Tramadol and Alcohol: Effects, Dangers and Treatment Options

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing problem in the United States. The CDC has considered it to be an epidemic. 75% of the drug overdose deaths in 2021 were associated with prescription opioids, including Tramadol. People, not knowingly, often mix tramadol and alcohol and get into fatal consequences that we are going to discuss here.

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Tramadol: A Prescription Opioid

Tramadol is a centrally-acting opioid agonist and SNRI (serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) used for the management of moderate to severe pain in adults. Tramadol acts on the brain receptors that assist in coping with situations like

• Stress
• Physical and mental efforts
• Pain management

As a synthetic opioid, tramadol is similar in effects to prescription opioids such as:

• Hydromorphone
• Buprenorphine
• Fentanyl
• Morphine
• Codeine

And illicit drugs like heroin. Tramadol is available in the market with brand names:

• Ultram
• Rybix
• ConZip
• Ultracet

Some of the street names of tramadol, when used recreationally, include:

• Chill Pills
• Tramal
• Trammies
• Ultras

Tramadol is considered a schedule IV drug according to the DEA, which means it has a highly addictive nature and may cause side effects if not used correctly or without a prescription.

Tramadol and Alcohol: Why Is it Mixed?

People often ask questions on the internet, such as “Can you drink alcohol while taking tramadol?” the reason for that could be recreational, or they are already using alcohol, and tramadol comes in as a medication.

Tramadol on its own is not very risky, but polysubstance use, such as alcohol and tramadol, may lead to fatal consequences. Alcohol acts in the same way as tramadol by depressing the CNS and activating the dopamine reward system. 

Mixing tramadol and alcohol enhances their solo effects and makes a person high for extended periods.

There can be two main reasons for mixing both depressants:

• A person getting treatment for surgery, cancer, pain, or an accident under a tramadol prescription uses alcohol unintentionally.
• Or a person trying to mix these for recreational purposes at parties or alone to get high effects.

Whatever the reason, mixing both can lead to dangerous consequences, including severe dependence, addiction, and ultimately side effects. 

Dangers of Mixing Tramadol and Alcohol

According to Drug Interaction: Analysis and Management, mixing tramadol and alcohol intentionally or unintentionally poses a first-hand danger of a suppressed central nervous system. The enhanced effect causes tolerance to increase, ultimately leading to addiction, which is the most dangerous of all.

Long-term use of both tramadol and alcohol together can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as

• Cancer
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Stroke
• Neurological damage
• Kidney problems

While synthetic opioids are one-tenth as effective as morphine, tramadol regular use and dangerous levels may cause:

• Depressed heart rate
• Slow, shallow respiration
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Death

Polysubstance use, specifically tramadol (Opiate) & alcohol, have dangerous reactions beyond repair if not curbed in a timely. It is recommended to consider a full-fledged rehab process that involves a combination of detox and therapy to ensure complete substance catharsis.

Long-Term Usage Leading To Addiction and Dependence

One of the potential flaws of this medication is the activation of the dopamine reward system, which aggravates cravings for this drug and ultimately leads to addiction.

Most people, around 29.5 million, already suffer from alcohol use disorder, so it is pretty typical for people to use a combination of drugs such as tramadol along with alcohol. 

Some of the phases of polysubstance use and its role in addiction include:

• Rewarding and numbness causes a person to keep using both in combination, and with time, the person develops tolerance. They will require more and more doses of both substances to produce a similar effect.
• Tolerance leads to dependence, where a person shows behavioral changes and spends most of the time seeking both drugs while wasting work/social life getting high all the time.
• This behavior becomes a chronic disease of the brain called addiction, which is associated with severe consequences and withdrawal symptoms if tried to quit cold turkey.

Seek professional consultation or counseling if you or your loved one seems to have an addiction [direct]. Test yourself with our free addiction assessment to check where you fall.

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Effects of Taking Tramadol and Alcohol Combined

Both substances affect the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of a person if they develop addiction. The occurrence of side effects varies with the comorbid conditions, the severity of addiction, and usage duration. Common effects include:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Itching
• Confusion
• Extreme sedation
• Sleepiness

Of course, the best way to alleviate these effects is to consult professionals, and one must not intervene unless professionally consulted, as both substances pose severe psychological effects that may prove fatal.

Long-Term Effects of Tramadol on the Brain

Brain damage is typical in opiate misuse (tramadol) as all the receptors where it acts reside in the brain. In case of brain damage, Tramadol alters cognitive abilities, such as:

• Memory and Learning loss
• Lack of judgment and decision power
• Unable to concentrate
• Paranoia
• Unusual behavior 

The most common mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, stem from the start of tramadol addiction. Moreover, long-term tramadol usage may contribute to the following brain disorders:

• Alzheimer’s 
• Parkinson’s 
• Seizures
• Serotonin syndrome
• Euphoria
• Deep relaxation

Moreover, Mixing alcohol and tramadol can also lead to risky behavior that can result in accidents that can harm the person and other people. 

What to Avoid While on Tramadol

Treating Comorbid Addictions: Tramadol and Alcohol

Polysubstance use disorder must be dealt with through careful observation of professionals and in an environment that holistically treats all aspects of the ailment. A good treatment, according to NIDA, includes the following procedures.

Tramadol Withdrawal and Alcohol Catharsis through Medical Detox

Quitting a substance that a person is addicted to or dependent on comes with many unpleasant symptoms that require medical management. In the case of tramadol & alcohol, a person will experience the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Anxiety and depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Confusion and Dizziness
• Restless legs and Muscle pain
• Poor appetite and Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Blurred vision
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations and Nightmares
• Mood swings
• Agitation, Irritability, and Tingling sensations

To manage such uncomfortable conditions, practitioners and nurses at the rehab will approach with FDA-approved medications either combined or treated individually as, for alcohol:

• Disulfiram, Acompostate, and Naltrexone

Naltrexone might interfere with tramadol and cause opioid withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, only professionals in inpatient rehab, under 24/7 observation, should administer such medications.

For tramadol, opioid medications may include:

• Buprenorphine, Subutex, and Suboxone

Detox is actually removing toxication and only happens after the person has quit using the substance, so it is better to opt for inpatient treatment to avoid any mishap during polysubstance detox.

Revitalizing Mental Health Through Psychotherapy and Counseling

As both substances, tramadol, and alcohol, work by depriving the brain of its original functioning, it is common for people to have mental side effects. Sometimes, people already suffer from mental illnesses, such as:

• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety and depression
• Post-traumatic Stress disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

That makes them use alcohol and drugs (Tramadol, Fentanyl), leading to substance use disorder. To treat such conditions along with polysubstance use, rehab experts provide a dual diagnosis for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment through

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Psychotherapy involves mending negative behaviors, overcoming fear, and normalizing aggressive emotions through talk therapy with psychiatrists.

Maintaining Clean Life after Rehab: Relapse Prevention

Relapse prevention and keeping a person sober need some character development, which is only possible through personalized counseling.

• Individual, group, and family therapy

Involves one-on-one sessions with psychiatrists, peer fellow talks at the inpatient rehab, and loved one interaction to overcome anxiety disorders, shame, and guilt that lead to substance use and addiction. Moreover, talk therapy provides a sense of confidence and a new mindset to carry on a sober life.

How Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Setting Can Help; 

Mixing drugs, whether it is tramadol & alcohol or any other, is hazardous. And the only way out is a professional addiction treatment at inpatient rehab. ChoicePoint provides exceptional services to cater to your need for sober living under our DEA-certified professionals, able to treat all sorts of addiction and mental illnesses for students, expecting mothers, veterans, LGBT, and criminal justice. 

Call Now 844.445.2565 to verify your insurance, book your appointment, or any addiction-related concerns!

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Questions About Tramadol & Alcohol

Some of the common queries regarding alcohol and tramadol are answered as

How Does Tramadol Interact With Alcohol?

Alcohol binds to GABA receptors, whereas tramadol binds to opioid receptors. Both, when mixed, interact in the same way and increase their toxication and severity of unpleasant effects above.

Can I Detox From Alcohol and Tramadol at Home?

Detox comes with inconvenient withdrawal symptoms and psychotic conditions, as mentioned above. Moreover, polysubstance withdrawal is hazardous and requires 24/7 professional observance and care. Detoxifying at home can pose a potential risk to life, so seeking professional help at an inpatient rehab is recommended.

Is it Safe to Quit Tramadol & Alcohol Cold Turkey?

Suppose a person has developed an addiction. Quitting cold turkey will bring harsh consequences, such as psychological withdrawal symptoms, both physical and psychological, that could even lead to death. So, gradual detox under professional care is advisable.

What Does a Tramadol & Alcohol Overdose Look Like?

One of the most significant dangerous effects of tramadol and alcohol use is its overdose, as it lowers the CNS, causing cardiovascular and respiratory depression. In emergency cases, patients need a constant supply of oxygen, and if not met, they may go into a coma and eventually die. 

Some of the tramadol overdose symptoms include:

• Blackout
• Seizures
• Slow and shallow breathing
• Pale or blue skin

Immediately seek professional help if you feel any 844.445.2565

Will Recreational Drugs Affect Taking Tramadol?

Tramadol and other drug combinations for recreational purposes, such as cocaine, meth, and fentanyl, suppress CNS activity and can cause hazardous effects, including:

• Acute alcohol toxication
• Digestive problems
• Liver disease
• Respiratory depression
• Seizure disorders
• Renal dysfunction

Seek immediate help to avoid such long-term medical complications 844.445.2565.

How Long After Taking Tramadol Can I Drink Alcohol?

Tramadol has a half-life of 6 hours, meaning it will take around three days to eliminate its existence from the body. So, it is advisable to take alcohol if you can’t resist after three days of the last tramadol dose.