The non-medical use of tramadol in the UK: findings from a large community sample

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prescription drug misuse has become a public health problem in several developed countries. In the UK, there has been no increase in people seeking treatment for prescription drug dependence, but there has been a progressive rise in fatal overdoses involving tramadol. OBJECTIVES: To explore the source, motivations for use and patterns of use of tramadol in the UK. METHODS: We conducted anonymous online survey of drug use and related behaviours as part of an ongoing drug trend monitoring initiative. We included questions assessing the patterns of use, source and function of tramadol. RESULTS: UK Survey respondents (n = 7360) were predominantly young (mean age 29), and 90% reported..