I have a long term script for tramadol for knee pain.
I don't really have knee pain anymore but continue to take it because:
1. I am addicted, I cannot stop taking it. I can go through the day just fine, but when it comes to night time and I try to sleep I get VERY bad withdrawal. Feels like anxiety and bugs crawling all over my body. So for that reason I keep taking it. I also want to add, that I've never smoked weed or done any kind of rec drug. I've also had large doses of narcotic painkillers following surgery and never got addicted to that stuff. Tramadol is dangerous stuff because there are no side effects while taking it, so there is really no reason for you to want to stop. I take it for the lift in mood that it gives me, not for pain purposes.
2. Doesn't do much for pain, but puts me in a good mood. Just makes you happy but not loopy. If you research online, there are many people taking this stuff in place of an anti-depressant. Works great for that purpose. Virtually no side effects and it makes you just overall happy and want to talk/associate with others.
3. The mild pain relief is good for training, allows you to push harder while working out.
Doctors prescribe this stuff because it's marketed as not addictive, but the reality is it's just as addictive as the narcotic painkillers and the withdrawal symptoms are just as tough to fight.
Hope this helps