Kratom is a legal psychoactive drug used internationally to treat tiredness and chronic pain. Like all mind-altering chemicals, misuse can lead to adverse side-effects. Some people use kratom to ease symptoms of opioid withdrawal. But does it work?
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a natural mind-altering drug used throughout the world. It comes from the Mitragyna tree, which grows naturally in Southeast Asia. People who use it commonly chew on the leaves or brew it into a tea. The leaves have a stimulating effect in low doses but an opioid-like euphoria in higher doses. Kratom, like caffeine and cigarettes, can ease certain opioid withdrawal symptoms; however, your counselor will be able to give you specific advice about using kratom.
Kratom is used medicinally in Thailand, and it is becoming more popular in the United States (where it is currently unregulated). In general, people start to feel its effects within 10 minutes of ingestion.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Addiction can include physical dependency and a psychological need for a drug. People often experience withdrawal symptoms of withdrawal similar to caffeine. Though not as severe as the physiological addiction produced by nicotine or opioids, the mental cravings for kratom are strong. Without help to get through the quitting process, it may be too easy to return to using the drug.
Kratom Addiction Treatment
Like any addictive drug, kratom addiction requires very specific steps to overcome dependence. Kratom addiction treatment typically starts with getting clean through detox. While not as addictive as drugs such as heroin or cocaine, it produces withdrawal effects when people stop using. Medical detox can make the withdrawal process more comfortable.
From there, people need to enroll in a rehab center. It’s best for them to pick a facility that offers both traditional and holistic treatment options. Such a combination provides comprehensive care that increases the chances of ongoing recovery.
The facility should also focus on dual diagnosis treatment. Most people who struggle with addiction have other underlying mental disorders such as depression. Furthermore, not getting treatment for underlying conditions often leads to drug use.
Information About Kratom
Kratom interacts with the brain in a manner similar to that of opioids. It produces feelings of well-being and relaxation by attaching to opioid receptors. Another thing to know about kratom is that it’s easy for people to obtain. There are no laws that restrict its local sale. Many companies get away with selling it online, too. Also, many bars serve designer drinks that contain the drug.
Kratom, like any mind-altering chemical, can be dangerous to people’s health when used in excess. Some of the symptoms that develop after using it include weight loss, anorexia, and insomnia. The drug can cause skin darkening as well. Experts don’t know if that effect has any other negative health consequences. If using kratom is causing problems in your health, a Portland drug treatment program can provide the community, structure, education, and support you need.
Reach Out to Crestview Recovery Today
At Crestview Recovery, we help people get over all kinds of drug addictions, including lesser-known ones such as kratom. As part of our ongoing effort to provide unique treatment options, we use both traditional and holistic methods. Some of the programs that we offer include:
Crestview Recovery also provides dual diagnosis treatment. This program is excellent for kratom addiction treatment because it addresses underlying mental issues that lead to addiction. Failure to address these issues can result in relapse.
Find out more about kratom addiction treatment and what it can do for you. Count on Crestview Recovery for all of your drug rehab needs. Call us today at 866.262.0531 to get started.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.