The surge in kratom’s popularity in recent years has led to a significant spike in instances of kratom misuse and dependency. This Southeast Asian plant is recognized for its sedative and stimulating properties. Lots of individuals use kratom, believing it alleviates diverse conditions including insomnia, pain, and indigestion. Some use it only for its psychoactive properties. However, any substance that impacts the body and mind carries the inherent risk of abuse.
This blog by experts from Mallard Lake Detox Center, a center renowned for its expert kratom addiction treatment program serving Dallas, TX, entails more information regarding Kratom addiction and treatment, as shown in the table of contents below.
Kratom: What Is It?
Kratom, sourced from the mitragyna speciosa tree Indigenous to Southeast Asia, was first used to address conditions like digestive issues, fatigue, and pain. Currently, it is being abused in the United States for its stimulant properties, rendering it popular among individuals seeking heightened energy, enhanced focus, and improved social interactions. At elevated dosages, kratom may induce sedation and euphoria, resulting in potential misuse and addiction.
Is Kratom Legal?
Contrary to popular belief, kratom is not prohibited in the US. Kratom products are classified as dietary supplements, thus their purchase and sale are legal in most states. Although kratom is allowed at the federal level, several states have prohibited its use. The states include Arkansas, Alabama, Wisconsin, Tennessee, California, and Vermont. Moreover, the FDA urges consumers not to take Kratom owing to the potential for addiction, dependency, and misuse.
What Are The Effects of Kratom?
Even though Kratom does not include opiates, the main alkaloids it includes- 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine- bind to the exact same receptors in the brain to which opiates bind to.
In little dosages, Kratom can produce an invigorating, stimulating impact that is similar to the buzz you normally get from cocaine or coffee. In higher dosages, it may have a euphoric, soothing effect akin to an opioid like morphine. Some individuals report an analgesic, numbing effect.
Kratom is classified as a psychoactive substance due to its interaction with brain receptors. Some individuals claim that it can enhance mood and increase concentration. However, it doesn’t produce hallucinations or change perception in any meaningful manner.
In fact, the levels of psychotropic chemicals are so minimal that you would need to consume an enormous quantity of Kratom to cause the same ‘high’ sensation you normally receive when you consume other psychotropic substances such as THC.
The following are some of the effects of Kratom effects:
- Euphoria
- Increased energy and focus
- Nausea and dizziness
- Sweating and itching
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Anxiety and agitation
Is Kratom Addictive?
There is so much controversy over the addictive potential of kratom. Some individuals believe that its non-opioid classification mitigates the danger of addiction. Some research indicates that kratom may assist with opioid detox. Kratom is a chemical that elicits responses in the body and brain, making it possible to develop a physical and psychological dependency or addiction to it.
The first sign of potential kratom dependency is an increased tolerance, necessitating a greater dose to get equivalent benefits. An average individual needs between 1 and 4 grams of kratom to experience its effects. If you find yourself needing ten grams or even more, then you could have developed a tolerance. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of kratom use very probably indicates a dependency on the substance.
Drug or alcohol addiction renders individuals unable to cease their use. Physical dependence on drugs is not a prerequisite for addiction, although many individuals with addiction do acquire such dependencies. An effective method to overcome an addiction is a comprehensive rehab strategy. Contact Mallard Lake Detox Center to get more information on successful addiction treatment programs and our expert Kratom addiction treatment program serving Dallas, TX.
Stats on Kratom Addiction
The primary agencies researching the effects of Kratom are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Although these organizations recommend more studies, they have already collected significant data and information essential for understanding Kratom as well as its effects.
Several statistics on Kratom addiction include:
- Most fatalities associated with Kratom involve the concomitant use of other substances.
- In 2017, the FDA documented a minimum of 45 fatalities associated with kratom, including at least one incident with pure Kratom.
- Common substances that may be used along with Kratom include illegal narcotics, benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioids, as well as over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
Signs of Kratom Addiction
Identifying the signs of kratom addiction is essential for prompt intervention. Typical signs of kratom dependency encompass:
- Increased tolerance requiring higher doses
- Cravings and compulsive use
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Irritability and mood swings
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Neglecting responsibilities at work or home
- Financial difficulties due to excessive spending on kratom
- Social isolation and strained relationships
- Anxiety, depression, or paranoia
- Physical symptoms like nausea, sweating, and muscle pain
If you or someone you love is displaying these symptoms, a professional kratom addiction treatment program may be essential to disrupt the cycle of addiction.
Symptoms and Timeline of Kratom Withdrawal
The withdrawal from kratom may be arduous and distressing; but, with appropriate medical assistance, the process becomes more feasible. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline:
6-12 Hours After Last Dose:
- Early cravings begin
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Sweating and mild irritability
1-3 Days (Peak Withdrawal Phase):
- Intense cravings
- Muscle aches and body pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Mood swings and depression
4-7 Days (Symptoms Begin to Ease):
- Physical symptoms gradually subside
- Energy levels remain low
- Sleep patterns start to improve
- Lingering anxiety and mood instability
1-2 Weeks (Recovery Phase):
- Most physical symptoms resolve
- Mental and emotional well-being continues to improve
- Cravings may persist but become manageable
- Appetite and sleep return to normal
Kratom Addiction
Kratom addiction presents significant challenges, although several treatment alternatives exist. The first step in addressing Kratom addiction is to get expert assistance. A healthcare practitioner may assess the individual’s condition and provide a suitable treatment strategy.
Kratom Addiction Treatment
Kratom addiction may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), group or individual therapy, behavioral therapies (CBT, DBT, etc.), holistic therapies (equine therapy, yoga, meditation, nutritional counseling, etc.), etc. Individual therapy can assist the user in comprehending the root causes of their addiction as well as formulating strategies to cope with withdrawal symptoms. Group therapy offers a friendly setting for individuals to discuss their experiences and get insights from others who have succeeded in overcoming Kratom addiction.
Levels of Care at Kratom Rehab
Kratom rehab is a specialist treatment program aimed at assisting persons in overcoming Kratom addiction. Rehab programs may be conducted on an inpatient or outpatient basis and can last for several weeks or months. Inpatient programs offer a systematic and nurturing setting that enables individuals to concentrate on their rehab free from interruptions. Outpatient programs enable individuals to maintain their normal activities while undergoing addiction treatment.
Start Your Recovery Today with Mallard Lake’s Kratom Addiction Treatment Program Serving Dallas, TX!
Although overcoming addiction can be profoundly difficult, you need not endure it alone. If you or someone you love needs expert assistance regarding kratom addiction or other substance use disorders, please reach out to Mallard Lake Detox Center immediately. We offer an array of treatment programs and tools to assist you in overcoming addiction. Our experts are more than eager to assist you. Call us today!