The Dangers of Snorting Tramadol

Abusing tramadol is dangerous, putting you at risk of addiction, serotonin syndrome, and potentially fatal overdose. However, effective substance abuse treatment can support you to leave tramadol behind and reclaim a healthy, sober life.

What Is Tramadol?

Tramadol is an opioid drug that doctors prescribe to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Scientists first synthesized tramadol in 1962, and it went on sale in 1977. Doctors usually prescribe tramadol in pills or capsules.

Some people abuse tramadol to experience a euphoric high. It may also help improve performance in sports such as cycling. People abusing tramadol may crush pills into a powder and snort it to increase the intensity of the high.

Is Tramadol A Controlled Substance?

While tramadol is less potent than other opioids (such as heroin), it is still an addictive substance. The United States classifies tramadol as a schedule IV controlled substance, meaning that while it has medical uses, it is illegal to obtain without a prescription. Despite this, over 1.6 million people reported past-year misuse of tramadol from 2015 to 2017.

How Does Tramadol Affect the Brain?

Like other opioid drugs, tramadol works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, blocking chemical pain messengers and relieving pain. It also inhibits the reuptake of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and serotonin – hormones that regulate mood, respiration, and other essential functions. These chemicals have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties, producing feelings of relaxation and euphoria in the user.

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Snorting Tramadol?

Snorting tramadol can cause a variety of short-term effects. It can make you feel:

calm
happy
more awake

However, it also comes with a collection of undesirable or dangerous side effects, such as:

nausea and vomiting
dizziness
lethargy
constipation
diahorrea
lack of appetite
confusion
sweating
irritable mood
itching

More severe side effects of snorting tramadol include:

dizziness or fainting
raised blood pressure
tight airways
muscle weakness
hallucinations
fits
blood disorders
depressed breathing

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What Are the Dangers of Snorting Tramadol?

Snorting tramadol puts you at risk of several serious medical complications – tramadol overdose, serotonin syndrome, and tramadol addiction.

Tramadol Overdose

If you take more tramadol than your body can metabolize, you may experience tramadol overdose. Opioids like tramadol affect areas of the brain responsible for breathing and respiration. If you take too much, your breathing can slow to dangerous levels.

Mixing tramadol with alcohol increases the risk of overdose.

Tramadol overdose is a medical emergency and can be fatal without urgent medical attention. If you think someone may have overdosed on tramadol, call 911 immediately.

Symptoms of tramadol overdose include:

Contracted pupils
Extreme drowsiness.
Slowed breathing
Slowed heartbeat
Weak muscles
Loss of consciousness

Serotonin Syndrome

Tramadol abuse has been linked to serotonin syndrome, a severe condition where serotonin receptors are overstimulated. Serotonin syndrome is potentially life-threatening without medical attention. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

high fever
rapid pulse
agitation
confusion
sweating
trembling
shivering

Tramadol Addiction

If you take tramadol in a way other than what your doctor prescribes, you risk developing tramadol addiction. Addiction is when you compulsively seek or use a substance despite adverse consequences. It is characterized by changes in the brain that can make it very difficult to stop using the substance.

Addiction is a severe condition that can have devastating effects on your health, work, and family life. Common signs and symptoms of addiction include:

tramadol becoming the priority in your life
losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
lying and stealing to obtain tramadol
neglecting home and work responsibilities
secrecy and isolation
strained relationships with loved ones

While tramadol addiction can be scary, there is help available. Addiction treatment programs can support users to overcome their addiction and live a productive and fulfilling sober life.

Tramadol Dependence

If you repeatedly snort tramadol over some time, you may develop a physical dependence on tramadol. Physical dependence happens when your body gets used to the presence of the substance in your body and begins to adjust its functions in response. You start to rely on tramadol to feel normal.

If you suddenly stop taking tramadol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms as your body readjusts. Tramadol withdrawal symptoms can be physical and psychological and may include:

Sweating
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Chills
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Aches and pains
Anxiety
Panic, paranoia, or panic attacks
Sleeping difficulties
Confusion or delirium
Increased blood pressure or heart rate
Fast breathing
Cravings

Because of the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms, you should seek professional medical advice before withdrawing from tramadol. Medical detox can support you to quit tramadol safely, treating withdrawal symptoms and helping to manage cravings.

Other Physical Health Risks

Tramadol comes with several other physical health risks for specific groups.

Pregnant women – Tramadol can be toxic to a developing fetus
Epilepsy- People with epilepsy should only take tramadol with clear medical advice due to established health risks
Asthma and lung disease – Tramadol can depress breathing and may be dangerous for people with respiratory conditions

Tramadol Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a complex disease – but it is treatable. With the proper support, you can overcome addiction and maintain long-term abstinence.

There are many different treatment approaches for addiction and treatment centers tend to offer various options. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, effective substance abuse treatment should:

vary depending on the type of drug and characteristics of the individual
be immediately available so the individual can enter treatment as soon as they decide to
treat the multiple needs of each individual, not just their drug abuse – this includes any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal concerns
be an adequate length of time
be continually assessed, evaluated, and adapted according to the individual’s progress

After decades of scientific research, there is now a range of evidence-based treatment options available for addiction. Addiction treatment programs may include:

Therapies (individual, family, CBT, DBT)
Medication (MAT)
Group programming
Support groups
Complementary therapies
Yoga and mindfulness
Life-skills development

Remember that no single treatment works for everyone, and you may need to try various options before finding the right option for you.

Tramadol Addiction Treatment in Atlanta

Empowered Recovery Center is an expert-led, family-orientated addiction treatment center in Atlanta, Georgia. We offer a safe environment for clients to heal mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our holistic approach empowers each client with the skills they need to overcome addiction, develop life skills, and reclaim their future.

We combine clinical excellence with integrity, honesty, and compassion to help clients reach their full potential. We continually pursue the highest caliber of medical staff, many of whom have first-hand experience in addiction recovery. Our programs treat the entire person – not just the addiction – addressing any underlying mental health issues driving substance abuse.

Alongside our clinical team, our case managers work with clients to develop life skills that prepare them for sober life and help rebuild their self-esteem. We encourage clients to have fun in early recovery and rediscover their hobbies and passions. We offer a year’s additional recovery coaching to support clients through any challenges and difficulties they may face.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us today. Our rehab admissions team can help answer any questions you have about our various programs, accepted insurance plans, payment options, and more. From the first phone call to treatment and aftercare, our team is here for you each step of the way.

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