PLAYER NOTICE: TRAMADOL TO BE ADDED TO ANTI-DOPING LIST
The painkiller Tramadol is being added to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list from January 1st 2024.
This means there will be significant new restrictions in place around its use in football and across all sports.
WHAT IS TRAMADOL?
Tramadol is a powerful opiate painkiller which is used within football.
It is known to be addictive and the PFA have been aware of members developing serious reliance and addiction issues through usage of Tramadol and other similar painkillers.
There have been concerns about Tramadol use within sport, both from an athlete wellbeing and performance perspective, for a number of years and some sports already have restrictions in place.
WHAT DO THE NEW RULES MEAN?
Tramadol will be added to the WADA restricted list on January 1st next year. This means that there will be far tighter rules in place around the use of Tramadol by athletes, including footballers.
This includes distinctions between ‘in competition’ and ‘out of competition’ use that need to be managed very carefully and with a clear understanding of the regulations. It also means you may need special permission from the authorities to use Tramadol.
You are held responsible for ensuring your use of any restricted or banned medication is within the rules. That includes any use of Tramadol under the new regulations.
Failing to do this might result in a long ban from football.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Tramadol has addictive properties and regular users often do not realise that they have developed a reliance on it.
That means that any decision to stop or adjust your use of Tramadol should be managed very carefully and with professional support.
If you currently use Tramadol, you should urgently speak to your club and medical staff about how this will need to be managed, and what the new rules mean for you.
HOW CAN THE PFA HELP?
We know that there are circumstances where you may be concerned about having a conversation with your club regarding Tramadol or medication usage.
You may be worried that you have developed a reliance on medication and be uncomfortable sharing this or seeking help.
If you have been taking Tramadol or other painkillers, you might be concerned that changing this could impact your performance.
Your club may not be aware of your use of medication.
If you identify with any of these situations, or you would like to speak confidentially about the use of Tramadol or any other medication, the PFA is here to help you.
You can speak to the PFA by contacting your club’s representative or our wellbeing team on 07500 000 777 or at wellbeing@thepfa.com
Source: www.thepfa.com
Ryan Cresswell
Ryan Cresswell, who made over 250 appearances for clubs including Bury, Rotherham, Southend and Northampton, came to the PFA for help with issues he was experiencing with painkiller addiction.
He said: “I had my first knee operation the day before my 17th birthday when I was a scholar. It was cartilage that needed repairing and that lasted for nine years. But once that went again, I was in pain. I took anti-inflammatories and painkillers to manage it. Not just paracetamol but codeine, co-codamol and tramadol. At one point I put a morphine patch on.
“It just completely numbed me. It’s not a good feeling to have and I realised I needed help.”
“My advice to players is to speak to someone. If you have developed a reliance or an addiction, then stopping is a process where you will need help.
“You know if you’re taking too many. Reach out to someone. Pick the phone up and don’t be ashamed of it.”
