DH on Tramadol

[mrszebrastripe]

Hi all, DH was been on Tramadol for the last 4- 5 years. He also drinks regularly and much more than advised and I've discovered that he also takes lots of ProPlus. I think he is addicted to the Tramadol, but he swears it's just prescribed pain relief. I worry a lot about the Tramadol/alcohol combination. Do you think he has a problem or am I over reacting?

It's hard to say, does he have a chronic pain type condition? I've been on tramadol for years now, and don't avoid alcohol (though the most I drink would a half bottle of wine over an evening). Having said that, I know it's not recommended as I think it can make the effects of alcohol more pronounced and strain your liver.
When you say drinks regularly, is it every day or every few days? Every day, and pro plus might suggest an issue

It is prescribed to treat chronic pain. He drinks pretty much every day. I query addiction because he gets very defensive if I raise the issue of an operation or if there are alternatives to Tramadol he could ask his GP about.

Could you try suggesting he gets referred to a pain clinic? They suggested an alternative drug to me that is like tramadol but without the side affects, but as I'm still breastfeeding I decided it was too untested for me. Planning to change to it once I stop though. The alternative before that was morphine so I think I'd prefer tramadol over that. Chronic pain is utterly miserable, and the odd drink or evening drinking can make you feel a bit more human and normal.
From what you have said, the individual things are not concerning, but put together they do paint a slightly worrying picture. All I can say is that for me, I get no buzz or high type thing from tramadol, and even after taking maximum doses for 2 years, I was able to stop with no issues when I was pregnant. Everyone is different though, and it is an opiate so should never be treated lightly.
Happy for you to PM me if I can help you in any way

Thank you so much lilygirl. Im going to talk to him tomorrow and see if he is open to visiting a pain management clinic.