Kratom is an herbal substance that is legal in the United States despite it causing both opioid and stimulant-like effects. If you have an addiction to kratom, turning to addiction treatment programs at Promises can help. Call us right now at 844.875.5609 to learn how we can help you if you have a kratom addiction.
Is Kratom Addictive? What Kratom Is and What Its Effects Are
Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia called Mitragyna speciosa. The leaves contain chemicals that affect the brain, including compounds called mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.
These compounds affect opioid receptors, creating an effect that compares to using other opioids, including oxycodone. Mitragynine also binds with dopamine and serotonin receptors, which causes stimulating effects.
Effects among people who use kratom vary widely. People experience symptoms like:
- Rapid heart rate
- Alertness
- Increased energy
- Confusion
- Pain relief
- Relaxation
The long-term health effects of kratom are not yet clear, but is kratom addictive? It can be, especially when taken in large quantities, because it can have an effect similar to morphine.
Although it has less potential to lead to dependence and addiction, kratom still affects the reward centers of the brain, increasing dopamine levels. This can lead the brain to start craving the drug, resulting in further use and the potential of experiencing structural changes in the brain.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Your body can become used to functioning with kratom in its system. If you abruptly stop using it, you can develop withdrawal symptoms. These can include:
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Aches and pains
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Joint stiffness
The withdrawal symptoms you experience can be mild to severe depending on how long you’ve been using kratom and the quantity of it you’ve been consuming.
Treating Kratom Addiction: Choosing the Right Programs
If you’re struggling with kratom addiction, it’s important to know about the various programs that can help. To start with, consider turning to a medical detox program to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. These detox programs keep you stable and comfortable as you begin treatment.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient
You can then decide between inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient programs are intensive options that are appropriate for those who don’t have a home environment conducive to sobriety or those who have tried to get sober in the past without success.
At an inpatient treatment program, you stay at the facility for an extended time, receiving 24/7 care. You have many hours of group and individual therapy sessions a week, and you receive support from experts in the field of substance use disorders.
For those who have work or family responsibilities that make inpatient treatment impossible, outpatient care can be a good choice. There are various levels of outpatient care. The most intensive of these is a partial hospitalization program, which offers care comparable to inpatient treatment.
PHP vs. Outpatient
During a partial hospitalization program, you receive many hours of treatment, but you can go home each night to be with your family or keep up with obligations. Below this level is an intensive outpatient program. It offers fewer treatment hours and focuses on helping you start gaining independence.
The next option is a standard outpatient program. This level of treatment offers even more independence and allows you to start getting back to your life while remaining sober.
Get the Treatment You Deserve for Kratom Addiction at Promises
Now you know the answer to the question: is kratom addictive? Now, it’s time to do something about it. If you’ve been struggling with addiction and don’t know how to get the help you need, turn to us at Promises. We know how tough it is to ask for help, and we’re here to provide the care that you deserve once you take that first crucial step. Contact Promises today by calling 844.875.5609 to start your journey.