What is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree related to the coffee family and found in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. Katrom leaves have been used since the late 19th century for medical use including chronic pain treatment.

Kraton leaves contain opioid compounds that act on opioid receptors in the brain which produces mind-altering effects. Kratom has recently gained popularity in the United States as an herbal supplement used for pain relief, mood enhancement, and as an aphrodisiac. Kratom is also called herbal speedball, biak-biak, katum, thang, kahuam, and thom.

Kratom’s Legal Status

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged consumers not to use Kratom products due to potential negative effects.

It’s important to realize that while Kratom is legal, it can be addictive and very dangerous.

How Does the Use of Kratom Affect The Body?

Kratom is consumed by chewing the leaves, eating it in food or a drink, or sometimes it is smoked. This supplement comes in powder or tablet form. The effects can be felt in around 20 to 60 minutes after ingesting it. These effects generally peak at about two to four hours but can last for up to around six hours. How these effects are felt and how long they last depend on factors such as the amount consumed and other factors.

Pharmacology of Kratom

Kratom works in the brain by interacting with opioid receptors. Two compounds found in Kratom, mitragynine and, 7-hydroxymitragynine, work with different receptor systems and produce different effects. Kratom is said to have stimulant-like effects in low doses and opioid-like pain-relieving effects in higher doses.

Common Drug Interaction with Kratom

Kratom is known to interact with certain drugs, which can lead to serious side effects. Common medications that may interact with Kratom include,

It is important to note that the effects of combining Kratom with any other medication can be unpredictable. Additionally, individuals should avoid mixing Kratom with alcohol or illicit substances as this can lead to more serious interactions and side effects.

Side Effects of Kratom

While Kratom can produce relaxation, pleasure, and pain reduction, it can also produce negative adverse effects. As mentioned, the amount of Kratom taken in part affects the side effects experienced.

Short-Term Side Effects

Long-Term Side Effects

When a person continues to take Kratom for periods longer than medically intended, the risk for dependence develops. As with other drugs, the age at which a person begins taking a drug can impact if dependence develops. Kratom is becoming more and more popular with teens and young adults. The younger a person begins using a drug or drinking alcohol the greater the risk of developing a substance use disorder. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of Kratom dependence in yourself or a loved one.

Signs and Symptoms of Kratom Exposure vs. Use

Many of the signs of dependence to Kratom will show in a person’s behaviors and physical traits. Look for overall changes in personality, habits, and moods. Changes in these areas can indicate a dependence.

When you’re trying to identify a Kratom dependence, look for signs of use. These include many of the short- and long-term effects listed above. If you are continually seeing these signs, the person may be using Kratom on a regular basis and developing a dependence. Dependence on Kratom can also be determined by seeing if you or your loved one experience withdrawal symptoms when not using it.

Here are some other signs of Kratom dependence to know:

Physical Symptoms

Behavioral Symptoms

The more symptoms of dependence someone exhibits the more likely it is that they have developed a dependence on Kratom.

Signs and Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal

Physical dependence can develop when a person takes a substance over and over. The body becomes used to having the substance to function and when the drug use is stopped the body must then adapt to not having the substance. During this transitional time, the person may experience withdrawal symptoms.

The type of withdrawal symptoms associated with Kratom dependence can be uncomfortable and difficult to navigate alone without professional help. Many times an individual will relapse in order to stop the difficult withdrawal symptoms. When you get professional addiction treatment this lessens the chances of a relapse and increases your chances of recovery. Since Kratom produces opioid-like effects, some of the withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of opioid withdrawal.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

Behavioral Withdrawal Symptoms

If you or a loved one experience any of these withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Kratom, you have probably become dependent.

Treatment for Kratom Dependence

Kratom and its increased use are relatively new in the U.S. While more research is needed into Kratom dependence and what treatment methods are most successful there are certain approaches that have been helpful. Many of the same evidence-based therapies that work well with opioid dependencies also have been a successful part of treatment for those with Kratom addictions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT), and cognitive processing therapy are all types of programming that have helped those with a Kratom dependence recover.

Effective dependence treatment must be comprehensive and address both physical dependencies as well as cognitive and emotional reasons for using the drug. It’s essential that treatment programs provide support for both. At Caron, we believe in recovery for life and provide Transformational Care. If you or a loved one are ready to get help for a problem with Kratom, we’re just one call away. Contact us today online or call 1-800-854-6023.

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