Kratom is a substance that is derived from tropical trees found in Southeast Asia. The leaves of these trees contain various compounds that can cause psychotropic effects. People in Asia have used kratom as a home remedy to treat various ailments and increase energy levels.
While the substance is not currently regulated or considered illegal here in the United States, it does have the risk of dependence and addiction. It is marketed as a dietary or herbal supplement that can help boost energy levels, improve mood, and relieve pain.
Discontinuing kratom use can be challenging and often requires substance addiction treatments. At Phoenix Rising Recovery, we provide comprehensive kratom addiction treatment tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Kratom use can cause stimulant-like effects. When taken in low doses, it can increase energy levels and alertness. Some people feel less inhibited and can become more talkative and socially engaging.
When taken in larger doses, the substance has sedative properties similar to opioids and causes euphoria. People feel a sense of calmness, pain relief, and sleepiness. There are also cases where psychosis can occur, and people can experience delusions, hallucinations, or experience disordered speaking and thinking.
The substance alters how the brain functions, increasing the release of different neurotransmitters associated with pleasure. It also binds to different receptors in the brain to block pain signals. The brain remembers these positive effects of the substance, which leads to cravings.
The more the substance is used, the more the body becomes to rely on it. Eventually, this leads to dependence, where a person needs to be under the effects of kratom just to function. The body also develops a tolerance to the drug, so the desirable effects start to diminish.
To offset tolerance, people take higher doses, which further increases dependence and eventually causes addiction. Tolerance also continues to grow, so people end up in an ongoing cycle of having to increase dosages to achieve the desired effects, which further increases the risk of adverse effects and accidental overdose.
People who have developed dependence or addiction to kratom will experience withdrawal symptoms whenever the effects of the substance wear off, including:
The time it takes for kratom withdrawals to fully subside varies from person to person. It depends on the dosage taken, frequency of use, duration of use, and any underlying mental health issues. Generally, withdrawal symptoms start within the first 24 hours after the last dose was taken.
Within two to three days, the withdrawal symptoms will peak and be their most intense. Usually, the acute withdrawal symptoms will start to subside over the next three to four days but could take up to two weeks to be fully resolved.
Some people can experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where the psychological withdrawal effect lingers for several more months or longer. These can include depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and cravings. Eventually, PAWS symptoms will subside with ongoing kratom dependence treatment.
When starting rehab for kratom addiction, there are several different levels of care. The appropriate level of care will depend on various factors and the extent of one’s addiction.
There are several benefits of going to rehab at kratom treatment centers, as follows:
If you are looking for additional kratom addiction help & resources, some options include:
There is a multitude of benefits associated with the comprehensive drug rehab care we offer in sunny California. The most noteworthy of these is living a life free of the harmful physical, mental, and social effects of addiction.
Further benefits of receiving treatment at our drug rehab in Southern California include the following:
These benefits are why our programs lead to successful outcomes for many in recovery. By offering varying levels of care, therapies, and amenities, we have something for everyone in recovery.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). National Helpline. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Drug Enforcement Administration. (n.d.). Recovery resources. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.dea.gov/recovery-resources
The Trevor Project. (n.d.). Crisis support and resources for LGBTQ youth. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
U.S. Government. (n.d.). Official guide to government information and services. https://www.usa.gov/
California Department of Health Care Services. (n.d.). Substance use disorder directories. https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/Pages/sud-directories.aspx
