The Dangers Of Kratom Addiction
Mitragyna Speciosa, which is also known by the slang name Kratom is a large tree which is part of the Rubiaceau family and is native to Southeast Asia. It's though that Kratom affects the brain in similar ways to opiates. To date however there is no conclusive clinical data proving how the alkaloids work in relation to the human brain. This however hasn't stopped many people from mis-using and abusing this drug. It's especially common among people who are trying to kick other opiates like OxyContin and Vicodin.
Using Kratom is like jumping from the fire into the frying pan. You may survive but you will still get burned.
What Is It Like To Take Kratom
Kratom's chemical properties cause it to bind to opioid receptors. Because of this it has been promoted as a cure for those addicted to opiates. The idea holds that Kratom, a "mild" drug, can help wean people off some of these other harder drugs.
The negative however is that Kratom itself is also physically addictive. The same properties that make it a potential detox aid, also make it possible to become addicted to Kratom as well.
In smaller incremenets Kratom causes stimulant effects, increased alertness, stamina, and sociability while in larger doses it produces sedative effects. Using Kratom can result in weight loss, fatigue, and other potential health risks.
What Exactly Is Kratom?
Kratom is a relative to coffee. It's a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, and has long thought to have been used in the region as a stimulant similar to coffee. Thai men commonly chew the leaves to cope with the demands of intense physical labor.
This drug is available for purchase online in leaf, powder and extract forms, however it's most commonly brewed as a tea.
What Are Kratoms Side Effects?
- Respiratory Depression
- Agitation
- Aggression
- Nervousness
- Sleeplessness
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Tremors
- Loss of Libido
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
After years of Kratom use it has been shown to produce insomnia, dry mouth, skin darkening, weight loss, anorexia, and frequent urination
What Is Kratom Withdrawal Like?
Back in 2012 US emergency room staff began seeing patients who were using Kratom. Some ended up in the ER as a result of overuse. Others who weren't aware of the addictive nature of the drug are seen for symptoms they do not even recognize as withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of withdrawal are similar to those of opiates and can include but aren't limited to...
- Craving
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Restlesness
- Nauseau
- Seating
- Muscle Aches
- Irritability
- Diahrea
- Runny Nose
- Tremors
- Mood Swings
How Addictive Is Kratom Really?
If you or someone you love is using Kratom you are not alone. Many studies have shown high rates of dependence among regular users.
In one particular study half of the people who used Kratom for six months or more experienced severe opiate withdrawal symptoms after stopping use, and anohter 45% experienced mild withdrawal. Among these users over 80% tried to stop and were not able to.
Our Conclusion On Kratom?
The DEA has listed Kratom on is items of concern, however it does not currently fall under the Controlled Substances Act. While declared illegal in Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and several other countries, Kratom is legal in the US with the exception of the state of Indiana.
Kratom is not a substance that should be taken lightly and while it may have proven helpful in some cases, for the vast majority Kratom is proving to be nothing more thhan an exchange of one addictive behavior and substance for another.
