Managing Kratom Addiction Side Effects
Kratom is an herbal supplement that comes from a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia. Although kratom has been used medicinally by Southeast Asian cultures and appears to have therapeutic properties, it does also harbor darker attributes. Kratom and other products containing kratom are legal in many areas and they carry a risk of abuse, but what are the Kratom addiction side effects?
Although kratom has less of a risk of dependence than many other substances, such as opioids, that produce opioid-like effects, including pain relief, it is not a benign substance as ongoing research appears to point to. If you are taking kratom, have found yourself increasing its dose, and feel you may depend on it, you should visit Muse Treatment for an evaluation.
Muse Addiction Treatment Center treats all types of substance use disorders. We offer medical detox programs in Los Angeles, as well as inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment programs. We also provide dual diagnosis treatment with our full continuum of care and individualized treatment plans. Don’t let kratom impact your health or well-being. Muse Addiction Treatment Center can help you overcome your dependence and help you manage your drug addiction.
An Increasingly Popular Substance
Kratom has become a popular substance because of the effects it produces. Some people find that it increases their alertness. Others take it to promote feelings of relaxation, calm, or even sedation depending on the dose taken. Some users believe that it can alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms, provide pain relief, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Researchers have found that some people who are addicted to opioids turn to kratom because it’s easier to procure than prescription narcotics. Kratom contains the chemical mitragynine. Mitragynine is an alkaloid that appears to act on the opioid receptors in the brain. Their effects on the opioid receptors may trigger relaxation or pain relief. However, it is important to note that these claims have not been proven. Much of the supposed benefits of kratom are based on anecdotal evidence.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a natural herbal supplement. It’s thought that between 10 to 16 million people in the U.S. use kratom, some taking it in tea form and others ingesting it in powder form, pills, capsules, or other types of drinks. In Asia, kratom use is quite popular. In small doses, kratom appears to increase alertness. Users take kratom in larger doses to reduce symptoms of pain. The supplement contains a compound that works similarly to opioids but is much less dangerous than opioids; however, that doesn’t mean that kratom isn’t dangerous or habit-forming. Kratom is addictive and between 2011 and 2017, nearly 2,000 calls to poison centers were registered in association with kratom.
Is Kratom Legal?
The FDA had proposed classifying kratom as a Schedule I drug because of its addictive qualities and scientifically unproven medical uses. However, there was considerable pushback from the supplement industry and the public. Currently, several states in the U.S. have banned kratom. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. In other states, kratom sales are legal but regulated.
Learn about other substances like Creatine here:
Is Kratom Addictive?
Medical researchers report that kratom can be addictive. Though not as potent as opioids, kratom can still cause dependence and addiction. Someone using kratom regularly can develop a tolerance to the dose they’re taking. At that point, they no longer experience the effects of kratom as strongly or for as long. Many users increase their dose to combat this tolerance, which will work effectively until they develop a tolerance to that dose again. After establishing a tolerance and dose increase pattern, users can develop a serious addiction to kratom.
8 Kratom Addiction Side Effects
If you are dependent or addicted to kratom, you will likely experience certain side effects. Although you may not experience all of the following signs and symptoms of kratom addiction, you should visit Muse for an evaluation if you experience any of them. If you are addicted, the longer you remain dependent on the drug, the deeper the addiction may become.
1. Neglecting Obligations or Responsibilities
One of the classic signs that drug use has become a problem is when the user neglects their responsibilities. They might miss work deadlines or miss work altogether. The effects or after-effects of their kratom use might prevent them from attending meetings with work, family, friends, or various social obligations.
2. Drug Use Impacts Relationships
If using kratom begins to affect relationships with family and friends, it’s a problem. In addition to kratom or any other drug can negatively impact relationships with partners, other family members, friends, and colleagues. If your friends or family have confronted you about your drug use, they may have noticed signs that you aren’t aware of.
3. Inability to Control the Amount Used
Someone with an addiction to kratom may find that they use far more of the drug than is advised. They may be unable to control the frequency or amount of the drug they use. If you try to take less kratom but always seem to increase the dose, you could be addicted.
4. Risk-Taking Activities
Someone with a substance use disorder is at increased risk of engaging in reckless or high-risk activities such as having unprotected sex or driving while under the influence of the drug. If you have engaged in activities you normally wouldn’t, you might have an addiction to kratom.
5. Loss of Interest
Someone addicted to kratom may begin to lose interest in activities they formerly enjoyed. They may become withdrawn from family and friends and even avoid social gatherings. Withdrawing from friends and activities indicates that using kratom has developed into dependence.
6. Mixing Drugs and Alcohol
Someone with an addiction to kratom may use the drug unsafely with other drugs or alcohol. Mixing drugs and alcohol increases the risk of overdose.
7. Inability to Stop Using Kratom
Someone addicted to kratom may feel unable to stop taking the drug. They may try to but find that they cannot stop using the drug. This, too, is a classic sign of drug addiction.
8. Onset of Withdrawal Symptoms
People addicted to kratom are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking the drug or try to reduce their dose. Withdrawal symptoms associated with kratom include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Nausea
If you experience any of these kratom use/abuse effects, you should visit Muse to get help overcoming your dependence on this substance.
Call Muse Treatment for Help With Kratom Addiction
Muse Addiction Treatment Center is a leading addiction treatment center that offers a full spectrum of substance abuse treatment plans. Our programs include evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments that help clients build a strong recovery foundation. Choosing to seek help is an important one. Enrolling in rehab treatment may seem overwhelming initially, but it is the safest and most effective way to manage an addiction, end drug dependence, and transform your life and health for the better.
Let Muse Addiction Treatment Center help you regain your life and achieve your recovery goals. We will customize your treatment based on your unique needs. If you need dual diagnosis treatment or support to manage the Kratom addiction side effects, we can provide help. Call (800) 426-1818 to learn more about our high-quality addiction treatment today.
