In the last few years, there has been a growing interest in kratom, a product that can alleviate pain, improve moods, cure fatigue, relieve opioid withdrawal, and much more. Nevertheless, just like most psychoactive drugs, frequent consumption of kratom is associated with dependence and addiction.
Learning about the factors of kratom dependency, its symptoms, and possible treatment is essential to any person who uses or thinks about using kratom as their wellness strategy.
What Is Kratom Dependence?
Kratom dependence happens in the case of physical and psychological dependence on the substance that appears after its repeated use.
With time, the body becomes accustomed to the existence of active alkaloids of kratom, in which the main ones are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which stimulate opioid receptors in the brain.
This adaptation implies that when you stop or limit the use of kratom, then withdrawal symptoms may occur similar to traditional opioids.
Although kratom is commonly advertised as a natural or safe alternative to prescription drugs, there is a risk. Regular users can also reach a point where they require larger quantities to achieve the same effects, and this is referred to as tolerance.
With tolerance, the chances of becoming dependent increase as well, and at some point, you get addicted.
Is Kratom Addicting?
Yes, Kratom is addictive. Kratom has been reported to show some addictive potential compared to that of heroin or OxyContin, making the opioid effects compulsive, dependent, and withdrawal heavy.
People have been reported to develop excessive dependency on kratom, where they have cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and are unable to quit the substance under study and reports.
How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Kratom?
The time frame for developing dependence on kratom varies. In regular daily use by some users, signs of dependence can occur in a few weeks; in others, it can take several months. Factors influencing the risk and speed of dependence include:
- Frequency of use: Daily or multiple-times-per-day use increases risk.
- Dosage: Higher doses accelerate tolerance and dependence.
- Individual factors: Genetics, mental health, and history of substance use play a role.
Anecdotal records and medical experiences present that even generations can become dependent after a few weeks, particularly when the dose is considerably bulky or gradually rises.
Signs of Kratom Dependence
It is vital to be able to identify the symptoms of kratom dependence in the early stages, as treatment and rehabilitation become possible. The dependence may be physical, psychological, or behavioral.
1. Physical Signs
- Sleep disturbances: Problems sleeping or remaining asleep, sleepless nights, or a lack of rest.
- Tolerance: Taking increased amounts of kratom to get the same effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, headache, runny nose, and runny eyes without kratom use.
Small pupils, tremors, and sweating: Opioid-like withdrawal signs.
2. Psychological Signs
- Cravings: Strong urges to use kratom, even when not actively seeking its effects.
- Mood swings and irritability: Emotional instability, anxiety, or depression.
- Loss of interest: Neglecting previously enjoyed activities.
3. Behavioral Signs
- Compulsive use: Taking kratom more often or in larger amounts than intended.
- Failure to quit: Unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut down use.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Social isolation, missing work or school, or neglecting family obligations.
- Risk-taking: Engaging in risky behaviors to obtain or use kratom.
Kratom Addiction Story: Real-Life Experiences
The lived experience reflects the sneaky strength of kratom addiction. A single user documented eight years of daily use that led to extracts and a painful withdrawal, including vomiting, diarrhea, restless leg syndrome, exhaustion, panic attacks, and even hair loss. The addiction impacted relations, money, and mental health, and it was termed as the worst and most difficult detox in my life so far.
One more participant told the story of a carefree acquaintance with kratom in a kava club that soon developed into a routine, prices continued to rise, and desire went up as well.
The quitting attempts caused severe withdrawal symptoms that compelled one to quit gradually to give recovery days after restlessness, lack of sleep, and uncontrollable discomfort set in.
These anecdotes highlight how dependence on kratom may build up over time, and how it is usually missed until it is too late to do anything about it.
Drugs Like Kratom: Are There Similar Substances?
Kratom is sometimes grouped with other psychoactive botanicals and opioid-like substances, such as:
- Kava: Used for relaxation, but does not act on opioid receptors.
- Gabapentin and loperamide: Prescription medications are sometimes misused for opioid-like effects.
- Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones: Herbal and synthetic drugs with varying mechanisms and risks.
Although they might have some of the effects in common, the mix of stimulant and opioid-type effects characteristic of kratom is what highlights it.
It has a closest similarity to the risk of dependence of opioids, even though the severity and withdrawal profile may vary.
Kratom Dependence Treatment
1. Detoxification
The initial phase of Kratom dependence treatment is detoxification, the harmless loss of using it, along with the withdrawal symptoms. Medical support is usually prescribed, in particular in patients with high degrees of dependence or comorbid health conditions.
2. Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Assists people in understanding and altering modes of thinking and acting that are associated with substance use.
- Individual and group counseling: Offers cognitive support, coping methods, and relapse prevention.
- Support groups: The support that is provided by peers can be priceless during the recovery.
3. Medication
FDA has not approved any medication specifically applied in the treatment of kratom dependence, yet certain medications employed in treating opioid withdrawal can be utilized to relieve the symptoms, which include the use of dihydrocodeine, lofexidine, NSAIDs, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs.
In other instances, other drugs such as buprenorphine and naloxone were used to address extreme kratom addiction.
4. Holistic Approaches
Mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and stress management therapies can be used as a complement to recovery or to improve overall well-being.
How to Prevent Kratom Dependence
- Limit frequency and dose: Use the lowest effective dose and avoid daily use.
- Take breaks: Regularly abstain from kratom to prevent tolerance.
- Monitor for signs: Be aware of early warning signs like sleep disturbances, cravings, or increasing doses.
- Seek help early: Address concerns before dependence becomes severe.
Final Thoughts
The problem of kratom dependence is already acute with the proliferation of the application of this botanical supplement. Though kratom might provide certain benefits, it can also have addiction, withdrawal, and other adverse effects on life.
By looking out for the symptoms of dependence (which include sleep difficulties, tolerance, craving, and withdrawal), the user will be in a position to act in time.
There are treatment options, such as medical detox, behavioral therapy, support groups, and a holistic approach to the treatment process. Whether you or a loved one needs assistance, there are options, and recovery can occur.
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