What Are The Effects Of Mixing Tramadol And Alcohol?

Nowadays, there seems to be an increasing trend of mixing prescribed drugs with alcohol almost to an epidemic scale, which is putting enormous pressure on health care around the globe. 

The sudden boom of misusing these substances is not quite clear, and young people today are facing perhaps one of our most challenging eras, mainly brought about by technology, the internet, social participation, and ongoing peer pressure, to name a few.

It would be erroneous to blame these modern-day advances for the development of substance abuse health conditions.

Still, for whatever reason, the increase in taking this combination of substances is a serious concern, and anyone affected should be seen by professional medical specialists to make sure users can stay safe and prevent damaging health issues.

The effects of mixing substances are quite alarming, and more concerning is that most users are unaware of what they are taking and ignorant of the severe dangers they are risking to their well-being. 

In this blog, we will examine these risks and prevention measures.

What Is The Reason For Mixing Tramadol And Alcohol?

As previously mentioned, the reasons behind mixing substances with alcohol, such as Tramadol, cannot be pinpointed and only indicate that the desired effects produced on the body and mind are the principal motive. 

Firstly, let’s define these two substances for what they are:

Tramadol is defined scientifically as tramadol hydrochloride. It goes under brand names such as Ultram and Ultracet. It is a medically prescribed drug often administered to treat severe pain when other painkillers have failed. It is a synthetic opiate and works as an acting analgesic that affects the central nervous system.

Alcohol, even though we may not be aware, is also a depressant and acts on the central nervous system.

These two substances, combined and abused, compound each other with significant outcomes for the consumer.

We should not speculate on the reasons for mixing both substances as each case is different, and there may be other unknown underlying health conditions.

Circumstances can also vary from one person to another, as well as many other factors. However, we should look at the dangers of taking tramadol with alcohol and how we can prevent the risk of overdose. 

The Dangers Of Mixing Tramadol And Alcohol 

There is evidence that substance users who consume tramadol and alcohol together may have a co-occurring disorder. This means that two health issues are going on at the same time: a mental health issue and substance abuse.

This is not easy to identify as, typically, a mental health concern may seem insignificant and could be seen as an underlying condition. However, because both of these substances affect the central nervous system, the signs may be similar.

Alcohol and tramadol can increase blood pressure, which may make you feel more energetic and more alert, prompting you to think you can consume more than the body can cope with.

Tramadol and alcohol have similar effects but work differently by interacting with chemicals in the brain that affect how we cope with pain and control mood, such as relaxation or euphoria, so when mixed, these effects are much higher, which could potentially lead to addiction and overdose.

Both alcohol and tramadol are depressants; while tramadol may slow down the heart and breathing rate, alcohol also suppresses brain activity, leading to drowsiness, impaired movement, and poor judgment.

Symptoms Of Taking Tramadol And Alcohol Together

Drinking alcohol with another drug, like tramadol, may be an attempt to increase the effects on the body and mind and get a more intense “high” feeling. Still, eventually, as the individual becomes more intoxicated with their substance use, the drug interaction provokes several symptoms that are hazardous to health.

These depressants affect the central nervous system, producing the following symptoms:

• Feelings of vertigo, dizziness, and disorientation.
• Irregular, slow, or shallow breathing.
• Lethargy, lack of energy.
• Abdominal cramps or pain.
• Loss of memory.
• Dependency on tramadol or alcohol addiction.
• Risk of seizures.

These symptoms can vary from person to person and may be mild or severe, depending on the amounts consumed and the length of the substance use disorder.

When someone has had prolonged use of drinking alcohol while taking tramadol, should an attempt be made to reduce or stop their habitual intake, they can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Agitation and irritability.
• Panic attacks.
• Confusion and disorientation.
• Hallucinations.
• Tingling or feeling numbness of the skin.

When an individual has developed a habit, and it has become a mental or physical dependence on the substance, this could lead to an overdose.

How To Recognize An Overdose Of Alcohol And Tramadol

With excessive alcohol use, the signs of an overdose are the result of alcohol poisoning, and urgent medical assistance is required. The main signs of alcohol overdose are:

• Low body temperature.
• Slow, shallow breathing.
• Reduced heart rate.
• Confusion, disorientation.
• Vomiting.
• Seizures.
• Unconsciousness.

Tramadol overdose poses life-threatening risks mainly because it is one of only a few opioid overdoses that can’t be reversed by the drug naloxone, which is used to treat decreased breathing in most opioid overdoses and, when combined with another depressant, puts the individual at extreme risk of devastating consequences.

You should seek immediate medical help if a person shows any of these symptoms:

• Unresponsive or unconscious.
• Extreme drowsiness.
• Very slow or shallow heart rate.
• Pale skin.
• Purple or blue lips and fingernails.

How To Prevent Tramadol And Alcohol Addiction

Taking drugs and alcohol together should always be avoided to prevent any form of tolerance, dependence, or addiction to either or both substances. We have previously outlined the serious side effects they have, both physical and psychological, and if left untreated, can lead to very severe health problems.

There could be an underlying mental health disorder that needs addressing along with specific treatment for tramadol and alcohol abuse, a co-occurring disorder, and should be assessed by professional clinicians.

However, the first step to prevent addiction is to get help. If you or someone you know is showing signs of tolerance or dependence, consuming larger quantities and with more frequency, it is highly advisable to contact a reputable rehab or detox center where qualified specialists can provide adequate treatment.

It is crucial not to attempt to quit or reduce the substances on your own due to the severe and risky withdrawal symptoms that can manifest, making the process unpleasant, painful, and with much more possibility of relapse.

Finding the right treatment as early as possible is the best measure to tackle the problem and help anyone who may be struggling with opioid addiction or alcohol abuse.

Treatment For Tramadol And Alcohol Abuse

The effects of tramadol and alcohol combined can be devastating for users and their loved ones who are concerned about their welfare. There are several reasons for someone wanting to take these substances but as the habit spirals out of control, the risk of serious addiction is heightened and needs professional intervention to successfully end the cycle.

The first step to recovery is detox.  A professional medical team will supervise the detoxification process in a safe and secure environment and will assess each individual to ensure they follow an appropriate treatment plan.

Resilient Recovery Center is a luxury detox and rehab facility in Lancaster, California. We provide medically assisted detox, which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and experience less pain and discomfort with cravings.

Our treatment programs are designed to address most substance and alcohol addictions and are tailored to suit each patient.

Our dedicated team offers ongoing support, including holistic therapies, to help every patient achieve long-lasting recovery, and we pride ourselves on having a knowledgeable medical panel of specialists who are fully aware of the challenges that patients face.

If you would like more information and advice, why don’t you give us a call today? Our friendly staff will be happy to assist with your concerns and answer any queries or doubts. Take the initiative today and help someone regain their life of sobriety.