Kratom is often viewed by people who use it as a safer alternative to prescription opioids and antidepressants, and some even promote using it as a detoxing agent for drug and alcohol addiction.
However, this drug is anything but safe, and in many cases, it can become highly addictive when abused or taken regularly.
Understanding Kratom
Kratom comes from Southeast Asia and it is a tropical tree with leaves that produce psychoactive effects. Lower doses tend to release its stimulant properties whereas higher doses result in sedation.
Southeast Asian natives will often chew the leaves directly from the kratom tree to relieve pain or produce euphoria. However, kratom is also available for purchase in gas stations, smoke shops, or by mail from companies selling it online all over the world.
The leaves are typically dried and ground into a fine powder which is either consumed via capsules or brewed into a tea.
Kratom's Physical and Psychological Effects
Kratom is a potent herbal substance that in animal studies, has shown to be even more powerful than morphine.
Physically, kratom abusers may experience a range of symptoms, depending on the dose, including:
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Itching
Some users have also had trouble sleeping, had seizures, or experienced tachycardia as a result of taking kratom.
Psychologically, kratom can cause extreme sedation and euphoria; especially when consumed in higher doses. Psychosis, hallucinations, delusions, and confusion have all been reported.
How Do People Get Addicted to Kratom?
Kratom users often report that this drug leads to a quick tolerance. That means that in order to experience its effects, they must continually increase how much they use.
For example, an individual may start by taking two kratom capsules and then in just a few months, they could end up taking as many as 12 capsules for the same rate of effectiveness.
Tolerance is one of the first signs of addiction. Once a person is addicted to kratom, it can be extremely difficult to stop using it. Professional treatment may be needed for them to be successful, which could involve a period of drug detox and then drug rehab.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatments
Many addiction treatment experts consider kratom and its effects similar to opioids. The withdrawal symptoms people experience when stopping this drug are very similar to what occurs during opioid withdrawal.
Common kratom withdrawal symptoms include:
- Intense cravings
- Insomnia
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches and pains
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
Some individuals may need medication-assisted treatment to get through the kratom withdrawal process. It is not uncommon for patients to be recommended for naloxone or buprenorphine along with therapy as they are detoxing from kratom.
People who abuse five grams of kratom or more several times per day should consider getting professional treatment to help with the addiction. These individuals are at a high risk for relapsing or perhaps even turning to a drug like heroin to get relief from their symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms may last as long as 10 days for some individuals, depending on the severity of their addiction. However, once the detox phase is over, it is critical to attend rehab to address the root cause of the addiction. This will aid in the long-term healing process and provide the person with the necessary support to avoid a relapse in the future.
Focus Treatment Centers Offers Recovery Help for Kratom Addiction
If you or someone you love has been abusing kratom, getting help is vitally important. Reach out to Focus Treatment Centers today and let’s discuss your options for recovery.
