Whether you’ve read about Kratom in the newspaper, suspect that someone you care about maybe using it, or even fear that you’re struggling with a Kratom addiction yourself, you’d like to know more about this dangerous drug.
Is Kratom addictive — and if so, why? What are the signs that you or someone you care about is addicted to Kratom? What are the risks of abusing Kratom in both the long and the short-term?
You’ve come to the right place.
This post is here to give you the answers to all of the above questions.
Then, we’ll tell you where you can go to learn more about how to stop the vicious cycle of drug addiction.
What Is Kratom?
So, what is kratom, exactly?
It’s a highly addictive powder or pill made from a Southeast Asian tree that’s especially well-known for possessing psychoactive properties.
Perhaps most disturbingly, Kratom is sometimes disguised as a health supplement.
Kratom is a stimulant, which means that it can increase libido, give people lots of energy, increase their physical strength, and even create effects that are similar to those of painkillers.
It also boosts the user’s mood and creates a sudden and intense feeling of euphoria.
This, in particular, is what makes it so addictive.
What Are the Consequences of Kratom Addiction?
Now that you know more about what kratom is, let’s speak about why it’s so dangerous.
First of all, kratom withdrawal can have painful and frightening withdrawal symptoms. This can include sweating, vomiting, a loss of sleep/insomnia, constipation, and even a constant runny nose.
Those who have been addicted to Kratom for a long period of time frequently deal with bouts of dizziness, extreme anxiety, headaches, depression, and pain in the stomach.
In short?
It’s just not worth it.
But the scary truth is that the effects of Kratom can run much deeper than the sickness and discomfort we’ve described above.
First, taking Kratom during pregnancy damages fetal development. Additionally, many medical professionals believe that you’ll experience similar long-term effects with Kratom abuse as you would with opioid abuse.
Kratom also increases your risk of catching salmonella, as much of it is contaminated with this harmful bacteria. In fact, in the United States alone, 35 people have died as a direct result of salmonella-infested Kratom abuse.
Because Kratom causes extreme and unhealthy weight loss, it can also slow your metabolism and cause other serious health problems.
What Are the Common Signs of Kratom Abuse?
It can sometimes be tough to figure out whether or not someone you care about has fallen victim to a Kratom addiction.
The most obvious signs of abuse are somewhat similar to the effects of a stimulant. The person taking Kratom regularly may be overly talkative, aggressive and angry, and seem “high” for hours on end before majorly crashing.
They may also experience a serious increase in sex drive, which can be alarming to intimate partners. You should also be on the lookout for a sudden decrease in appetite.
If someone has taken an especially high dose of Kratom, instead of becoming wildly energized, they may complain of being exhausted all of the time. This leads to another sign of addiction: social isolation.
The addict is likely experiencing a great deal of shame surrounding their Kratom abuse.
They may try everything to hide it from their friends and family. They may lie about where they’re going and become defensive if you ask too many questions. They may even stop going into work or caring about the people and things they once loved.
What Should You Expect from Kratom Treatment?
Knowing what to expect from Kratom treatment can help to make the decision to go a little bit easier.
First, depending on the level of the person’s addiction — and whether or not they’re self-medicating with other drugs or alcohol — they’ll enter into a detox period. This is medically monitored and assisted to keep the patient safe.
A monitored detox means that the extreme symptoms of withdrawal won’t allow you to give into the desire to use again just to make it stop.
You’ll then likely enter into an in-patient treatment facility. There, in both group and individual therapy, you’ll learn about the triggers and emotional blocks that may have caused you to use.
You’ll work to develop healthier coping mechanisms, and re-learn how to live a life free from addiction. Every part of you — including your physical health, nutrition, relationship with your family, and sense of self — will get the attention and care it deserves in a supportive environment free of temptation.
You may then decide to enter into outpatient treatment after the inpatient rehab comes to a close, or you may live in a sober living facility.
These options help to make the transition to the “real world” a bit easier.
Are You Ready for Kratom Treatment?
We hope that this post has helped you to better understand the signs and treatment options for Kratom addiction.
Whether you’re struggling with an addiction to stimulants, alcoholism, or even if you’re concerned about a friend or family that you suspect has a problem, help is out there.
We invite you to contact us to find out if our treatment center is right for you. Since we know that insurance and payment for treatment is a major concern for many, we’ve also made it as easy as possible to understand your coverage options.
Now is the time to take the first step on the road to recovery.
The rest of your life is waiting.