For years, the doctors prescribed tramadol for pain management, assuming it was a painkiller with a low risk for addiction. However, new research shows that tramadol can be strongly habit forming. In July 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reclassified tramadol as a schedule IV controlled substance, implying its potential for abuse. Substance abuse treatment for tramadol addiction is needed when an individual has developed the behaviors outlined in the DSM’s diagnostic criteria for determining the signs of addiction.

Treatment Options for Tramadol Addiction

Tramadol abuse and dependence present many of the same challenges as addictions to other opiate drugs, and can be addressed by the same facilities and services. Medically supervised detoxification from tramadol is recommended to minimize the dangers presented by withdrawal syndrome.

A range of rehabilitation facilities is available to help abusers get on the road to recovery. Inpatient treatment centers offer round-the-clock supervision and intensive care to patients for 28 days or more.  Outpatient programs allow those who are able to continue living at home while attending therapy sessions multiple days or evenings per week.

Peer recovery organizations such as SMART Recovery, Life Ring Secular Recovery, and 12-step groups provide a forum for people in recovery to share their experiences and offer support to one another.

As mentioned, effective drug abuse treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. A highly variable patient population demands a more tailored approach to treatment. Some of the variables that will determine just what type of program is most appropriate include:

• Length of the drug or alcohol abuse problem.
• Type of substance used.
• Frequency/amount of use.
• Number of previous treatment attempts.
• The existence of multiple abused substances.
• Co-existing or dual diagnosis psychiatric conditions.
• Co-existing or dual diagnosis behavioral addictions.
• Co-existing medical conditions.
• The need for medically assisted detox and withdrawal.
• The need for pharmacotherapy during recovery.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is ideal for those with severe addictions and co-occurring mental disorders. These programs provide a high level of care and supervision, and also allow tramadol users to immerse themselves in treatment without temptations or distractions.

Addiction Rehab Centers offer programs that last from 28 to 90 days. However, in the event that a person needs to stay in treatment for longer than 90 days, the length of the program can be extended.

Outpatient Rehab

In this program, the patient does not have to live in Addiction Rehab centers. Outpatient treatment lies near the “least intensive” end of the treatment continuum, and is typically reserved for those with the least severe substance abuse issues, active employment commitments and a robust set of social support in place. Treatment can range from drug education, sober skills training, to more frequently scheduled counseling and addiction therapy and, even, outpatient detox programs. Treatment length is variable and contingent on recovery progress.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Partial Hospitalization Programs

Somewhat more intensive than the prior category; still, this consists of many of the services available in regular outpatient treatment, but administered a bit more frequently and/or for longer periods of the day. Additionally, intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization can accommodate patient’s with co-existing medical or mental health issues and allow them access to many of the services that exist for an inpatient population during the hours of the day that the intensive outpatient treatment occurs.

Treatment of Co-occurring Conditions

The term co-occurring conditions refers to a situation where an underlying psychological disorder is present along with drug addiction. Studies show that people fighting a mental illness are more likely to become victims of drug addiction. Even after drug addiction has been treated, mental illness may persist, and it does not go away until treatment is provided. Recognizing and treating such issues is given due importance at Addiction Rehab Centers. The treatment of addiction is not possible unless these conditions are treated as well. There are great chances of relapsing if such disorders are left unattended.

Relapse Prevention

Ongoing therapy and support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery, are great follow-up options to both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Continued therapy allows recovering tramadol users to talk about their feelings and struggles with someone who can offer professional advice and support. Connecting with other recovering addicts at support group meetings will help tramadol users grow their support network and be held accountable for their actions.

Other tips for avoiding relapse after tramadol addiction treatment include:

• Eat healthy and exercise– Make sure to give your body the proper nutrition and exercise it needs. The healthier you are, the better you’ll feel.
• Get some sleep– Sleep plays a large role in how a person feels both physically and mentally. Consistently getting a good night’s sleep—typically at least seven hours a night—will improve concentration, mental clarity and energy levels.
• Stick to a schedule– Most rehabs have a structured schedule for a reason—being busy and on a schedule keeps your mind off using.
  Real recovery begins when you have the opportunity to wean away from tramadol in a safe, supervised, supportive environment.

Is Tramadol Rehab Aftercare Necessary?

Aftercare in addiction management refers to the continuity of care offered beyond the initial phase of treatment. The concept broadly describes continued measures such as counseling, self-help, living-arrangements, behavioral interventions and ongoing medication-assisted treatment offered to support sustained abstinence and drug-free lifestyle.

Yes, for many people, aftercare for Tramadol addiction is necessary to maintain recovery. Tramadol is a prescription opioid used in pain management with demonstrated abuse potential – with many such such cases reported in medical literature. Aftercare for opioid addiction has been found to improve recovery treatment outcomes.

Discover the Benefit of Tramadol Relapse Prevention at Addiction Rehab Centers

While quitting drug use is an important initial step in addiction management, the bigger challenge is to sustain abstinence and lead a drug free life in the long run. Relapse rates are high among those addicted to opioids; some studies have reported relapse rates as high as 90 percent following the initial detoxification period.

Maintenance therapy, when combined with counselling, but offered for shorter periods of tim, has not been found to be effective in preventing relapse among prescription opioid abusers. This indicates that relapse prevention needs to be a long-term strategy, aimed at preventing and delaying reuse of opioids. Through successful prevention strategies, someone who has quit tramadol use is helped to identify the high-risk situations that can lead to relapse. Reach out to us today at 844.910.0686 to learn more.