No one intends to develop an addiction. Often, people start taking a drug, like tramadol, for a medical reason. Eventually, opioids like tramadol lead to heroin addiction because the individual develops dependence and needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect.
Whether you have a tramadol addiction or a heroin addiction, it’s important to know that you don’t have to go through the treatment process alone. The best way to get help for tramadol and heroin addictions is through a detox and recovery program. With the right care, you can enjoy a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle again.
Can Tramadol Lead to Heroin Use?
Tramadol is considered an opioid analgesic. This means it is typically prescribed to treat ongoing pain. Like other opioids, tramadol can lead to heroin addiction.
In some cases, an individual begins misusing tramadol. They may take more than their prescription says, or they may use it when they don’t have any pain. Over time, they may try to get stronger opioids, like heroin, because their body has developed a tolerance to tramadol.
People can use opioids without ever developing a substance abuse problem. While tramadol can lead to heroin addiction, some people are able to use it for a short amount of time without a major problem.
Tramadol vs Heroin
While you can get a prescription for tramadol from a medical doctor, heroin is illegal in every form. Doctors prescribe tramadol to treat ongoing moderate to severe pain. Like heroin, there is a risk of addiction and dependence. In high doses, tramadol and heroin can both cause respiratory distress and death.
When someone takes too much of any opioid, they can develop side effects, like vomiting, slowed breathing, blue fingernails, and clammy hands. Opioids can also cause drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and mental fogginess. If you notice breathing changes or other overdose symptoms in someone using tramadol or heroin, it is important to get professional medical help right away.
How to Get Help for Tramadol or Heroin Addiction
Other than worrying about whether tramadol leads to heroin addiction, people who take tramadol should also be careful about developing an addiction to tramadol. If you or your loved one has an addiction, a detox and recovery program can help you get back on track.
After tramadol leads to heroin abuse, you can get help through a detox center. Once you reach out to the treatment center, an intake team will walk you through the treatment process. They will ask questions about your health history, addiction, and insurance coverage. Next, you will undergo a medical exam before you begin treatment.
Quitting opioids can cause life-threatening side effects, so it is important to get professional medical supervision during detox. At the detox center, medical staff members will monitor your symptoms and work to alleviate the side effects.
While detox can remove the physical addiction, therapy and recovery support are needed to help treat the emotional and mental challenges. During treatment, you can learn how to spot triggers and manage cravings. Treatment will give you the tools you need to remain sober for a lifetime.
Take the First Step in Your Recovery
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, or you have questions about addiction, reach out to the team of professionals at Matthew’s Hope Foundation Intensive Outpatient Program today. We can help you or your loved one begin the journey to recovery for a lifetime.
