Addicted to Kratom? - Call the Top Kratom Addiction Treatment Center in Arizona

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a mind-altering substance that comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is indigenous to Southeast Asia. At high doses, it can have an opioid-like effect, and can also have a similar sedative and pain-killing effect. The Kratom “high” can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. It can have side effects similar to opioids and may lead to dependence and addiction. Kratom is often found in powder, capsule, or drink form. It is marketed and sold as a diet supplement and is often found in convenience stores, head shops, and music stores. It is considered by some as a legal way of “getting high”. Others use Kratom to beat drug tests, as it is not generally tested for. Kratom is relatively new to the market. While its effects are not fully understood, Kratom is believed to have potentially harmful side effects and can lead to dependence and addiction.

Is Kratom Addictive? YES

Kratom is thought to act similarly to opioid drugs on the brain. Thus, the use of Kratom can have many of the same neurobiological consequences, including addiction. Kratom use can dysregulate the pleasure center of the brain. Use, misuse, or abuse of Kratom can lead to dependence or addiction. Some will use Kratom to ease withdrawals from heroin and other opiates but often find the withdrawal symptoms to be similar, including intense cravings, nausea, fatigue, sleep disruption, muscle and bone pain, etc. As with other substances, Kratom may cause anhedonia (difficulty experiencing pleasure naturally), leading to continued use and abuse.

Getting Help and Treatment for Kratom Addiction

Depending upon the individual, treatment for Kratom use may begin with detox. In some instances, medical detox may be necessary, depending upon the intensity of the withdrawal process. Oftentimes, as with other forms of substance use, there are underlying issues. In many cases, treatment is necessary to help those suffering from addiction to address the negative emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social effects of substance use. A significant number of addicts suffer with dual-diagnosis conditions; such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality, etc. Others are challenged with trauma, abuse, grief, and loss. If these issues are not adequately addressed, it can be difficult, or even impossible, for the individual to achieve the quality of life necessary for sobriety. Families are also affected by substance use. When possible and appropriate, it is important to provide support and healing for the family system. The support and healing of family members is a significant factor in positive recovery outcomes. There are many treatment options when needed, such as residential, inpatient, day treatment, or outpatient resources. A rehab experience should provide the support and structure necessary as those struggling with substance use disorder develop the tools and skills necessary for sobriety.12 step, cognitive-behavioral, SMART recovery, and other models are useful in the recovery process. A program should comprehensively provide the resources to deal with mind, body, and spirit.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom

Or, is kratom addictive? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) does not provide a clear diagnosis regarding the use of kratom and the possibility of kratom addiction. However, some data indicate that some people using kratom may experience symptoms of substance use disorder. Studies suggest that people might have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop regular use of kratom. More research is necessary to understand the degree to which people can develop symptoms of addiction to kratom. However, you can receive kratom addiction treatment in programs designed using a therapeutic model applied to certain other substance use disorder rehab customized for kratom.
Research is underway to learn how kratom affects people physically, including its potential impacts on long-term health. Effects appear to be widely varying between users, depending on the potency, amount used, method of ingestion, user’s medical condition, and other factors. Some users have reported effects like those from a stimulant, and others report effects like those from opioids or sedatives. Studies have not yet confirmed those reported effects based on dosages. Adverse effects appear to range from mild to severe, including degrees of nausea, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness. There are rare reports of severe effects, such as neurological and physical symptoms, including tremors, seizures, and heart, lung, gastrointestinal, and liver problems.
Kratom has been used in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years for its effects on both energy relaxation and increasing energy. The effects are described as similar to both opioids and stimulants, depending upon dosages. More recently, researchers have learned that kratom is also used to relieve pain, anxiety, and depression and relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings to help people quit using opioids or other substances. The majority of users reportedly give multiple reasons for consuming kratom.
Researchers are currently investigating potential therapeutic uses of kratom but have not yet produced significant findings to confirm the drug is safe and effective for medical use. Researchers know that people report kratom use for pain relief, to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression and symptoms of withdrawal from opioid drugs, and to help control cravings while quitting the use of opioids and other addictive drugs. Most kratom users say they have more than one reason for taking kratom.
Some potential negative side effects of Kraton can range from mild to severe. These can include dizziness, constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. Less common and more serious effects can include confusion, seizures, high blood pressure, slowed breathing, and liver problems.
Research indicates that users might experience mild to moderate kratom withdrawal symptoms when stopping regular use of the drug. More research is necessary to understand what level of use is the threshold for kratom addiction. Early data indicates that a minority of kratom users have reported withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit using the drug, and a small minority have reported symptoms of substance use disorder due to using kratom. Additional research is required to develop an understanding of how various compounds containing kratom interact to impact the risk of addiction to kratom and withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing use of it.
Research is underway to learn how kratom affects the body, including long-term health. Studies so far indicate that using kratom in small doses produces effects like a stimulant characterized by increased alertness and energy. The data further indicate that using the drug in larger doses produces effects similar to those from opioids and sedative drugs, characterized by relief from pain, relaxation, and confusion. Adverse effects of kratom use appear to range from mild to severe and can include:
  • Dizziness, constipation, sleepiness
  • Mental and neurological symptoms like confusion, seizures, and tremors
  • Heart issues such as increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Lung issues, including slowed breathing
  • Gastrointestinal problems like nausea and vomiting
  • Liver problems
A “small number” of kratom-related deaths have occurred, almost all of which involved other drugs or a contaminated kratom product.
If you believe you are addicted to kratom, you should seek advice from your doctor or mental health professional about effective treatment. Kratom drug addiction treatment at Renaissance Recovery Center in Gilbert, Arizona, is available as an outpatient drug rehab option through one of 3 programs:
  • Partial Hospitalization Program: (Day Treatment) offers a more involved level of care, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
  • Outpatient Program: (60 days) Group therapy Monday through Thursday
  • Aftercare Program: (90 days) Alumni attend one-night session per week.

Center for Kratom Addiction Treatment in Gilbert, AZ

Kratom addiction treatment from Renaissance Recovery Center in Gilbert, Arizona offers each client a customized treatment plan designed to meet his or her individual needs. The Renaissance Recovery Center approach to Kratom addiction recovery is holistic; involving group and individual counseling, which addresses the spiritual, emotional and psychological aspects of recovery. Contact us at (480) 526-7738 for any questions or to get a free assessment.

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