UK Tramadol addiction - nhs treatment?
An elderly relative has approached me knowing my history with substance issues. They've been using Tramadol for 4 years for arthritis pain. She had started to notice flu-like symptoms when she ran out of pills between scripts. Just this weekend it went 3 days without any and she was suffering full-blown withdrawals.
She realises now she has become addicted to these pills and is shocked and ashamed. She is back on them for the time being and I am arranging taking her to her GP to see what help we can get her to get off them - something she is determined to do now she knows she is dependent on them.
I was wondering if anyone knows what the nhs does in this situation? What medication they offer to help withdrawal when there has been no intention to abuse the medication. I would just like to be prepared as she is quite upset over this and I expect I will be doing most of the talking. As I've said this question is really specific to the UK nhs.
Thanks.
Stu.