Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, isn’t illegal — yet. You can buy it at some smoke shops and nutritional supplement stores. There, you might find it as a tea or powder-filled capsules. Precisely what is kratom, and why is there controversy about its use?
What is Kratom?
Kratom is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Not too long ago, a salmonella outbreak led to recalls of the powder. Some states are banning the sale of the substance. Officials in other locations are keeping a watchful eye on the herb.
In other parts of the world, users combine the dried leaves with cough syrup and soda. There, it’s a party drug much like a new form of sizzurp. Here, users like the stimulating effects the substance has. But already they’re mixing it with alcohol and other drugs to boost the moderate high.
Does It Have Medicinal Value?
Proponents of the substance want to keep it legal. They say that it’s useful to help people quit using harder drugs. However, officials don’t see it as having medicinal value. What is kratom if not a substance that replaces one addiction with another?
Moreover, there isn’t enough actual evidence to suggest that the herb can help you kick a drug habit. In fact, there isn’t enough information to warn you about possible drug interactions. Because kratom purity doesn’t undergo agency approval, you may not actually know what you’re getting. However, advocates for keeping the drug legal don’t agree that officials have enough evidence to ban the substance.
Can You Develop an Addiction to Kratom?
The herb interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors. Even so, it doesn’t have the same effects as morphine or heroin. That said, it’s possible to get high and develop an addiction. Kratom has mind-altering qualities in moderate doses.
In high doses, they amplify and can evoke feelings of euphoria. Moreover, mixing the substance with other drugs can lead to the formation of a habit. This, in turn, gives rise to physiological and psychological dependence. Breaking this habit is possible in rehab.
Rehab Counteracts Kratom Dependency
Proponents don’t like to hear that there’s a chance this substance leads to dependency. However, in certain circumstances, it has the potential to do just that. If you’ve been taking the supplement or smoking it, you may need help to quit using it. Even if others can just stop, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Therapists at rehab help you with behavioral treatments. Depending on the extent of your addiction, you could benefit from care that involves:
- One-on-one talk therapy that lets you speak privately with an expert in addiction treatment
- Group therapy sessions that emphasize addiction education and peer support
- Relapse prevention strategy planning as a way to avoid using again after discharge
- Dual diagnosis treatment for program participants with mental health disorders
- Experiential therapy that helps you find ways of interacting with peers without using
What is kratom if not an opportunity to start over? Crestview Recovery wants to help. Call 866.262.0531 with questions or to schedule an appointment.
