Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in recent years for its stimulant and pain-relieving effects. While it has been marketed as a natural alternative to painkillers and as a treatment for opioid withdrawal, kratom comes with significant risks. Despite its purported benefits, the potential for addiction, harmful side effects, and dangerous interactions with other substances should not be overlooked.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree in the coffee family, native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds that can have stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at higher doses. For centuries, kratom has been used in traditional medicine for its pain-relieving properties and to increase energy levels. In recent years, the substance has gained attention in Western countries as an alternative to opioid pain relievers and as a potential aid for opioid withdrawal.
Kratom is typically consumed by chewing the leaves, brewing them into a tea, or using powdered kratom in capsules or other forms. The active compounds in kratom—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—bind to opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects similar to opioids but with some notable differences. Kratom has stimulant effects at low doses, which can improve mood, alertness, and physical energy, while higher doses tend to induce sedation, pain relief, and even a sense of euphoria.
The Risks and Side Effects of Kratom
Although kratom is often promoted as a safer, natural alternative to opioids and other prescription drugs, it comes with a range of risks. Regular use of kratom can lead to harmful physical and psychological effects, especially when used in large quantities or over an extended period.
Physical Risks:
- Addiction and dependence: Kratom has addictive potential, and regular use can lead to the development of tolerance and dependence. As the body becomes accustomed to kratom’s effects, users may need to take larger doses to achieve the same results, which increases the risk of addiction.
- Nausea and vomiting: One of the most common side effects of kratom, especially at higher doses, is nausea. Some users may also experience vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Constipation: Kratom can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation, which can be uncomfortable and, if left unaddressed, may lead to more severe health issues.
- Liver damage: There have been reports linking kratom use to liver toxicity and liver damage. Though this is rare, it is a concern for people using kratom regularly, particularly in high doses.
- Respiratory depression: At high doses, kratom can depress the respiratory system, similar to opioids. This can lead to shallow or slow breathing and increase the risk of overdose, especially when used in combination with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
- Seizures: There have been reports of seizures occurring in kratom users, particularly in those combining it with other substances or using it in high doses.
Psychological Risks:
- Mood swings and irritability: Kratom’s stimulant effects can lead to heightened alertness, but it can also result in agitation and irritability. Withdrawal from kratom may also trigger mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
- Cognitive impairment: Long-term use of kratom may negatively affect cognitive functioning, including memory and attention span. Chronic users may find it harder to concentrate or focus on tasks.
- Psychosis: In rare cases, high doses of kratom may contribute to symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions. This is more likely to occur in individuals who are using kratom in combination with other drugs or who are susceptible to mental health issues.
The Potential for Kratom Addiction
Despite being marketed as a safe, natural alternative to opioids, kratom has a high potential for abuse and addiction. The substance’s stimulating and sedating effects, as well as its impact on opioid receptors in the brain, create a risk for developing dependence, especially with long-term or heavy use.
Tolerance and Dependence:
As with many substances that affect the brain’s reward system, regular use of kratom can lead to tolerance. This means that the individual must take increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects. Over time, the body may become physically dependent on kratom, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if the user tries to stop or reduce their usage.
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Kratom withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, but it can be highly uncomfortable and difficult to manage. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Irritability and anxiety
- Muscle aches and stiffness
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Increased cravings for kratom or other substances
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Sweating and chills
Because of these symptoms, individuals who are physically dependent on kratom may have difficulty quitting on their own and may require professional help to safely manage withdrawal.
Risk of Cross-Addiction:
Kratom’s effects on opioid receptors create a risk of cross-addiction, meaning that individuals who are already struggling with opioid use disorder may become addicted to kratom as an alternative. This can prolong addiction, making it harder to achieve long-term sobriety. Furthermore, because kratom is often used to self-medicate for anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, individuals may substitute one substance for another, without addressing the underlying issues contributing to their addiction.
Signs of Kratom Addiction
Recognizing the signs of kratom addiction early can help individuals seek the necessary treatment and support before their situation becomes more severe. Some common signs that a person may be addicted to kratom include:
- Increased tolerance: The person may need to take more kratom to achieve the same effects, indicating a growing tolerance to the drug.
- Compulsive use: The individual may find themselves using kratom more frequently or in larger quantities than intended.
- Cravings: A strong desire to use kratom, especially when faced with stress or emotional triggers, is a clear sign of addiction.
- Neglecting responsibilities: The person may begin to neglect work, school, or personal responsibilities due to their focus on obtaining and using kratom.
- Social isolation: As the addiction progresses, the individual may withdraw from social circles and avoid activities that don’t involve kratom use.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological symptoms when not using kratom, such as irritability, nausea, or insomnia, suggests dependence on the substance.
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit: The individual may have tried to stop using kratom but found themselves unable to do so due to cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for Kratom Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom addiction, it is important to seek professional help. The first step in treatment is typically detoxification, which may require medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. After detox, therapy and counseling can help individuals address the psychological aspects of addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapies can help individuals identify and change patterns of behavior that contribute to their addiction.
Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can also be a valuable resource for individuals recovering from kratom addiction. These groups offer a sense of community and accountability as individuals work toward maintaining sobriety.
Conclusion
While kratom may offer temporary relief for pain or anxiety, it carries significant risks of addiction, dependence, and harmful side effects. Regular use of kratom can lead to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and even long-term health issues. Recognizing the signs of kratom addiction early and seeking appropriate treatment can help individuals regain control of their lives and work toward recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom addiction, reaching out to a healthcare professional is the first step toward healing. Call us today at 833-820-2922.
