Well, the Ultram is still a narcotic, but with (supposedly) less of a high, and the same amount of pain relief. But just because there's less of a high, doesn't mean there won't be withdrawls. ALL opiates have a chance for physical dependency, and anyone who tells you different is either lying to you or isn't familiar with what they are prescribing. Either way, that's scary. If you have insurance or can afford it, please get a second opinion. ULTRAM IS AN OPIOID.