How bad is tramadol addiction?

[winona72]

I abused lortabs for several years. I finally quit more than two years ago. The first year I was miserably depressed and eventually I relapsed only I'm abusing tramadol now. I have learned that there were some other issues that contributed to my misery during my 1st year off of lortabs. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea soon after I started abusing tramadol. I'm on CPAP treatment for the sleep apnea now. However, I have not experienced life off of tramadol with the treatment. Basically I want to feel what I'm like as a non-addict with treatment for my sleep disorder. Maybe I wouldn't have been so depressed that first year off of lortabs if I had been receiving the treatment. How can I get off of tramadol?

[cleanmom]

You really should work with your doctor on this one. Not only to help you with a tapering plan but to address the depression issues you have been having that landed you here in the first place. There are some antidepressants he can prescribe which may help tremendously once you have gotten through detox. If you can get the depression and sleep apnea under control, it sounds as though you wont find yourself in this position again. I also recommend seeing a substance abuse counselor, even if it wasnt severe. This helps me the most, even more so than the groups i attend weekly because it is one on one and we can really focus on the issues that are mine alone. There are plenty of supplement suggestions in the health pages on the top right of this screen that may help you out. Get some exercise if you can and drink lots and lots to flush yourself out quicker. We are here for you, keep posting for support anytime you need. Stay strong and be safe. I will keep you in my prayers.

Luv, Jacky

[vicki595]

Well,I'd say it's as bad as any other addiction. They're all bad,you know?
Tramadol really should be tapered. Ask your doctor for a tapering schedule and just work it...you will feel withdrawals but we can help you with that when you get to that point,okay?
All the best~
Vicki