Learning Safety Precautions of Mixing Tramadol with Other Drugs from Akron OH Halfway Houses

Akron, Ohio is a city steeped in history and innovation. It was once a major center for rubber production, and today it’s home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including FirstEnergy Corporation and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The city is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of museums and theaters to explore. Nevertheless, even with the positives, there are residents in Akron facing drug abuse and its risks, an issue found in other communities as well.

In Akron, Ohio, the opioid crisis has had a significant impact on the community. From 2017 to 2019, approximately 444,000 Ohioans aged 12 and older reported misusing prescription opioids like tramadol each year. This accounts for approximately 4.5% of the state’s population. During the same period, around 142,000 Ohioans were reported to have an opioid use disorder, constituting approximately one-third of all opioid abuse cases and 1.4% of the state’s population. 

Halfway houses in Akron function as supportive environments for individuals contending with substance addiction, focusing on educating them about the risks of mixing tramadol with other drugs to reduce potential harm. These residences offer structured living arrangements tailored to assist individuals transitioning back into society following completion of inpatient treatment or release from incarceration. By providing access to crucial resources and fostering supportive networks, these facilities enable individuals to embark on the journey toward recovery from substances like opioids, while also gaining insights into the differences between addiction and dependency, with help from Ohio halfway houses.

What are the statistics on drugs in Ohio?

Drug overdose and addiction are related issues, but they are distinct. A drug overdose is a serious medical emergency that happens when you take too much of a substance. This can be accidental, such as a child mistaking medication for candy, or intentional, in an attempt to harm oneself. Opioids are a major concern in overdoses, but any drug can be taken in excess. Addiction, on the other hand, is a chronic disease. People with addiction develop a compulsive need to use a drug, despite negative consequences. This can include substances like alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.

Ohio has a significant issue with drug use, particularly opioids. The rate of opioid addiction in the state is double the national average, and it has only gotten worse in recent years.  Between 2015 and 2019, opioid addiction rates rose by 40%, leading to a substantial increase in overdose deaths. In 2020, 5,017 Ohioans lost their lives due to unintentional drug overdoses. This marked a 25% increase compared to 2019, although it was lower than the national increase of 35%. Illicit fentanyl or fentanyl analogs were involved in 81% of the overdose deaths in Ohio during 2020, often in combination with other drugs.

Marijuana is also one of the most commonly used illegal drugs in Ohio, followed by heroin, methamphetamines, and prescription drugs misused recreationally. However, drug use patterns differ depending on location. Urban areas tend to have higher rates of cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine, while marijuana use is prevalent throughout the state.

Does tramadol act like an opioid?

Tramadol is an atypical opioid medication used for moderate pain relief. It has a unique pharmaceutical profile and is prescribed as an alternative to other pharmaceutical drugs. Tramadol can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. It is centrally acting and prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain in adults and is used short-term when other non-opioid agents are ineffective. 

Tramadol is a weak opioid with weaker opioid-like properties compared to potent opioids like oxycodone. Both are controlled substances, meaning they have the potential for dependence and addiction, but oxycodone carries a higher risk in this regard. Initially, tramadol was not considered a controlled substance, but in 2014, it was revised to be a Schedule IV controlled substance due to reports of misuse and diversion. 

Tramadol presents a high risk of misuse and addiction. Although it has a lower potential for dependence than opioids like morphine, long-term use can lead to tolerance (needing higher doses for the same effect) and physiological dependence. Long-term effects of Tramadol include:

Here are some of the most common long-term effects of tramadol:

• Addiction and dependence: Tramadol is an opioid, and like all opioids, it can be addictive. Long-term use can lead to dependence, which means that you will need to take the medication in order to feel normal and avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Seizures: Tramadol can increase your risk of seizures, especially if you take it in high doses or if you have a history of seizures.
• Liver and kidney damage: Long-term use of tramadol can damage your liver and kidneys.
• Stomach problems: Tramadol can cause constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
• Mental health problems: Tramadol can cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

Tramadol addiction involves compulsive or uncontrolled use, potentially causing harmful consequences and lasting changes to the brain. A sudden stop of Tramadol use can result in withdrawal symptoms, including restlessness, agitation, anxiety, sweating, insomnia, tremors, and gastrointestinal issues.

What should you not mix with tramadol?

It’s essential to be aware of potential drug interactions of Tramadol to ensure safe and effective use. Here are some important considerations:

Medications that affect tramadol metabolism: Tramadol is metabolized in the liver. Certain medications can interfere with its breakdown, leading to higher levels of tramadol in the body. These interactions may cause increased side effects. Some examples include:

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Ketoconazole
• Clarithromycin

Conversely, some medications (called CYP3A4 inducers) can speed up tramadol metabolism, reducing its effectiveness. These include:

• Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
• Rifampin (Rifadin)

Medications and substances that slow down the brain: Combining tramadol with other substances that depress the central nervous system can be risky. These interactions may lead to excessive sedation, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. Examples include:

• Muscle relaxants: Discuss their use with your healthcare provider.
• Other opioids: Be cautious when using tramadol alongside other opioids.
• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants (such as SSRIs) can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with tramadol.

Tramadol addiction can be a powerful force, but there’s a path to overcome it. Thankfully, numerous drug treatment centers in Akron specialize in opioid addiction, including cases with Tramadol. These centers offer a lifeline, providing comprehensive programs designed to help individuals break free from addiction and reclaim control of their lives.

Finding Balance and Awareness from Mixing Tramadol with Other Drugs through Akron OH Halfway Houses

Drug addiction is a serious condition. It’s a condition where someone feels a strong urge to use certain substances despite negative consequences. This can include alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. Addiction affects the brain and behavior, making it difficult to function normally in daily life. People with addiction become fixated on using the substance, even if it harms their relationships, work, or health.

Tramadol is a prescription pain medication that can be misused or abused.  It acts both as an opioid pain reliever and affects chemicals in the brain that influence mood and pain perception. Mixing tramadol with other drugs is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Opioids are responsible for 84% of all drug overdoses in Akron, Ohio. In 2020, Ohio ranked fourth in the U.S. in terms of the number of drug overdose deaths, with a total of 5,204 fatalities.

Halfway houses in Akron serve as important tools for addressing the complexities of substance addiction and educating individuals on the dangers of mixing tramadol with other drugs. These facilities utilize effective strategies to empower residents with essential knowledge and tools for understanding the underlying causes of opioid addiction. Stressing the importance of awareness, they highlight the risks associated with alcohol and drug addiction, emphasizing that even occasional use can lead to significant consequences. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to an Ohio halfway house for support and guidance. Taking this initial step can pave the way for long-term sobriety and a renewed sense of direction.

Resources:

[1] Drug and Alcohol Statistics for Ohio – Addiction Group

[2] Tramadol – NDARC

[3] Tramadol Interactions – GoodRx Health