Tramadol is a strong prescription painkiller, used to treat moderate to severe pain. You'll usually be prescribed tramadol by a healthcare professional if you’ve suffered an injury or gone through an operation. You may also take tramadol for ongoing pain when less strong, over-the-counter painkillers haven’t been effective.
If you take tramadol over a long period of time, your body might become used to having this drug in your system. This can mean you become dependent on it in order to function in your daily life. You might also experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop taking tramadol or are unable to get another prescription for it. Also, over time, you may develop a tolerance to tramadol, meaning you need to take more of the drug in order to feel the effects you crave.
When you take tramadol the way you’re supposed to, as advised by your doctor or healthcare professional, it can be a very effective pain relieving drug that can significantly improve your quality of life. However, like with some other types of prescription drug, if you take tramadol for a prolonged period of time, or don’t take it in an appropriate way, it’s possible for you to become addicted to it.
If you think you’re struggling with tramadol dependency, it’s important to understand that this condition is entirely treatable and you don’t have to suffer in silence. The most crucial step is to get specialist help for your tramadol addiction, helping you to overcome your dependency and get your life back on track. At Priory, we can help you to do this.
People often find that taking tramadol causes them to feel other effects as well as pain relief. For example, it can make you feel pleasure, euphoria and relaxation – effects which some people can find very addictive. This can make you want to take tramadol over and over again, even when your pain has subsided, until you eventually develop a harmful addiction to this prescription drug.
Without professional help, tramadol addiction can get worse over time and can lead to a number of long-term problems. These include:
That’s why, if you’re worried that you or someone you know may be struggling with tramadol addiction, it’s so important to reach out for the support you need. Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence; we can help.
Substance and behavioural addictions develop because of a mental process known as ‘positive reinforcement’. This process helps a destructive pattern of behaviour to form by offering a reward for that behaviour. In the context of tramadol, this drug causes people to feel relaxed and euphoric, which can be seen as being a ‘positive’ outcome for many people. This can then lead them to want to take tramadol over and over again to keep achieving these effects, which is what causes an addiction.
As well as the process of positive reinforcement, research suggests that addictions are also linked to other factors, including genetic and environmental influences.
Also, some research shows you may be more susceptible to addiction if you already struggle with a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression or stress. This is because people with these conditions may try to self-medicate with tramadol to try and lessen or mask their mental health symptoms. However, it’s likely that this will only have a negative impact on you over time.
Our addiction rehab experts at Priory understand that tramadol addiction is a serious condition and it can have a negative impact on lots of different areas of your life.
Without prescription drug addiction treatment, your tramadol addiction may get gradually worse and can even lead to you developing other addictions and compulsive behaviours, including other drug addictions, alcohol addiction, and behaviours such as gambling and compulsive internet use. This is why it’s so important to get support for your tramadol misuse.
It’s never too late to get help; we can help you to regain control of your life.
Struggling with tramadol addiction can feel isolating, but you're not alone. At Priory, we understand how dependence on prescription drugs like tramadol can negatively impact many areas of your life – from your health and relationships to your ability to function day-to-day. Getting professional help is a vital step towards regaining control and achieving long-term recovery.
We offer a wide range of evidence-based treatment services for tramadol addiction, tailored to your individual needs. Whether you need intensive inpatient care, regular therapy sessions, or flexible online support, our specialist teams will work with you to find the right level of care.
Your journey starts with a free, confidential addiction assessment. This is an opportunity to speak with one of our specialists about your experiences and explore the most appropriate treatment path for you. The assessment allows us to understand your needs fully so we can recommend the right level of care – whether that involves detox, therapy, or a combination of both.
If needed, your treatment may begin with a medically assisted detox, delivered in a safe, supportive setting to help manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilise your physical health. Once you’re ready, you can begin the next phase of your recovery, which may include inpatient treatment, one-to-one therapy or whatever approach is best for you.
Our 28-day inpatient addiction treatment programme is often recommended for people who need more intensive support, but we also offer other options depending on the severity of your addiction and your personal circumstances. These include day care programmes that provide structured therapy during the week without requiring an overnight stay, as well as outpatient therapy delivered face-to-face or online, allowing you to continue with your daily life while receiving support.
Many of our programmes also include family support, giving your loved ones the chance to understand more about addiction, strengthen communication and learn how best to support you.
In addition, most programmes include 12 months of free aftercare to help you stay supported and maintain progress after treatment ends.
For more information on our tramadol addiction treatment options - including programme formats, settings and pricing - you can visit our dedicated addiction services page.
At Priory, we understand that tramadol addiction affects everyone differently. That’s why we tailor your care to reflect your individual situation – whether that means inpatient treatment, a flexible outpatient approach, or a blend of both. We have residential treatment centres across the UK, and our online services make it possible to access therapy from wherever you are. No matter where you start, we’ll help guide you towards the support that’s right for you.
