Understanding kratom addiction
Kratom, an extract from trees grown in Southeast Asia, is not as potent as opioids, such as fentanyl. But kratom is certainly addictive. Kratom acts similar to opioids and binds to the same receptors in the brain, causing feelings of happiness, alertness, or sedation.
Kratom use in increasing in the United States. About .8 percent of adult Americans have used kratom, despite its safety concerns. In one study, kratom users also abused other drugs, including prescription opioids, illegal opioids, and marijuana. Some people turn to kratom as a safer alternative to harder drugs. But kratom is not safe to use and can lead to addiction and other harmful side effects, including seizures and fatal overdoses.
Kratom is a natural supplement, which may make people think it’s safe to consume, even in large amounts. And many kratom users are not aware that they have an addiction.
Symptoms of kratom withdrawal
Once someone is addicted to kratom, it’s hard to quit. That’s because the user’s body has adjusted to having kratom in their system.
Kratom withdrawal symptoms are similar to opioid withdrawal. They include:
- insomnia
- muscle aches
- jerky movements
- runny nose and watery eyes
- severe abdominal cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- dilated pupils
- blurred vision
- hot flashes and sweats
- fever
- decreased appetite
- changes in heart rate and blood pressure
Dealing with kratom withdrawal at home
In cases of light kratom use, the user can usually withdraw at home. Some kratom withdrawal symptoms may appear, such as headaches, nausea, and decreased appetite. These symptoms should disappear within a few days.
Here are a few tips to deal with kratom withdrawal at home:
- Stay hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Keep your environment drug-free
- Reach out and get help if withdrawal becomes unbearable
There’s not a lot of research or guidelines for self-treatment of kratom withdrawal symptoms. Some experts recommend medication to help people with kratom addiction detox from the drug.
It’s best to talk to your doctor about the best way to withdraw from kratom. They may recommend a detox center or help monitor you while you detox at home.
Detox from kratom at Skyward Treatment Center
For heavy kratom use, it’s best to detox in a medical environment at Skyward Treatment Center. Here, we have addiction specialists who provide around-the-clock care. We also provide outpatient programs that are equally safe and effective.
Skyward Treatment Center is available 24/7 and offers same-day admissions. To talk to an admissions counselor, call 713-815-4471 or complete our online form to learn how we can help.
Sources
https://nida.nih.gov/drug-topics/kratom
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32285981/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32029298/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32722734/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1513/kratom