Kratom addiction is an emerging public health concern that has garnered significant attention in recent years. Native to Southeast Asia, Kratom (scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa) has been used for centuries for its pain-relieving properties and stimulant effects. However, as kratom use has increased globally, especially in the United States, so too have reports of its addictive potential and associated risks. This article explores the rise of kratom addiction, its link to opioid withdrawal, and its regulation by authorities like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What Is Kratom and How Does It Affect the Body?
Kratom, a drug, is an herbal substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant, native to Southeast Asia. The plant contains active compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with receptors in the brain, similar to opioids, though in different ways. At low doses and in powdered form, kratom can act as a stimulant, providing energy and enhancing focus. At higher doses, it has sedative effects, helping with chronic pain relief and sometimes even alleviating opioid withdrawal symptoms.
However, kratom exposures are not without risk. Overuse or prolonged use of kratom can lead to physical dependence and addiction. While kratom is often marketed as a natural alternative to opioids for pain relief, it can still lead to substance use disorders (SUDs) and addiction.
The Addictive Potential of Kratom: How Real Is the Threat?
Emerging evidence suggests that kratom derived products can indeed be addictive, particularly when used in higher doses or over extended periods. While many people initially turn to kratom for pain relief or as a way to manage opioid addiction, regular use can lead to kratom dependence. The main kratom compounds, particularly mitragynine, bind to opioid receptors in the brain and have known addictive properties.
Users who are struggling with kratom addiction may find it difficult to stop using the substance despite the negative consequences it has on their physical and mental health. This dependence can lead to a cycle of using kratom to avoid withdrawal symptoms, further entrenching the addictive behavior.
Kratom Addiction and Opioid Withdrawal
One of the main reasons people turn to kratom is its ability to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Many individuals who are trying to quit opioid addiction, as well as substance abuse, seek out kratom as an alternative due to its similar effects on the brain’s receptors. Kratom leaves symptoms of opioid use disorder (OUD) reduced, including muscle pain, mood swings, and cravings, providing temporary relief from opioid withdrawal.
However, this may not be a sustainable solution. Although kratom acts to reduce moderate withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction, it does not address the root causes of addiction. Over time, users can develop kratom dependence, leading to a new set of withdrawal symptoms once they attempt to stop using the herb. The risks of kratom use are compounded by the lack of regulation, with products varying greatly in quality and potency.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom addiction can lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped abruptly. These symptoms may include:
- Muscle pain
- Runny nose
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased blood pressure
- Mood swings
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the individual’s level of kratom dependence. Users of kratom products, especially those who ingest the herb regularly in high doses, are at a higher risk for experiencing more acute withdrawal symptoms.
The Role of Healthcare Providers in Treating Kratom and Opioid Addiction
Healthcare providers and addiction treatment specialists need to be aware of the growing issue of kratom addiction and the risks it poses, especially for individuals already struggling with opioid use disorder. Treatment for kratom dependence may include medical detoxification, behavioral therapies, and support groups. Since kratom is not regulated, users may not fully understand the risks associated with its use, making it crucial for medical professionals to educate patients about the potential dangers and withdrawal symptoms linked to the substance.
In some cases, kratom addiction may require more intensive addiction treatment services, especially if the individual has developed a compulsive substance use disorder or is using kratom in combination with other drugs. Treatment approaches should be individualized, with a focus on managing withdrawal symptoms and addressing the underlying causes of addiction and other mental health conditions.
The Role of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and FDA in Kratom Regulation
As kratom ingestion increases, regulatory agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are under pressure to intervene. The DEA has classified kratom as a “drug of concern,” highlighting its potential for abuse and the lack of robust clinical trials supporting its safety. The FDA, meanwhile, has issued warnings regarding the potential health risks of kratom-containing products, citing reports of kratom’s addictive properties, toxicity, and involvement in deaths.
Despite these warnings, kratom is not federally regulated in the United States, making it easily accessible in various forms, including kratom powder, capsules, and even as an ingredient in some kratom-based products sold at smoke shops and online. The absence of regulation means that kratom’s purity and potency are not standardized, leading to potential risks of overdose and harmful drug interactions, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
The Importance of Robust Clinical Trials and Research
The need for robust clinical trials on kratom cannot be overstated. As of now, research on kratom’s addictive potential is limited, and the substance’s effects on long-term mental and physical health are still largely unknown. Researchers are working to gather more data on how kratom works in the brain, its potential for abuse, and the safety of kratom products.
Furthermore, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has called for more studies to understand the psychiatric and neurological impacts of kratom use, particularly in relation to opioid addiction and other mental disorders. Research on how kratom interacts with other substances is also critical, as many kratom users mix the herb with other drugs or alcohol, increasing the risk of harmful drug interactions and overdose.
Conclusion: Kratom Addiction and the Need for Regulation
As the use of kratom continues to rise, the risks associated with its addictive potential and the lack of regulation are becoming more apparent. Kratom addiction, opioid withdrawal relief, and the potential for drug abuse are serious concerns that need to be addressed through comprehensive research and policy changes. Until kratom is regulated and more is known about its long-term effects, it is essential for both users and medical professionals to be vigilant and informed about the risks of kratom use.
If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom addiction, it is important to seek help from addiction treatment specialists, at a West Palm Beach drug rehab center, who can guide you through the recovery process. With proper treatment and support, it is possible to overcome kratom dependence and regain control over your life.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.