Formal studies on Ultram and Addiction

[Lynn B]

I'm a recovering addict (garbage can type) who has been clean and sober in 12-step programs for 5 years now.  I had a very ugly relapse 5 years ago over chronic pain -- had been clean and sober for 7 years before that.  Due to my realpse I participate in a professional diversion program.

I've been taking Ultram for chronic pain (along with Neurontin and wellbutrin) for about 3 years now.  I've done well.  Have never had "that" feeling with any of my meds, and have not had a desire to take them other than as prescribed.

Unfortunately, my diversion program is now insisting I stop Ultram because it is addicting.  Have any formal studies been done?  I honestly don't believe I can stop taking it without relapse -- pain's too bad.  Pain management doc states the only other way to go is to take other "true" opioids -- I KNOW I won't be able to do that for very long without relapse...

Got any ideas?  I'm really stuck here.

[jekorb]

Thank you for a very moving post, jim.  I pray every single day for the strength to go through w/d and to beg for forgiveness from God for being a screw-up, a horrible person, a disappointment, etc.  When I pray my rosary, I beg the Lord to hear my prayer despite the fact that I am a user, an addict, as I pray for my family and friends and for my spouse and myself.  I believe He is listening, but is He disgusted with me?  I'm sure of that!  I am ashamed to call myself a Catholic, go to church, and look at others around me with jealousy b/c THEY aren't weak and spineless, like I am.  I've been on trams for 14 mos. 8-9 50mg. a day; am going to try to take only 2 instead of 3 at noon and go from there.  I have colitis pain and after my script ran out, I bought off the Internet b/c I can afford it.  Now, look what I've done to myself!  

I beg my God to love me and forgive me, though I don't love and forgive myself.  Since I am terrified of w/d, I cannot address that pain, which makes me feel even more pathetic.  Maybe many people think "those stupid religious fanatics"~~~I am not a fanatic; I just love the Creator and am horrified that I have done this to myself and abused the gift of life.  I'm such a fool.  God's blessings and my love to you all.

[marque]

Ive been taking Ultram 50mg. 2tabs very 4 hrs or as need for pain for about 2-3 mos. now Ive never really noticed any "high"
from it although I use to be very addicted to Vico ES and they would get me high but the Ultram has only helped with the pain in my neck from swollen disc. If I am wanting to buzz Ill drink maybe only on weekends either Fri night or Sat night.But my Dr gave me Prozac for my Depression from withdrawls of the Vicos...Ive been Clean ofer 6 mos now.....Still I have Depr. and anxiety....but its much better than it was 3/4 mos ago......M

[jean]

As someone who has taken any and all oral pain meds (started on this track due to several MAJOR surgeries) - Ultram is as addictive if not moreso than the the "true" opiods.  I tend to get more of a "high" from Ultram (granted, in very high doses) than anything else I taken over the past few years(Dilaudid, morphine, vicodin, darvocet, oxycontin, etc.)  Anyone (any addict)who is fooling themselves that is a "safe" alternative is wrong.  It is actually more dangerous, but doctors prescribe it without reservation due to it's non-narcotic classification.  Sure, Ultram is safe for those who are not addicts.  But then, so are morphine, dilaudid, vicodin, and oxycontin!

[jim re ultram, jan. 29, 2001]

I have been taking ultram for about 3 years now. I don't see how anybody can get relief with one or to tabs. I have reached a point that I usually take 7 50mg. two to three times daily. And, still, no longer even geet a buzz. I know it's probably dangerous to be taking such heavy doses. But, that's what it takes to do my pain any good. Also, withrawal affects me heavy on the mental side. Very depressed, very heavy leg and arm spasms, even to the point of drawing up in knots. Even to the point of suicidal thoughts. I do believe I can control those thoughts though, but it really gets that bad. Yes, Ultram is very addictive, and it can be bought across the counter in Mexico under the name of Tradol 50 mg. Also I've read a lot about some of the guys "going to hell" over this. Just remember, God is not juding you for your addiction. You don't go to heaven for being perfect, or Jesus would have waisted his time on the cross. God's grace is a gift. All you have to do is accept this, and put your faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Your habit is way down the list in God's eyes. If you're afraid of going to hell, just ask God to put you under the blood of Jesus, and put your faith in Him, then it's a done deal! He knows our hearts. He knows we're trying. Just keep trying. You and I will make it someday.

[jim re ultram, jan. 29, 2001]

I have been taking ultram for about 3 years now. I don't see how anybody can get relief with one or to tabs. I have reached a point that I usually take 7 50mg. two to three times daily. And, still, no longer even get a buzz. I know it's probably dangerous to be taking such heavy doses. But, that's what it takes to do my pain any good. Also, withrawal affects me heavy on the mental side. Very depressed, very heavy leg and arm spasms, even to the point of drawing up in knots. Even to the point of suicidal thoughts. I do believe I can control those thoughts though, but it really gets that bad. Yes, Ultram is very addictive, and it can be bought across the counter in Mexico under the name of Tradol 50 mg. Also I've read a lot about some of the guys "going to hell" over this. Just remember, God is not judging you for your addiction. You don't go to heaven for being perfect, or Jesus would have waisted his time on the cross. God's grace is a gift. All you have to do is accept this, and put your faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Your habit is way down the list in God's eyes. If you're afraid of going to hell, just ask God to put you under the blood of Jesus, and put your faith in Him, then it's a done deal! He knows our hearts. He knows we're trying. Just keep trying. You and I will make it someday.

[jim re ultram, jan. 29, 2001]

I have been taking ultram for about 3 years now. I don't see how anybody can get relief with one or to tabs. I have reached a point that I usually take 7 50mg. two to three times daily. And, still, no longer even geet a buzz. I know it's probably dangerous to be taking such heavy doses. But, that's what it takes to do my pain any good. Also, withrawal affects me heavy on the mental side. Very depressed, very heavy leg and arm spasms, even to the point of drawing up in knots. Even to the point of suicidal thoughts. I do believe I can control those thoughts though, but it really gets that bad. Yes, Ultram is very addictive, and it can be bought across the counter in Mexico under the name of Tradol 50 mg. Also I've read a lot about some of the guys "going to hell" over this. Just remember, God is not juding you for your addiction. You don't go to heaven for being perfect, or Jesus would have waisted his time on the cross. God's grace is a gift. All you have to do is accept this, and put your faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Your habit is way down the list in God's eyes. If you're afraid of going to hell, just ask God to put you under the blood of Jesus, and put your faith in Him, then it's a done deal! He knows our hearts. He knows we're trying. Just keep trying. You and I will make it someday.