (referred to clinically as opioid use disorder) starts when someone starts taking the medication for the high rather than to relieve pain, and as users consume more of the drug over time, the body will become physically dependent on the drug.

As physical dependence sets in, users require more of the drug to get the desired effects, and when it’s not present in their system, they will start to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In addition, opioids like Tramadol can also produce a psychological addiction, leading to things like anxiety and cravings for the drug because of the way they affect the brain’s reward system.

Common behaviors associated with hydrocodone addiction include:

  • Taking more than the prescribed dosage
  • “Doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions
  • Tampering with pills before taking them
  • Taking pills in any way other than orally

When someone is addicted to Tramadol but unable to access the drug, they may look for ways to buy it illegally. Even worse, cravings for hydrocodone may even lead the user to cheaper, easier-to-find alternatives like heroin.

What are the symptoms of Tramadol withdrawal?

Even if it’s taken as directed by a physician, patients can develop a physical dependence on Tramadol, and long-time users will experience opioid withdrawal symptoms if they simply stop taking it.

The symptoms of opioid withdrawal are highly unpleasant and are one of the main reasons people continue using even though they know they are harmful – one of the major indicators of addiction.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Restlessness
  • Yawning
  • Sweating
  • Tearing eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Chills
  • Muscle and back aches
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Irritability, anxiety
  • Dilated pupils
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Increased heartbeat or breathing

Because Tramadol can also act as a mood stabilizer, discontinuing it after prolonged use can also lead to additional withdrawal symptoms referred to as atypical opioid withdrawal symptoms.

These can include:

  • Hallucinations
  • Intense paranoia
  • High anxiety and onset of panic disorder
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Depersonalization (feelings of being detached or outside of one’s body)
  • Unusual sensory experiences, such as numbness and tingling in the extremities

How do you treat Tramadol withdrawal?

Detoxing off Tramadol (a process also called withdrawal stabilization) involves using longer-acting opioids such as Suboxone as a substitute for the shorter-acting drugs of abuse. This stabilizes the patient and reduces their withdrawal symptoms as they slowly taper off the substitute.

Patients usually experience the most discomfort during the first one to three days of the opioid withdrawal phase. During this period, additional medications may include a combination of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen, as well as a mild sedative.

How do anti-addiction drugs help with opioid withdrawal?

Suboxone (buprenorphine with naloxone) is a medication used to treat opioid addiction, and it works by activating the same opioid receptors in the brain as hydrocodone, but without producing the same euphoric high. This makes it safer and means it doesn’t contribute to addiction like other short-acting opioids do.

As a result, patients report that these kinds of mediations help by reducing cravings and easing many of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms so they can actively participate in their treatment program while they taper off the Suboxone.

How long does it take to detox from Tramadol?

Usually, by the end of day three on Suboxone, a patient’s withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings have almost completely subsided, and they are ready to proceed fully in their treatment program.

Can you overdose on Tramadol?

Overdose is a real possibility with any opioid drug, including Tramadol. Prescriptions are written for specific people in specific doses, and the effects can have adverse reactions in others. Taking too much Tramadol can result in a life-threatening overdose.

What are the symptoms of a Tramadol overdose?

  • Trouble breathing
  • Cold and clammy skin
  • Fast heartbeat or chest pain
  • Extreme drowsiness leading to coma
  • Circulatory collapse
  • Heart attack

How do people abuse Tramadol?

The most common way that people abuse Tramadol involves tampering with the pills so that the medication absorbs into the body faster, which produces a more intense and immediate high. Methods include crushing, chewing, and snorting pills.

Is Tramadol a controlled substance?

Yes. Tramadol is labeled by the DEA as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its addictive properties, so possessing and taking the medication without a prescription is a crime, as is sharing, giving away or selling it.

What are the other dangers associated with Tramadol addiction?

Besides the risk of overdose, using Tramadol is ways it’s not designed can also have negative effects. Injecting Tramadol is particularly harmful and can lead to infections and cardiovascular disease.

Tramadol formulations may also contain acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, and taking high doses of acetaminophen can cause serious problems including permanent liver damage.

The problem is that as patients develop a tolerance to Tramadol, they need to take more and more to get the safe high. This leads to them ingesting much more acetaminophen than their bodies can process, leading to overdose.

Signs of acetaminophen overdose include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive sweating
*State standard is 1:10 clinical staff to patient ratio