What in the World is “Kratom”? Highly Addictive AND Legal!
All natural, organically grown, and non-gmo have become some of the most sought after titles by any product. People are tired of chemicals and preservatives and additives in their foods and drinks. They want products that are better for them and that they can feel good about using.
This is why Kratom has become significantly popular.
Kratom is an all-natural product that does not have to be altered with chemicals or preservatives to consume. It can be taken raw or dried and is promoted as a natural alternative to many medications on the market. It is deceptively marketed as side-effect free and many people believe that Kratom is not addictive.
This is a very dangerous misconception.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a type of plant that is grown in Southeast Asia. The plant is from the coffee family of plants and is considered an evergreen in that area. The leaves are picked, deveined and then dried for consumption. Some people will make “green” tea from the leaves, but it is reported that the effects are not as strong when the leaves are fresh.
Kratom, in small doses seems to work as a stimulant. In larger single does, the effects of Kratom is similar to that of opiates and provides pain relief and drowsiness. When mixed with caffeinated or medicinal liquids, the effects can
significantly multiply.
It takes Kratom about 15 minutes to start working in your system once consumed. The effects can last 2 to 5 hours, depending on the dose you have taken and your tolerance level to the ingredients.
Because Kratom is not considered an illegal drug, it is not a criminal act to possess it in any form. The Drug Enforcement Agency has listed it as a “substance of interest,” but it has done nothing more at this time.
The Food and Drug Administration has deemed it as ineffective as a supplement, but has not banned the use of it in the United States. Many European nations have outlawed this substance in any form. Kratom is highly regulated in Thailand where it is an indigenous species.
Kratom Addiction
Looked at as the legal way to get high, Kratom is gaining in popularity all around the U.S. In fact, there are even Kratom Pubs opening up in some states that sell different flavored teas that are all “spiced” with Kratom. Many people even have stated that drinking Kratom tea can help you break a heroin addiction.
Although the trend is pretty new and promoted as all natural, there is already a Kratom addiction problem. Long term effects are not yet known since it has only begun to be used in the United States for about five years. However, short-term stages of addiction have been shown to have the following effects on the body:
- Anorexia or severe weight loss
- Nausea, vomiting
- Frequent need to urinate and at the same time constipated
- Dehydration, dry mouth
- Discoloration of facial skin
These are just a few of the more common side effects associated with this drug. Many people have suffered severe side effects, including depressed respiratory functions, and have ended up in ER from this product.
There Are Withdrawal Symptoms From Kratom
The one real proof that Kratom is addictive is the fact that the body suffers from withdrawal when it is not available. Sadly, withdrawal symptoms from Kratom are often very severe and can have long term effects. This fact alone shows that Kratom is an addictive substance.
Withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced with Kratom
include:
- Inability to produce Serotonin in the brain. This is the “happy” hormone. Serotonin is very negatively affected by Kratom and when withdrawal occurs a person can enter into a non-emotional” state.
- Hostility and aggression. A person, because they have no “happy-hormone” can become very hostile and aggressive. Almost to, and including, violent.
- Suffer from severe muscle spasms, jerking and shaking.
- All over body aches and pains
- Psychotic breaks, paranoia and delusions
- A runny nose that will not stop
Other side effects have also been associated with Kratom withdrawal. It is not uncommon for people to quickly go back to drinking Kratom to avoid these unpleasant experiences. This is why it is very important to seek the help of drug rehabilitation centers when you have a Kratom addiction.
The Benefits Of An Addiction Recovery Center For Kratom
Use
Regardless of its status as a legal substance, Kratom is dangerous. It is a highly addictive substance that alters your brain functions and can cause serious and debilitating withdrawal effects if not managed in a drug rehab setting. The all-natural and legal appeal of Kratom is just a deceptive way of helping people become addicted.
Drug rehab centers have already seen a significant increase in the number of clients who come to them seeking help for their Kratom addiction. These addiction recovery centers already have programs in place that will help those facing this type of addiction.
Family members of those using Kratom should be very diligent in watching their loved ones to see if their use of Kratom has become abusive or addictive. It does not take long for addiction to set in as well as the side effects. Loved ones are encouraged to help their family member or friend seek the right type of rehab treatment for this type of addiction.
Every rehabilitation center is different. When you are looking for help with Kratom, make sure that the center has the ability to treat that specific addiction. Addiction recovery centers should also offer a professional and compassionate substance abuse counselor to each person in the program.
It is through the care and understanding of a counselor that true recovery can begin because the issues that led to addiction are being addressed. once you discover the cause of the addiction, you can overcome the problem.
Recovery from Kratom addiction is possible. Through the use of a substance abuse program and the guidance of a counselor, you can enter into a lifestyle of recovery and enjoy all the benefits that drug-free living offers.