Kratom is frequently used for various purposes, including self-treating anxiety, depression, pain, recreation, and attempted opioid detox. Although its legality differs by jurisdiction, accessing it is typically not problematic.
Due to its accessibility, most people think the substance is neither addictive nor mild. But even though it is frequently promoted as a treatment for opioid use disorder, kratom is quite addictive. And possibly, in as short as six months, it can become addictive, leading to withdrawal symptoms similar to opioids.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is also known as Mitragyna speciosa, and comes from a Southeast Asian tree. Products made from its leaves are promoted as herbal supplements. Kratom leaves contain compounds like 7-hydroxy mitragynine and mitragynine that significantly affect the body.
There is not much information about the chemical components of kratom, the short and long-term health and safety implications, and its medical benefits. Thus, research has concentrated on kratom and its associated compounds to help formulate policies around its usage.
Why People Use Kratom
Kratom and its related compounds are yet to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. As of the current day, they have not been approved as safe and effective for medical use. However, people use kratom products to ease their drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They also tend to use it as a pain reliever and a product for managing mental health issues.
Some of them believe that kratom is helpful for recreational purposes, and most people are using it in place of opioid and heroin abuse. But there is currently no evidence to support using kratom for opioid withdrawal or other medical issues. Less is also known about the interactions of kratom with other drugs.
There are various ways in which people use kratom products. More specifically, they:
- Swallow kratom raw plant material in the form of powder or capsule.
- Brew the leaves as tea.
- Add kratom powder to meals and beverages.
- Consume liquid kratom extract.
Types of Kratom Strains
There are various kratom types, and the names often come from the region where the plant was first cultivated. Here is the list:
- Vein kratom: This kind of kratom is made of leaf sections that haven’t previously been traditionally collected. Because of its unique alkaloid mix, users frequently experiment with the stems and veins of this plant.
- Malay kratom: is a strain that is not particularly effective at alleviating pain and anxiety. But it may be able to ease tension without making users sleepy. Users believe this specific kratom is especially remarkable at reducing over-stimulating effects when combined with white or green strains.
- Borneo kratom: As the name suggests, this strain originates from Borneo. It was referred to as Bali kratom because it was launched in global markets to the port of Bali. It is considered a more sedating strain with euphoric effects and pain-relieving properties.
- Sumatra kratom: This type originates from the Indonesian island of Sumatra and is red and white. The white Sumatra gives consumers energy and a euphoric experience. Whereas the red strain is a great stress reliever and decent sleep aid.
- Maeng Da kratom: It comes from Thailand and is considered one of the most potent strains in the market. Maeng Da kratom is a popular caffeine alternative since it works well as an energy and mood enhancer. Because of its potent and long-lasting effects, most users need a lesser dose to achieve the same outcomes.
Kratom Side Effects
People who use kratom tend to suffer from its side effects because of the form of kratom they take, the dosage, duration, and frequency. Concentrated extracts are linked with an increased risk of adverse health effects.
Some of the kratom’s side effects include:
- Calmness
- Dry mouth
- Euphoria
- Anorexia
- Constipation
- Increased social behavior, urination, and talkativeness.
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Itching
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Sunburn sensitivity
- Liver damage
- Psychotic symptoms
Some reports mixing kratom with other substances increases the risk of adverse effects on the body. However, additional clinical research is required to understand how kratom affects the body.
Kratom Withdrawal
According to research, people may encounter mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms when they stop to use kratom regularly.
These withdrawal symptoms include:
- Cravings
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
- Aches and pains
- Nausea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Runny nose
- Jerky movements
- Weakness and fatigue
- Hallucinations
The kratom detoxification process entails gradually lowering the dosage of the substance. This process could take up to a week to reduce its effects on the body.
Treatment for Kratom
In most instances, people suffering from kratom symptoms begin treatment after detox. The primary objective is to help them live a healthy and drug-free life while addressing other health-related issues like anxiety and depression.
Kratom addiction can be treated in several ways, and most often, patients combine several treatments. The following are just some of the treatment options:
Medication
It has been established that drugs like lofexidine and dihydrocodeine, which are successful in treating opioid withdrawal, are also helpful in treating kratom withdrawal. However, further research is required to find the most effective treatment for kratom addiction.
As the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCCDA) indicates, anti-anxiety medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressant medications are beneficial for kratom withdrawal and addiction treatment.
Therapeutic option
An individual with a kratom problem can get therapeutic therapy from psychologists or an addiction counselor. They have the option of doing therapy alone or with their family.
They can choose from a wide variety of therapies. For instance, behavioral therapy seeks to assist patients in recognizing and altering their self-destructive attitudes and behaviors. They also receive counseling to help them develop coping mechanisms for drug cravings, abstinence, and relapse.
Treatment for Addiction in Riverside County
As medical research suggests, kratom affects the brain due to its opioid-like effects. The FDA has not yet approved kratom for any use. However, some people use kratom to relieve the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and to manage mental health issues.
Kratom is addictive and can cause adverse effects as well as withdrawal symptoms. Its treatments are only effective after detoxification and can involve a combination of therapy and medications.
Inland Detox in Riverside County, California, has comprehensive drug programs that compassionately assist people battling drug addiction. Our programs are tailored toward helping those who need it and giving them a personal support network at the same time.