What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a prescription pain medication used to help manage moderate to severe pain, often after surgery or for ongoing pain conditions like arthritis or injuries. It works by changing how your brain responds to pain, helping to provide relief.
Doctors sometimes prescribe it when over-the-counter medications aren’t strong enough and it can come in both immediate and extended-release forms. While it can be effective, there’s a risk of dependence, so it’s usually prescribed for short-term use or when other pain treatments haven’t worked well.
Why do people mix alcohol and tramadol?
There are a number of potential reasons why someone would mix alcohol and tramadol. Below, we take a closer look at these different reasons to highlight how mixing these two could begin:
Enhancing pain relief
As previously stated, tramadol is often prescribed for pain management, and some people might drink alcohol alongside it to increase their levels of pain management. Alcohol itself has mild pain-relieving properties, and the combination could lead to a heightened sense of numbness or comfort, especially for those struggling with chronic pain. The idea is that alcohol could make tramadol’s effects feel stronger, giving them more relief than they’d get from tramadol alone.
Amplifying relaxation
Both alcohol and tramadol have calming and sedative effects, so people may combine them to achieve deeper relaxation. After a stressful day or when dealing with anxiety, the combination might seem like an appealing way to unwind and shut down racing thoughts. Tramadol’s mild mood-lifting effect, combined with alcohol’s relaxing properties, could feel like a powerful way to escape stress or tension.
Seeking euphoria
Tramadol can cause a mild euphoric feeling in some users, which might lead people to add alcohol into the mix to intensify that sensation. Alcohol is known to lower inhibitions and boost feelings of pleasure temporarily, so mixing the two might seem like a way to maximise a sense of happiness or elation, particularly for those looking for an emotional escape.
Unintentional use
Sometimes, people mix alcohol and tramadol without meaning to. If they’ve been prescribed tramadol for pain, they might not realise how it interacts with alcohol. Having a drink at a social gathering or dinner may seem harmless to them but they might find that alcohol affects them more strongly when taken with the medication, resulting in an unexpectedly intense reaction.
Coping with emotional discomfort
For some people, mixing alcohol and tramadol is a form of self-medication. They may be dealing with emotional pain, anxiety or even depression, and the combination might seem like a way to escape those feelings temporarily. Both substances can dull emotional discomfort, and someone might turn to them together when they’re seeking a fast way to numb their feelings.
Is it dangerous to mix alcohol and tramadol?
Yes, it can be dangerous to mix alcohol and tramadol. Below, we take a look at both short-term and long-term risks of combining these two:
Short-term risks of mixing alcohol and tramadol
- Increased drowsiness and dizziness: The combination of tramadol and alcohol amplifies sedation, making it easier to lose coordination and balance.
- Loss of coordination: Mixing alcohol and tramadol significantly raises the risk of falls, accidents and injuries.
- Respiratory depression: Both substances can slow breathing, and using them together increases the risk of dangerously reduced or stopped breathing.
- Potential for coma or death: The combination of alcohol and tramadol may lead to severe respiratory depression, resulting in unconsciousness or even death in extreme cases.
Long-term risks of mixing alcohol and tramadol
- Liver damage: The combination of alcohol and tramadol puts a strain on the liver, increasing the likelihood of liver damage or failure over time.
- Increased dependency: Regular mixing of these substances raises the risk of physical and psychological dependence.
- Cognitive decline: Prolonged use of alcohol and tramadol together can cause memory issues and impair mental clarity.
- Chronic respiratory issues: The combination may result in lasting breathing difficulties if used continuously.
Can you overdose from mixing Tramadol and alcohol?
Yes, mixing tramadol and alcohol can lead to a dangerous overdose. When combined, these substances can amplify each other’s effects, leading to serious complications.
An overdose from mixing tramadol and alcohol can cause:
- Severe respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing)
- Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures, which are a known risk with tramadol alone but are more likely with alcohol
- Low blood pressure or irregular heart rate
- Coma or even death in severe cases
If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms like extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing or seizures after combining these substances, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately.
I have mixed alcohol and Tramadol together- What should I do?
Whether mixing tramadol and alcohol was intentional or accidental, it’s important to know what to do in a scenario that fits your situation. Both substances can have dangerous effects on the body, and knowing how to act quickly can prevent complications.
If a small amount of tramadol and alcohol was mixed
In this case, the risk might be lower, but it’s still important to be cautious. You may feel more drowsy, lightheaded or nauseous than normal. It’s best to stop drinking immediately and avoid taking any more tramadol. Drink plenty of water, avoid driving or engaging in any activity that requires focus and try to stay in a comfortable, safe environment where someone can keep an eye on you.
If symptoms like dizziness, vomiting or difficulty breathing develop, contact a healthcare professional or visit urgent care for advice.
If a large amount of tramadol and alcohol was mixed
This situation is far more dangerous and could lead to severe consequences like respiratory depression, seizures or loss of consciousness. If someone has taken a large amount or if symptoms like slow or shallow breathing, confusion or unresponsiveness appear, it’s critical to call emergency services immediately.
While waiting for help, try to keep the person awake and alert if possible, monitor their breathing and don’t leave them alone.
I’m worried about how often I mix tramadol and alcohol- what should I do?
If you’re mixing tramadol and alcohol too often, it could be a sign of addiction to one or both substances. Addiction has a way of creeping in slowly, often making it difficult to see when things are slipping out of control. It’s easy to think everything is manageable, but addiction clouds your judgement, making it harder to recognise the warning signs.
Here at Oasis Runcorn, we understand how tough this can be and that’s why getting help early is so important. The sooner you reach out for support, the better your chances of overcoming the issue and regaining control.
We offer a specialised programme designed for individuals struggling with alcohol and tramadol. The journey begins with an initial assessment to fully understand your needs, followed by a medical detox to help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably.
From there, we provide a comprehensive therapy programme, including 1-on-1 counselling, group therapy and holistic treatments like yoga and art. We also focus on aftercare, ensuring you continue to receive the support you need long after you leave our facility, helping you stay on track and maintain your recovery.
For more information on our comprehensive detox and rehab options, contact us today. Regain control of your life, free from the grips of alcohol or tramadol.