Tramadol is an opioid medication that’s usually prescribed for moderate to severe pain, for example, after an operation or injury. It can be highly effective in treating short-term and chronic pain, but it comes with risks that many people aren’t aware of, including dependence, overdose, and physical and mental health issues.
If you’re concerned about yours or a loved one’s use of tramadol, help is available. With the right support, it’s possible to recover from prescription drug addiction.
Tramadol addiction often starts with legitimate medical use that changes over time. Understanding the stages of tramadol addiction can help you to recognise it early and take steps to regain control.
You’re prescribed tramadol for pain relief and take it as prescribed by your doctor. At this stage, it’s providing relief and improving your quality of life.
Tramadol targets opioid receptors in the brain, which become less sensitive over time, so the same dose produces less effect.
This is a normal physical response but can lead some people to take it more often and at a higher dose to get the same pain relief.
At this stage, the early warning signs of addiction may start to show.
Tramadol increases serotonin and noradrenaline, which can lift your mood, reduce anxiety, make you feel euphoric, and relaxed.
These effects might encourage you to keep taking tramadol, even when your pain has subsided, to manage stress, painful experiences or emotional discomfort.
Prolonged, excessive use builds tolerance. When you stop taking it, you develop unpleasant symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, trouble sleeping or shivers.
To avoid these symptoms, you keep taking it, which can lead to a cycle of abuse.
The signs and symptoms of addiction are present. You no longer feel in control. You feel an overwhelming urge to take tramadol, spend a lot of time thinking about it, hide your use, and can’t stop taking it even if you want to.
Tramadol withdrawal happens when your body has become dependent on the drug, and you stop or reduce your use.
While your body is readjusting to functioning without the drug, it can lead to a range of very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.
| Typical withdrawal symptoms | Atypical withdrawal symptoms |
|---|---|
| Severe cravings | Severe anxiety |
| Anxiety | Panic attacks |
| Low mood | Confusion |
| Sleep disturbances | Paranoia |
| Sweating, chills or goosebumps | Depersonalisation (feeling outside yourself) |
| Flu-like symptoms | Derealisation (feeling disconnection from surroundings) |
| Aches and pains | Hallucinations |
| Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea | |
| Tremors and palpitations |
The timeline and duration of tramadol withdrawal varies depending on how much you’ve been taking, how long you’ve been taking it, and personal factors like metabolism.
A typical timeline might looks like:
Symptoms such as cravings, anxiety, restlessness, sweating, runny nose, and sleep disruption are common.
Symptoms usually peak during the first few days after last taking tramadol and include aches, gastrointestinal problems, uncontrollable shaking, insomnia, irritability and strong cravings. They tend to ease after the first week.
In severe cases, you might develop hallucinations, seizures and delirium tremens (sudden and severe changes to the nervous system). If these symptoms develop, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Withdrawal symptoms start to improve but some people may experience lingering anxiety or sleep disturbances.
In rare cases, you might develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can leave some withdrawal symptoms lingering for weeks or months later.
Prolonged and excessive tramadol use can have serious and long-term side effects, including physical, mental and emotional consequences.
Tramadol alters serotonin and noradrenaline functioning in the brain and may consequently have mild to severe mental and emotional effects, including:
Tramadol addiction is a serious condition but with the right support, it can be treated and it’s possible to make a full recovery.
At Priory, we offer evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Depending on your needs, our addiction treatment services could include a medically supported detox, therapy, residential stays and relapse prevention support.
With the support of highly qualified clinicians, medical detox helps you to come off tramadol safely.
Withdrawal symptoms are managed in a comfortable environment and often with the help of evidence-based medication.
Therapy is fundamental to recovery as it gives you the chance to understand what drives your addiction and build healthier ways of coping. You learn strategies to stay on track and reduce the risk of relapse so that your progress lasts well into the future.
At Priory, we offer a range of evidence-based approaches, including:
Relapse is a common part of recovery from any drug addiction.
To reduce the risk of relapse, you’ll work with therapists to identify your personal triggers and create strategies for cravings, stress, and emotional setbacks.
This can include grounding techniques, thought-reframing, urge-surfing, and a written relapse recovery plan or toolkit you can use in your daily life.
Many people benefit from taking part in 12-step programmes (such as Narcotics Anonymous), SMART Recovery, or in-house groups.
Peer communities offer accountability, shared experience and encouragement, and knowing you’re not alone can be invaluable to your recovery.
Addiction recovery is a lifelong process so it’s crucial that you receive ongoing support after the initial treatment is completed. That’s why at Priory, we offer 12 months of free aftercare, which may include weekly groups, alumni events, one-to-one sessions, and relapse-prevention refreshers. Digital options are also available at some locations.
If you’re ready to make the first step in your recovery, Priory offers a free confidential addiction assessment to match you with the right level of support.
Yes, but your doctor will be monitoring your use and dosage to limit the risk of an addiction developing. It is important to be honest with your doctor about any past history of addiction, check in about how you’re getting on with the medication regularly and if in any doubt, get a second opinion.
Tramadol is a weaker opioid than morphine or oxycodone but still risky. It acts on opioid receptors and blocks serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake, like some antidepressants. This may mean milder pain relief, but addiction risk remains, especially with higher doses or long-term use.
It’s not recommended you come off tramadol without medical guidance from an addiction specialists like Priory. Stopping tramadol suddenly (‘cold turkey’) can trigger severe withdrawal and increase the risk of relapse or overdose after lost tolerance.
If you suspect tramadol abuse or addiction, start a gentle conversation. Avoid blame, ask open questions, and listen. Encourage seeking help from a GP or a confidential Priory assessment. Protect yourself with boundaries and support. Call 999 or go to A&E if symptoms include severe agitation, confusion, breathing problems, seizure, chest pain, or suicidal thoughts.
