Expert: Walt - 3/7/2006

Question
I am a recovering heroin addict and have been perscribed Tramadol for pain.  Will this affect my recovery?  Is it addictive? Will it show up as a false positive in a urine test? I am on federal probation and have been sober ofr 3 years.  I am scared to take anything that would trigger my addiction.  Is Tramadol safe?

Christina

Answer
Christina,

Please forgive the delay in this answer.  For some reason your question was not delivered until thirty minutes ago.

First, if you are in a good Spritual space, pain medication has a far weaker chance of interrupting your continued recovery.

Because of the rest of the information you told me, please do the folllowing:

Speak with the doctor who prescribed this pain medication.  Tell the whole truth to this doctor.  Ask the same questions you have asked me.  Listen carefully to everythig you get as a reply.

Contact your original Counselors or Therapists from whatever programs/rehabs you have attented.  If you are still seeing a Counselor/Therapist on an outpatient basis, speak with them, also.  Ask the same questions you asked me.

If you are not seeing any professional at present, look in the back of your phone book under Addiction Services.  Call, and ask the questions.

The reason I suggest all of this is so that you have complete information from professionals, as well as sufficient documentation that you made every effort to be sure you are still legally "clean and sober".

Thanks for writing, Christine.  Please write again, and let me know how you are doing.  I care.
...walt