Kratom Addiction Dangerous Effects and Drug Rehab Treatment

What is Kratom Used For?

Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that hold compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects. Most people take kratom as a pill, capsule, or extract.

Some people chew kratom leaves or brew the dried or powdered leaves as tea. Sometimes, the leaves are smoked or eaten in food. Kratom’s effects are comparable to those of opioid drugs like morphine and heroin. Although kratom has been used as a treatment for opioid addiction, it can be addictive and may lead to relapse.

Kratom is not currently a banned substance and has been easy to order on the internet. It is sometimes sold as a green powder in packets marked “not for human consumption.” It is also sometimes sold as an extract or gum.

Kratom, a nearly unknown herb among physicians in the Western world, is advertised on the internet as an alternative to opioid analgesics, a potential treatment for opioid withdrawal, and a “legal high” with the least addiction potential. Physicians in the United States should be informed of the growing availability and misuse of kratom and the herb’s potential adverse health effects, with particular awareness of kratom’s toxicity, addictive potential, and linked withdrawal syndrome.

Dangers of Kratom Addiction

Like other drugs with opioid-like effects, kratom might cause dependency, suggesting users will feel physical withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue taking the drug. Unfortunately, some users have reported becoming addicted to kratom.

There have been multiple reports of deaths in people who had ingested kratom, but most have involved other substances. A 2019 paper analyzing data from the National Poison Data System found that between 2011-2017 there were 11 deaths correlated with kratom exposure. Nine of the 11 deaths reported in this study involved kratom plus other drugs and medications, such as diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), alcohol, caffeine, benzodiazepines, fentanyl, and cocaine. Two deaths were reported following exposure to kratom alone with no other registered substances.

In 2017, the FDA identified at least 44 deaths linked to kratom, with at least one case investigating pure kratom’s potential use. The FDA reports note that many of the kratom-associated deaths looked to have resulted from contaminated products or taking kratom with other potent substances, including illicit drugs, opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, gabapentin, and over-the-counter medications, such as cough syrup.

Also, some reports of kratom packaged as dietary supplements or dietary ingredients that were laced with other compounds that caused deaths. People should check with their healthcare providers about the safety of blending kratom with other medications.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

Healthcare or addiction treatment professionals can check for symptoms and problems linked to kratom use, like dependence, withdrawal, or possible adverse effects on physical or mental health.

Kratom addiction signs and symptoms may include the following:

• Changes in Mood: Mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability.
• Changes in Behavior: Acting secretive, aggressive, or violent.
• Changes in Physical Appearance: Red eyes or kratom eye wobbles, weight loss or weight gain, poor hygiene.
• Health Issues: Reduction of energy, fatigue, and chronic illnesses related to drug use.
• Changes in Social Activities: Withdrawal from friends or family, relationship problems, new friendships with identified drug users.
• Poor School or Work Performance: A decline in grades or work performance, loss of a job, disinterest in school or work, skipping school or work frequently.
• Money or Legal Problems: Asking for money without a reasonable explanation, stealing from friends or family, and being arrested.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Quitting kratom might cause mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms in some people, according to studies. The most common symptoms of withdrawal from kratom may include the following:

• Muscle throbbings.
• Insomnia.
• Irritability.
• Hostility.
• Aggression.
• Emotional fluctuations.
• Runny nose.
• Jerky movements.

Kratom withdrawal refers to the set of symptoms that some individuals may experience when they stop using kratom, an herbal substance known for its stimulant and pain-relieving effects. Understanding and managing these withdrawal effects is crucial for individuals considering taking kratom or discontinuation of kratom use.

How Long Does Kratom Withdrawal Last? Timeline Chart

Kratom withdrawal, while uncomfortable, is generally not considered life-threatening. However, individuals experiencing severe symptoms or those with underlying health issues should seek medical attention to ensure a safe and supportive withdrawal process.

Learn More:

• Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test? Screening and Confirmation
• Most Common Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms. The Use of Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal. Kratom Withdrawal Timeline Chart. Evidenced-Based Treatment for Kratom Withdrawals and Kratom Detox.
• Mixing Kratom and Alcohol Dangerous Effects

Risk of Kratom Addiction

Regular use of kratom may lead to dependence, where the body gets used to having it. When someone stops using kratom, withdrawal symptoms may occur, causing cravings to ease these symptoms. Using higher doses, more than 5 grams a day and three times daily, increases the risk of dependence.

Kratom users need to understand these risks, especially if they take higher doses regularly. Seeking professional advice and keeping track of usage can help manage dependence and address any related difficulties.

How Addictive is Kratom?

While researchers explore kratom’s effects, interactions, and therapeutic uses, some experts are concerned about its potential for addiction because its main compounds activate brain receptors linked to addictive drugs.

However, early studies suggest that kratom’s activation of these receptors might reduce the risk of addiction compared to opioids. Some people use kratom to alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms from opioids and stimulants. Research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institutes of Health’s HEAL Initiatives aims to develop new medications, including kratom-derived products, for chronic pain, opioid withdrawal, and opioid use disorder.

In cases of kratom addiction, seeking help is crucial for a safe and effective recovery. Professional guidance and support can provide tailored strategies to manage withdrawal symptoms, address underlying issues, and establish a path toward a healthier lifestyle.

Kratom Detox

Kratom detox is a process aimed at helping individuals safely and gradually overcome dependence on kratom. The first step in detox involves a thorough assessment by healthcare professionals to determine the extent of dependence, overall health, and any potential co-occurring issues.

During detoxification, the individual gradually reduces their kratom intake under medical supervision, allowing the body to adjust to lower levels of the substance. Medical support helps manage withdrawal symptoms, which may include irritability, nausea, muscle aches, and difficulty sleeping. The goal of kratom detox is to safely eliminate the substance from the body while providing necessary care to ease the discomfort associated with withdrawal.

While detoxing from kratom is a crucial initial step, it is typically not sufficient for long-term recovery. Following detox, individuals often engage in evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction. This comprehensive approach, combining detoxification with therapeutic interventions, aims to support individuals on their path to recovery from kratom dependence.

Kratom Addiction Behavioral Therapy

While there isn’t a specific FDA-approved medication treatment explicitly tailored for kratom addiction, certain evidence-based therapeutic approaches commonly used for substance use disorders may be beneficial. The top choices for behavioral therapies that are often considered satisfactory include the following:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction. CBT can address triggers for drug cravings and develop coping strategies to prevent relapse.
• Contingency Management (CM): CM provides positive reinforcement for desired behaviors such as abstinence from kratom use. This can involve rewards or incentives to encourage and maintain sobriety.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): MET focuses on increasing an individual’s motivation to change and commit to treatment. It can help explore personal values and goals, strengthening the resolve to overcome addiction.

While these therapies are widely used for substance use disorders, individual responses to treatment vary, and a personalized approach is often the most effective. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals can help determine the most suitable behavioral therapy for addressing kratom addiction.

Physical Kratom Side Effects

• Pain relief.
• Increased energy.
• Increased libido.
• Sleepiness.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Increased urination.
• Itching.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea.
• Sweating.
• Sensitivity to sunburn.

Behavioral Kratom Side Effects

• Talkativeness.
• Increased social behavior.

Mood

• Calmness.
• Sense of well-being.
• Euphoria.

Psychological

• Increased motivation.
• Increased alertness.
• Psychosis.