Throughout the United States, drug abuse is occurring at alarmingly high rates. More people than ever before are abusing opioids like heroin and oxycodone, while others are turning to the use of prescription stimulants, cocaine, and homegrown meth. Plus, in times such as these where there is great unrest and uncertainty, many people turn to the use of drugs such as these to cope with what is going on around them. There is no doubt that drug abuse is something that is plaguing the country along with other prominent challenges. But, the drug abuse that is occurring goes much deeper than what meets the naked eye. Some drug abusers have gotten into more unheard of substances, with kratom being one of them.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a tree that is indigineous to Southeast Asia and has leaves that contain psychoactive substances. It is most easily obtained via the internet and is not deemed an illegal substance here in the United States. Even though kratom use is not outlawed, it still remains a drug that poses dangerous effects. It is also known as ketum, biak, thom, and ithang. Kratom can be abused in a pill, capsule, or extract. The leaves themselves can be smoked or brewed as tea, as well as consumed via edibles.
When kratom is abused in small doses, it produces stimulant effects including an energetic boost and alertness. But, when kratom is abused in larger amounts, it creates effects similar to that of opioids, such as sedation. One of the reasons why kratom can be so dangerous is because it’s impossible to tell just by looking at kratom leaves how potent they are. Some leaves are more potent than others, which impacts the potency of pills, capsules, etc. When kratom is abused, it can not only produce these effects, but can also produce the following:
- Itching
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Kratom has also been linked to causing psychosis in those who abuse it. Psychosis occurs when a person has an inability to stay connected to reality in terms of their thoughts and actions.
Can You Get Addicted to Kratom?
Even though kratom is not one of the most widely talked about drugs, it still remains one that is extremely dangerous and habit-forming.
A person can easily become addicted to kratom, as they can with most mind-altering substances. If you are abusing kratom, you may notice over time that you need to take more of it in order to achieve the effects you want. This is known as tolerance, and it occurs because the body becomes used to a certain amount of kratom and no longer produces the sensations you desire. As a result, you need to increase how much kratom you consume at a time. Subsequently, the more kratom you use, the more your body grows dependent on it. Being dependent on a substance means that you cannot suddenly decrease or stop the amount of an abused substance without developing withdrawal symptoms. When this occurs, it means that a kratom addiction has formed.
Symptoms of kratom addiction
If you are addicted to kratom, you are likely experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:
- You make attempts to stop abusing kratom, but are unable to keep from using it
- You continue to abuse kratom despite the consequences that you have endured from doing so
- You continue to use kratom knowing that doing so can produce negative effects
- You allow your kratom use to overtake your focus on your job, family, or social needs
- You find yourself isolating from others in an attempt to keep using kratom without their knowledge or without them judging you
- You use other addictive substances to help manage the side effects of your kratom abuse
- You experience problems at home and at work as a result of your kratom abuse
- You feel like you cannot function without using kratom
These are just some of the most common symptoms of kratom addiction. You may experience more depending on the severity of your addiction to this psychoactive drug. One of the key indicators that you are addicted to kratom is the development of withdrawal symptoms when you stop abusing it.
Kratom withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawing from any drug is an indicator that you were physically dependent on it. Kratom, while often pushed off as being harmless because it is all-natural, can create a physical dependence just as other drugs like heroin and cocaine can. So, when your kratom use stops, you can expect to develop withdrawal symptoms that can range in intensity based on your relationship with the drug. These symptoms can include , but are not limited to, the following:
- Hostility
- Aggression
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Muscle aches
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Delirium
Attempting to manage these withdrawal symptoms on your own can be tremendously difficult, which is why it is recommended to go through the process of detox under the care and supervision of medical and mental health professionals. When you have the support of these individuals, you can get through the difficult withdrawal symptoms you experience without giving in to your cravings. You can have people in your corner cheering you on so that you make it through detox and into a well-rounded treatment program. You do not need to try to stop using kratom on your own, nor do you need to keep using it.
Do You Need Help With Your Kratom Addiction? Call Us Today.
We understand how painful addiction is. We know how deeply it impacts you and your loved ones. We also know that there is treatment and hope. If you are ready to put an end to your kratom addiction once and for all, reach out to us right now. We are here to help guide you on your road to recovery.
So, do not wait any longer. Pick up the phone and call us right now. We can help you get through this difficult time in your life so you can begin living the life you deserve.
