Kratom Addiction

The History of Kratom Addiction

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Consumption of its leaves produces both stimulant effects (in low doses) and sedative effects (in high doses), and can lead to psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence. Kratom leaves contain two major psychoactive ingredients (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine).

These leaves are crushed and then smoked, brewed with tea, or placed into gel capsules. In the U.S., the abuse of kratom has increased substantially in recent years.

Mostly abused by oral ingestion in the form of a tablet, capsule, or extract. Kratom leaves may also be dried or powdered and ingested as a tea, or the kratom leaf may be chewed.

At low doses, kratom produces stimulant effects with users reporting increased alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness. At high doses, users experience sedative effects. Kratom consumption can lead to addiction.

Several cases of psychosis resulting from use of kratom have been reported, where individuals addicted to kratom exhibited psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusion, and confusion.

Problems Associated with Kratom Use

Kratom is often seen by people as an alternative to opioids because it acts on the brain the same way when taken in higher doses. Unfortunately, this also means that kratom has a somewhat similar addiction potential.

As with other substances with opioid-like effects, kratom can cause tolerance, cravings, and dependence. Eventually, this can lead to physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when people stop using it.

Kratom Addiction Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person and can set in within hours after reduced or completed consumption. Signs and symptoms can include:

Kratom withdrawal produces many of the same symptoms as opiates and opioids withdrawal, though they aren’t always as severe.

Physical symptoms:

  • insomnia
  • muscle aches
  • jerky movements
  • runny nose and watery eyes
  • severe abdominal cramps
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • dilated pupils
  • blurred vision
  • hot flashes and sweats
  • fever
  • decreased appetite
  • changes in heart rate and blood pressure
  • seizures

Psychological symptoms:

  • irritability
  • insomnia
  • changes in mood
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • agitation

Detoxification from Kratom

At Gateway Recovery Center, the detoxification process for Kratom is highly monitored and medically assisted to minimize withdrawal symptoms complications. Individuals are closely monitored and medicated to ensure comfort, stability, and safety during the detoxification process.

How to Get Help

If you or someone you know is in need of kratom addiction detoxification services, a compassionate, trained professional is waiting to answer all of your questions. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer calls or provide information on immediate admissions. We know the first step can be hard. We’re here to guide you.

Contact Us Today!

Get Help Now. We’re here to guide you.

At Gateway Recovery Center, we acknowledge the need for help now.
Call us at (833) DETOX-80 to speak with a LIVE Admissions Representative.