Tramadol is supposedly not a narcotic but it certainly can be addictive.
I've been on regular release for nine months for Peripheral Neuropathy, over half that time at the maximum dosage (8 per day). I've cut back a few times all the way down to zero for a couple days and haven't had a problem except for increased pain that the Tramadol was masking. All and all I'd say Tramadol has been a real lifesaver for me.
For some real horror stories go here
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/addict...es/30264a.html
but remember the people who speak up on the negative aspects of anything always speak up the most. People who don't have any problems tend to stay quiet about it and don't even visit links like the above.