What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia with compounds known to have opioid-like effects. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat pain, anxiety, and depression. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a recreational drug. The primary active compounds found in kratom are mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which work on the body’s opioid receptors to produce effects similar to those of opioids such as morphine and codeine.
Kratom has a stimulant effect at low doses and sedative properties at higher doses. It can also produce euphoria, making it attractive for recreational use. Although kratom does have some potential health benefits, there are also risks associated with its use, such as becoming physically dependent and overdosing.
Kratom is usually orally by swallowing a pill or in powder form. It can also be smoked, brewed into tea, or made into an extract. The effects of kratom usually last for 4-6 hours and may include increased energy levels, alertness, talkativeness, and a sense of well-being.
The two active substances found in kratom, mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine, work on the opioid receptors in the brain, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Addiction can develop if you take the drug for as little as a few weeks.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
Most people use kratom for its powerful stimulant and opioid-like effects. It can produce feelings of euphoria and improved mood, increased energy levels, alertness, focus, and motivation — similar to other drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines. Some people use it to improve pain, treat anxiety and depression, or to self-medicate. Others use it to alleviate stomach discomfort, relieve nausea, reduce opioid cravings, relieve muscle aches, as a dietary supplement, and just because they like kratom’s effects. Despite its potential benefits, taking kratom is still controversial due to its highly addictive nature, similar to those of opioid compounds. Some people have experienced severe side effects and even death from taking high doses as well as mixing kratom with other substances. Research suggests that kratom is more addictive than other drugs, such as alcohol, cocaine, and morphine.
How Kratom Addiction Develops
People who use kratom regularly may develop a psychological dependence on it and require more of the substance to experience the same effects. Over time, when the brain becomes dependent on psychoactive substances like kratom, it leads to physical dependence and a tolerance that requires more of the substance to achieve the same desired effect as the last dose.
As the body becomes accustomed to higher doses and the person continues to take more of the drug, they generally develop an addiction/drug dependence. Addiction is characterized by compulsive use despite negative consequences, such as withdrawal symptoms, poor health, relationship issues, and financial difficulties.
Kratom addiction is a serious condition that can result in compulsive drug-seeking behaviors, leading to serious health risks and mental illness. Because kratom is legal and can be bought over the counter at smoke shops, people often misuse it recreationally or to help them deal with symptoms of opioid withdrawal. The problem is that the amount of active ingredient in kratom, mitragynine, can vary greatly, making it difficult to determine the exact dose and effects, which is how addiction can occur.
Kratom Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom addiction is a real and serious concern, especially for those who misuse it over long periods. People addicted to kratom will often experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop taking it. Common symptoms of kratom withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Severe depression
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Fever
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there is a variety of kratom addiction. Some of the physical symptoms and effects of kratom use include:
- Feeling off without the drug
- Feeling restless
- Runny nose
- Muscle aches
- Tremors
- Muscle jerks
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Changes in urine
- Sweating
- Increased energy
- Inability to feel pain
- Breathing problems
- Changes in skin color
- Nausea
- Vomiting
There are also cognitive, mental health, and psychosocial symptoms of using kratom that include:
- Decreased libido
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Delusions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Panic
- Poor decision-making
Some of the most common psychological symptoms of kratom abuse include being overly talkative, attempting but failing to stop using kratom, abusing the drug, and failing to keep up with responsibilities.
If you stop taking the drug, your body will likely go through kratom withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal symptoms. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, some signs of kratom withdrawal include:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Anger or aggression
- Irritability
- Runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
As with opioid drugs and other opioid-like substances, the severity of kratom withdrawal symptoms will depend on how long you have abused the substance, the dosage, and more. Because the amount of the active substance in kratom varies, it is also possible for people to overdose on it. Some of the most common signs of a kratom overdose are:
- Agitation
- Extreme drowsiness
- Delusions
- Coma
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Loss of coordination
- Muscle spasms
- Respiratory depression
Will You Experience Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms?
Some people may experience mild kratom withdrawal symptoms, while others might have more severe reactions. The severity of kratom withdrawal symptoms will depend on the dose, duration of use, and other individual factors. Generally speaking, people who have been using kratom for a long time or at higher doses are more likely to experience stronger symptoms of withdrawal than those who have only used it occasionally.
Kratom can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, so it’s important to seek professional help if you think you may be addicted. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one experiencing withdrawal symptoms, contact our kratom detox center at (818) 659-9444 for treatment options.
Kratom Detox and Addiction Treatment Programs
Before you can get to the root causes of addiction, you need to rid the body of the substance causing it while safely managing withdrawal symptoms. When quitting kratom, you can choose to detox on your own or take advantage of a comprehensive kratom detox program. Attempting to detox from psychoactive drugs on your own can be dangerous, so seeking professional help from a reputable treatment center is highly recommended to help you avoid the severe symptoms of kratom withdrawal.
At our kratom detox center, we provide personalized treatment plans that are designed to meet each person’s individual needs. Our team of experienced medical professionals will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan that includes evidence-based treatments and therapeutic interventions such as individual counseling and group therapy for emotional support.
We also provide kratom withdrawal support services such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Our goal is to ensure that our clients can manage the symptoms of kratom withdrawal and ultimately achieve long-term recovery from substance abuse and any associated mental health disorder(s).
Kratom Detox and Withdrawal Process
At our kratom detox center, we understand the importance of providing a safe and comfortable environment for our clients to focus on addiction recovery. The medical detox process typically begins with an assessment to determine the client’s physical, mental, and emotional health needs. Afterward, a personalized treatment plan is created based on the individual’s needs and recovery goals.
We provide 24-hour care and support during medical detox to ensure that our clients are safe and comfortable during kratom withdrawal. The goal of this process is to gradually wean people off kratom in a safe and controlled manner. We also provide support services and medication-assisted treatment to help clients manage severe withdrawal symptoms that may arise during the treatment process.
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline
The kratom withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the addiction and other individual factors. Generally speaking, here are some of the stages that you might experience during the detox treatment process:
Day 1-3
During this stage, you may experience intense cravings and physical symptoms such as muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Day 4-7
During this stage, you may experience depression, intense cravings, and symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and anxiety.
Day 8-14
During this stage, you may experience decreased cravings and physical symptoms such as fatigue and sweating. Psychological symptoms can still be present but typically diminish over time.
Day 14+
During this stage, most physical and psychological symptoms should have subsided. However, it is important to note that some people may experience longer-lasting psychological effects such as depression and anxiety.
Inpatient Treatment Program
Following drug detox, we encourage clients to participate in our inpatient recovery program to help maintain long-term sobriety. This program offers a supportive and safe environment to work through the causes of addiction. While in residential treatment, you will receive medical treatment and supervision at all times, as well as access to support groups, individual therapy, and group therapy sessions.
All of our treatment programs offer the customized treatment that you need. By evaluating the state of your physical and mental health, we can put together a treatment plan that can help you stop using kratom for good.
If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom addiction, please reach out to our team at our kratom detox center. We are here to provide you with the support and resources that you need to break free from addiction and start living a healthier life. Don’t wait – call us today at (818) 659-9444.
Overcome Substance Use Disorder and Withdrawal at Our Drug Rehab in Los Angeles, California
Overcome addiction by calling our drug rehab in Los Angeles, CA, at (818) 659-9444 to start a kratom use treatment program. With the right combination of care and addiction medicine, you or your loved one can safely and effectively navigate the challenges of drug addiction and associated mental health disorders and achieve sustainable recovery.
Our rehab center accepts most private health insurance plans and some public health policies. A professional treatment provider on our team is available to work with your health insurance provider to assist you in navigating your insurance coverage to minimize any out-of-pocket expenses. If you don’t have insurance coverage, we can help you learn what treatment options are available to you or your loved one.
