Kratom is getting a lot of attention lately. It is sold as a supplement and might provide an energy boost. Some claim it can be the perfect way to improve your mood. Others swear by its ability to dull pain. Is Kratom safe? Is Kratom addictive?
At The Ranch at Dove Tree, we provide a wide range of treatment options to help those suffering from any form of addiction seek recovery to the best level possible. If you’re struggling, contact us for immediate help.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree located in Southeast Asia. However, consumption of its leaves can produce a stimulant effect when used in low doses. In high doses, Kratom works as a neurological depressant, creating sedative effects. Kratom can lead to psychotic symptoms and both psychological and physiological dependence.
The leaves of this plant contain mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, two psychoactive ingredients. Sold as a powder, in a tablet, or as an extract, Kratom can be misused by many people. It has a long history of use in Southeast Asia and has, in the last decade, become more commonly accessible in the U.S.
Can You Become Addicted to Kratom?
Kratom can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Symptoms of a Kratom addiction may include:
- Intense pain and discomfort when trying to stop using the substance
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
- Continuing use of the substance even with negative health consequences or other factors
- Needing to use more of the substance to get the same benefits
- Constantly thinking about or planning for future use of the substance
If you are experiencing issues when you stop using Kratom, you may benefit from help from our addiction treatment center in Lubbock, Texas. Getting help enables you to get back to living a healthy life where you are in control.
What Makes Kratom Dangerous to Use?
Kratom can be dangerous, especially when used in high doses. This can increase the risk of negative effects, especially since it has an opioid-like effect. For those who struggle with conditions like chronic pain, the use of Kratom can seem like a good idea, as it can aid in minimizing discomfort. It is not as dangerous as taking fentanyl. However, it’s not necessarily a replacement either.
One of the most challenging aspects of Kratom is that it’s unregulated. That means you do not know what you’re taking or what’s included in that dose. It is easy for someone to create a substance that’s highly dangerous, which could lead to a fatal overdose.
Getting Help for Kratom Use: Where to Get Started Now
If you or a loved one is using Kratom, recognize the risks associated with it. Take a moment to look at how it’s impacting your health and wellbeing. If you try to stop using it and you have withdrawal symptoms, speak to our drug addiction treatment specialists in Lubbock for immediate help.
Intensive outpatient drug addiction treatment may be effective for many people who use this substance. In some cases, going through the detox process may be necessary, especially if you’re feeling intense withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using it.
During your treatment process, you’ll learn about Kratom and why it can be worrisome. You’ll have access to a range of treatment options that enable you to heal, including group therapy, individual therapy, medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, and highly effective holistic treatments that help you recover and heal. A substance misuse program in Texas can provide a safe place for you to work through addiction recovery.
There are several things to know:
- Kratom is not safer than other drugs, including opioids.
- Though Kratom may be marketed as a supplement, it’s not a healthy product to consume.
- There is treatment available that can help you. You can overcome not just the continued use of this substance but also the physical and emotional hold it has on you right now.
Know the reality of Kratom. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shares that 1.7 million Americans used kratom in 2021. Many of them do so as a result of trying to self-treat conditions like pain or anxiety. As unsafe as it is, you deserve help overcoming Kratom addiction.
Let The Ranch at Dove Tree Guide You
If you’re struggling with kratom use, The Ranch at Dove Tree can offer guidance. Your first step is to reach out to us to learn more about the options available to treat your disorder. In a positive, uplifting environment where you will find a trusted team to guide you, it is possible to recover. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for you.
