Josh Chandler | August 12, 2024

What Does Kratom Do?

Kratom is a term we have all heard of, but many still ask: “What does kratom do?” Just like any other substance, it has a high chance of abuse. We do not condone the use of it at Muse Treatment, but we feel it is necessary to educate you on what it is and what it does.

The rising popularity of it has caused a rise in abuse, where individuals can use it to get high. It provides effects similar to alcohol, opioids, and stimulants, depending on the amount consumed. What does kratom do? We will discuss that in this article.

 

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What is Kratom?

Kratom is a substance from Thailand, found in the plant Mitragyna speciosa, which has been around for thousands of years. When asking: “What does kratom do?” there are mixed opinions. The Drug Enforcement Administration does not currently control it, and it is commonly sold in many smoke shops and tobacco stores. 

It comes from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where the leaves are dried out and often put into a tea broth. In other scenarios, it can be placed in capsule form and swallowed and ingested. It has been used for thousands of years in native regions.

It is a derivative of the same plant used to make coffee, and in Southeast Asia, kratom has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is known to relieve pain and provide energy and has a drastic sense of healing properties in the regions where it is found.

 

How Kratom Works in the Body

What does kratom do? Well, it consists of two chemicals called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Mitragynine works on the opioid receptors in the brain. This is why it has been known to produce pain-relieving properties. 

Furthermore, it causes a release of dopamine and serotonin that often produce euphoric effects. 7-hydroxymitrgaynine is less present in kratom but provides the same outcomes. When combined, the two can produce pain relief and sedation, though dependency is common. 

These chemicals interact with various parts of the brain and body, and their ultimate effects often depend on the strain of kratom. These include red vein kratom, which is known to relieve pain and provide relaxation, as well as green vein kratom, which causes a sense of alertness. Lastly, white vein kratom can elevate mood and can increase energy. Again, the amount taken at a given time and other factors, including weight and body makeup, determine its effects. 

 

The Effects of Kratom

In smaller doses, it can produce pain relief, stimulation, and relaxation. Though there is limited research on how it works, in smaller doses, it is known to produce a stimulating effect, as the active chemicals in kratom bind to receptors in the brain responsible for adrenaline. This can increase energy, focus, and even confidence.

In a higher dose, it is known to provide calming effects. Though limited research exists on why this occurs, many find it useful for sleep, especially when individuals suffer from anxiety or insomnia. Though it sounds like we are emphasizing the “good” of kratom, remember that it is like any substance and has a high chance of abuse and addiction in the wrong hands.

 

Short-Term Effects of Kratom Use

What does kratom do? We have discussed its origin, but how does it work in the short term? Within 10 to 30 minutes of consumption, it often leads to a euphoric feeling that can be similar to opioids. It also produces a stimulating effect that goes alongside the “positive” end of what kratom does. At lower doses, it can provide energy and alertness, though in higher doses, it can cause relaxation and comfort in social situations. 

Again, we do not condone the use of kratom, but these are the facts. Just like any drug, it has negative effects that can include nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and damaged cognitive functioning. This can lead to an impairment of motor functions, and it has a high occurrence of abuse. Remember, just because it sounds good does not necessarily mean it will assist you. Many become dependent on the drug, as well as addicted, due to its sedative effects. If you are struggling with an addiction, please reach out to us.

 

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Long-Term Effects

What does kratom do? Just like all substances, it comes with its own risks. One of these is dependence, or the inability to function without it. This means the body adapts to its presence, making it harder to stop. Tolerance is another issue with it, where consistent use can be increased to feel the same desired effects. 

This can lead to addiction, and yes, kratom withdrawal symptoms are available. These include aches, pain in the joints, nausea, sweating, anxiety, depression, and even cravings for it.

Long-term, kratom can cause severe mental health issues, difficulties concentrating, and even issues with cognitive functioning such as memory, attention, and the ability to make decisions. it can impair motor function, and if any of these symptoms occur, they may be permanent. 

 

The Risks and Side Effects

What does kratom do? We have discussed some of the “good,” but like all drugs, kratom comes with its own risks. Many users report nausea and even vomiting. Others find they feel dizzy or lightheaded, which can cause balance problems. 

Often, it can cause intense sweating, which can lead to dehydration. In the long term, because kratom works on opioid receptors, it can cause dependency for pain management. Another common side effect is called “serotonin syndrome.” 

Serotonin syndrome occurs when too much serotonin is produced at once. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that leads to elevated mood and sociability, but it can lead to long-lasting effects such as disorientation, high blood pressure, and loss of balance. When it is combined with antidepressants, it can cause serotonin syndrome – a dangerous condition.

It can also lead to long-term psychological and emotional effects, including long-lasting anxiety and even depression. What does kratom do? Well, it functions by binding to opioid and serotonin receptors, and this causes the potential for abuse and long-term side effects. Be careful what you hear on the streets!

 

Kratom and Addiction

Kratom can cause addiction, just like any other substance. If used extensively, many users report cravings for it. Dependence, or the inability to function without a particular substance, is reported by many users. 

This can also lead to kratom addiction and side effects, as it can have euphoric or sedative effects that many use to isolate depression and other symptoms that can be treated more thoroughly with specific medications. It should never be consumed while under the influence of other substances, and this includes alcohol, common benzodiazepines, stimulants, and opioids. When combined with these substances, it can cause potentially life-threatening consequences.

 

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Legal Status of Kratom

At the federal level, kratom is not considered a controlled substance, but the DEA has voiced its concerns about its safety. In 2016, the DEA tried to list kratom as a Schedule 1 substance, but because of a 145,000-signature petition to the White House from members of the kratom community, the DEA backed down from its stance. 

Though this may mean it is legal at the federal level, six states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin) have made it illegal. If found in possession of it, you can be charged with a DUI charge in the event of intoxication. Elsewhere in the world, it is commonly legal.

 

Treatment for Kratom Abuse and Dependence

If you are addicted to kratom, you may experience negative symptoms when not using it. In this case, it is best to seek out assistance for treatment. Just like any other substance, it comes with a high rate of abuse, dependence, and addiction, and these are best treated by recovery-based medical intervention, the culmination of therapeutic techniques (all offered at Muse Treatment), and support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous. 

 

Muse Treatment’s Approach to Kratom Abuse

At Muse Treatment’s Los Angeles drug rehab center, we offer a supportive environment where trained staff administer detoxification options, support groups, and intensive care. If you are seeking treatment for kratom abuse, dependence, or any other substance use disorder, contact Muse Treatment online or call us at 800-426-1818. We await to hear from you. Remember, it is still a drug! If it were not, the DEA would not have taken the effort it did to ban the substance, so realize that if you are addicted to kratom, it is no different than an addiction to any other drug. Seek help with effective drug addiction treatment at Muse Treatment.

 

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