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In the past decade, there has been a sharp rise in “safe” drug use and prescriptions. One common “legal” drug is marijuana, with over half of U.S. states and territories legalizing it since 2020. You may be prescribed marijuana for anxiety or opioids for pain relief, and while these drugs can be useful in certain settings, there are sneaky health risks, including addiction.

One such drug that many aren’t aware of is Kratom. You may have seen the drug in passing at a vape shop or dispensary, with window signs advertising Kratom in big, neon letters. Although unregulated in the U.S., Kratom is a highly addictive drug and affects 1 in 10 people with an opioid addiction, oftentimes worsening the symptoms and causing dangerous health effects long-term.

Research on the drug is still ongoing, but there has been a spike in Kratom use and addiction in the U.S. recently, contributing to the opioid crisis. If someone you know has an opioid addiction, they may also be using or are more likely to use Kratom, worsening their opioid addiction. Master Center has dozens of psychiatrists, medical professionals, and counselors who treat the silent disease of Kratom addiction and have offered a comprehensive outline of what kratom is, how to spot addiction, and where to get help.

So, let’s examine everything to know about Kratom addiction, so you or someone you care about can get the right treatment before it’s too late.

All About Kratom: What to Know

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a southeast-Asian tree whose leaves produce stimulant-like effects and sedation. The leaves are often crushed and then smoked, brewed into tea, chewed, or made into capsules.

Kratom acts on the brain’s “happy” receptors in ways like opioid pills, stimulating the effects of opioid use. It makes users feel more energetic, focused, and in some cases, even euphoric. The chemicals in kratom include decreasing pain and increasing sedation, which is why it’s often used alongside opioid pills.

What is Kratom Used For?

Kratom has been used for hundreds of years, mostly by southeast-Asian workers, but has been increasingly used for other reasons worldwide. Some of the main reasons people have used Kratom include:

• Pain relief 

• Anti-diarrhea properties

• Mild stimulant for manual labor

• Opiate addiction treatment, including withdrawal management

As of now, Kratom is not approved by the U.S. FDA for safe medical use and is considered a “Drug of Concern.” Data on the drug is lacking and ongoing, and officials have issued warnings about using Kratom. As an uncontrolled substance lacking sophisticated research, Kratom is not a safe or effective way to reduce any of the symptoms listed above and should not be used as such.

Health Risks of Kratom: Short & Long-Term

In addition to Kratom being unregulated and dangerous, the health risks of short- and long-term use can be frightening and dangerous. The short-term health risks of Kratom include:

• Psychosis

• Hallucinations and delusions

• Nausea

• Dizziness and drowsiness

• Seizures

The long-term effects of Kratom are still being researched, but available information shows harmful health risks present when Kratom is combined with other drugs. The effects include:

• Liver problems

• Weight loss or anorexia

• Lung and respiratory problems

• Hazardous withdrawal symptoms

Overall, the health dangers of using Kratom, especially alongside other drugs like opioids, are dangerous and not worth the risk.

How to Spot Kratom Addiction

Kratom addiction is a sneaky addiction that, due to its similarities to opioids and lack of regulation, is on the rise in the U.S. Nearly 2 million people use Kratom, and use is increasing among those who have been self-managing chronic pain with opioids without a prescription.

So, how do you spot Kratom addiction? Like how to tell if someone is using drugs, Kratom addiction has physical and behavioral signs to look for:

• An inability to stop using Kratom despite its dangers

• Needing to take more of Kratom to get high

• A decrease in productivity at work, home, or school

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when Kratom isn’t used

These addiction signs mimic those of opioid addiction, so be aware of both Kratom and opioid abuse signs.

What Are Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms?

Kratom withdrawal, due to its similarities and co-occurring usage with opioids, has similar symptoms to opioid withdrawal. Any drug withdrawal experience is dangerous and, if left unchecked, lethal, so it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately.

With that, common Kratom withdrawal signs include: 

• Loss of appetite and nausea

• Hot flashes

• Tremors or spasms

• Mood swings

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Drug cravings

Remember that Kratom is often used in tandem with opioids, so the addiction and withdrawal signs can be more prevalent, intense, and dangerous if left unchecked. Be sure to stay aware of these symptoms so you or someone you care about can get help before it’s too late.

Getting Help for Kratom Addiction

Kratom is a highly addictive and under-researched drug that contributes to the opioid epidemic, which is why it’s important to get help immediately if experiencing addiction signs. Kratom isn’t an approved way to relieve your pain, mental health issues, or other physical ailments, and it’s important to get a safe, effective treatment plan from a medical professional.

Master Center offers comprehensive programming for Kratom addiction, including detox, therapy, medication, and psychiatry, to help those with this underlying addiction get the proper treatment they need. If you or someone you know may have a Kratom problem, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us to get started on the road to recovery.

About Master Center

Master Center is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches.