The Investigation of Tramadol Dependence with No History of Substance Abuse: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Spontaneously Reported Cases in Guangzhou City, China

Table 2

History of drug abuse of 23 tramadol abusers.

Variables	𝑁
Duration of tramadol abuse (month)
𝑥±𝑠	61.8 ± 30.2
Median (min–max)	63.0 (5–112)
Age of first tramadol use (year)
𝑥±𝑠	18.3 ± 4.0
Median (min–max)	18.0 (13–28)
Purpose of first tramadol use
Instigating by friends or other  acquaintances	14
Curiosity or simulating	9
Medical purpose	2
Experienced the spiritual effects of drugs  (euphoria)	2
Relieving negative emotions	2
Influence of family members	1
Route of administration
Oral	23
Median dose of tramadol use (mg/per time)
At the outset (range)	250.0 (50–1000)
Regular dose (range)	750.0 (100–5000)
Maximum (range)	2000.0 (250–10000)
Source of tramadol
Private clinic or pharmacy	12
Normal pharmacy	6
Black market	6
Relatives or friends	1
Internet	1
Voluntary detoxification for one time or above	16