Causes, Resources, and Treatment for Kratom Addiction

Kratom addiction is on the rise with easy access and widespread abuse of this natural drug. Kratom is extracted from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which has its origins in Southeast Asia. Kratom products are widely used by people both as pain relievers and energy boosters, but kratom addiction is gaining a tremendous amount of popularity.

Consistent use causes a substance use disorder and considerable withdrawal symptoms. In case people have a kratom dependency, they should seek help from the influence of Kratom at an early stage.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It contains leaves with compounds, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

These are the substances that act on the brain opioid receptors. Kratom, when taken at low levels, is a stimulant and causes an increase in energy, along with feeling more social and alert. In larger amounts, it becomes more of an opioid, relieving pain and sedating, which may become similar to opioid-based treatments of addiction.

Kratom has its dangers despite being legal in many countries. It is usually marketed as a dietary supplement, in powdered, capsule, or extract form. Its potential risks, such as kratom addiction and withdrawal symptoms, have been issued as a warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Can You Get Addicted to Kratom?

Yes, you can become addicted to Kratom. If you or a loved one frequently takes Kratom, you may develop a physical dependence on it. Eventually, the brain begins to anticipate the effects of Kratom, and this will cause cravings, and you will have to consume more of the substance to achieve the same effect. This leads to substance abuse and addiction.

The risk of addiction is higher when Kratom is frequently taken in large doses or even when it is combined with other drugs, including alcohol or opioids. Kratom addiction is much like opioid use disorder and, therefore, becomes a matter of concern in people who already have opioid addiction or have a history of substance abuse.

Kratom Usage, Symptoms, and Effects

There are the effects of Kratom, depending on the dose:

Low doses:

Kratom energizes users by causing people to become talkative, energetic, and more focused. Users tend to complain about feeling a sense of well-being and experiencing a better mood.

Higher doses:

Kratom contains similar opioid effects, which create pain relief and sedation, identical to opioid pain killers.

There are, however, side effects of Kratom use, such as the possibility of addiction. The following are some of the side effects of using Kratom:

Mood changes

• Euphoria
• Calming effects
• Feeling of well-being

Physical effects

• Relief of pain
• Enhancement of libido
• Constipation, dry mouth, frequent urination, itching, and sweating

Behavioral effects

• Increased talkativeness
• Sociability
• Hyperactivity

Mental (psychological)

• Enhanced alertness
• Motivation
• Psychosis

Kratom dose can increase the chances of developing kratom withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and tremors.

Kratom Addiction: Detox Treatment

Detoxification is the initial process in the treatment of kratom addiction that helps to get rid of this addiction. The detoxification assistance enables people to quit the use of Kratom safely and address the withdrawal effects. The detox treatment options include:

1. Evaluation: The initial task would be to evaluate the severity of addiction as well as look at other medical problems.
2. Stabilization: Through stabilization, medical staff assist in managing the withdrawal process and helping the person regain stability.
3. Pretreatment involves preparing an individual to receive official treatment, which can be either therapy or medication.

Kratom Addiction Pharmacotherapy

Even though the FDA has not approved a drug used in curing an addiction to Kratom, some drugs exist to alleviate some of the symptoms of withdrawal. Substitute medications, such as buprenorphine-naloxone (opioid withdrawal), can also be utilized in treating the kratom withdrawal.

During detox, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and anti-anxiety drugs may be used to reduce pain and anxious feelings.

Kratom Behavioral Therapy Addiction Treatment

Therapy will be the best intervention in treating kratom addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) also helps individuals in identifying and modifying the negative behavior and their thinking that is associated with their drug use. Therapy will also aid people struggling with cravings, triggers that lead to addiction, and relapse.

Treatment may be provided individually or in a group setting. Early intervention is typically intensive, and the sessions decrease as time passes and the individual improves.

Kratom Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Most of the people with the problem of addiction to Kratom have some mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment for dual diagnosis is one of the approaches, which is done simultaneously on both the addiction and the mental illness. Both are essential for long-term recovery and overall well-being.

Kratom Addiction Treatment In Spokane Valley, WA

We Level Up Washington in Spokane Valley provides an all-encompassing set of therapies in case you or someone you know finds the battle with kratom addiction very difficult. We have programs such as:

• Detoxification is the procedure of a safe kratom withdrawal
• Counseling and treatment to target the psychological side of addiction
• Withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings medication-assisted therapy to prevent symptoms and cravings
• Treatment for dual diagnosis of individuals with co-occurring mental problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.