Mixing two opiates is never a good idea, but some users try to take Tramadol and codeine together for a stronger high which is very dangerous. Codeine is a pain medication that is prescribed to treat mind to moderate pain and is also commonly prescribed to be used as a cough suppressant.
Codeine is naturally derived from the poppy plant like other narcotics such as opium and heroin. Codeine is a narcotic opioid analgesic medication. Like other opioids such as hydrocodone or morphine, it binds to the opioid receptors in the brain that are integral is transmitting the sensation of pain throughout the brain and body. Codeine decreases comfort and increases tolerance to pain.
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What Are Tramadol and Codeine?
Tramadol, like Codeine, is also an opioid analgesic and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Unlike Codeine, Tramadol is a synthetic opioid and not naturally derived from the poppy plant. This prescription medication comes as in pill form, either extended-release tablet or capsule or immediate release. Tramadol also connects to the opioid receptors in the brain to treat pain.
Dangers of Mixing Tramadol and Codeine
As previously mentioned, opioids and opiates work on the central nervous system’s opioid receptors to block out the sensations of pain on the body. Unfortunately, the opioid system also oversees the body’s reward pathways. This makes opioids like Codeine and Tramadol are highly addictive because it also releases endorphins that cause the body to be “rewarded” when a person gets high on Codeine or Tramadol. Both drugs cause feelings of euphoria, calmness, pleasure, and an overall sense of well being that people can get easily addicted to. Codeine and Tramadol can cause addiction both mentally and physically, making the body and the mind both crave the drug.
Detox and withdrawal from an opioid or opiate are going to be painful, especially when abuse and addiction come into the mix. Codeine and Tramadol are no exception. Common detox symptoms for both of these opioid drugs include:
- Sweating
- Muscle and body aches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Mood swings and irritability
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Fever
- Mental fog
- Depression
- Drug cravings
What Does Opioid Detox Feel Like?
While the experiences of detox may vary from person to person, Tramadol is a slightly stronger opioid medication, so the detox from this drug is likely to be more painful. Tramadol is also something that is being abused more today. From 2005 and 2011, the amount of tramadol related emergency visits increased by about 250%.
Whether you are taking Tramadol as prescribed or if you are abusing it, detox from this drug is likely to occur. Detox from this drug can be similar to having the flu. The first withdrawal symptoms will begin within hours after the last dose has left the person’s body or if the dose has been reduced. Symptoms can last for several weeks. Certain factors determine the intensity and duration of detox including
- How often you have been using the drug
- How long you have been using it
- How much you take at a time
- If you mix different drugs
- Any underlying mental health conditions
- Your personal medical history
- Your age
- Your gender
Opioid Addiction Rehab Program
Detoxing from drugs on your own is very risky no matter what the drug is. Medically assisted detox becomes necessary when a person becomes physically, mentally, and emotionally dependent upon a drug. It involves a supervised detox process where medical professionals and doctors create a personalized detox program specifically for you and monitor you to help ease the side effects to a minimum while your withdrawal from the drugs.
Once you have detoxed, the best and safest option to get off of and stay off of your drug of choice is by the use of one of the many treatment programs we offer at Recreate Life Counseling. Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world. If you want the help then we are here to assist you in any way we can.