Kratom Abuse, Addiction, And Treatment Options

Kratom is derived from the leaves of the plant Mitragyna speciosa.

The plant is native to Thailand and much of southeast Asia. Kratom leaves have historically been used in that region as a natural remedy for chronic pain relief.

Currently, Kratom has no FDA-approved medical use in the United States.

The use of Kratom without regulation is potentially addictive, can lead to substance abuse, and may cause other serious health issues.

Is Kratom Addictive?

Kratom does have the potential to be addictive.

The active ingredients in Ketamine are 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine, which interact with the same opioid receptors as morphine.

Ongoing research suggests that Kratom may be less addictive than other opioids. That does not mean that you cannot form a serious addiction.

How Do People Misuse Kratom?

Traditionally, Kratom is consumed by either drinking a tea made from the Mitragyna speciosa leaves or chewing them. In some cases, the leaves may also be smoked.

When Kratom is abused, the mode of use often changes to elicit a stronger and more immediate effect.

Snorting Kratom

It is technically possible to snort Kratom in a powdered form. This method of use has the potential to amplify the effects of Kratom, but it is not an advisable course of action.

Snorting Kratom will increase your risk of overdose, while causing serious damage to your mucous membranes.

If you snort Kratom regularly, you will likely suffer nosebleeds, persistent infections, and lung damage.

Read more about snorting Kratom.

Plugging Kratom

It is also technically possible to plug Kratom. Plugging is another word for boofing. Both refer to taking drugs through the rectal cavity.

With many drugs, plugging can cause a more extreme high without using larger doses. However, that is not generally the case with Kratom.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the vast majority of people experience no effects when they attempt to plug Kratom.

Given the risk of internal damage and infection, boofing Kratom can be considered dangerous.

Learn more about plugging Kratom.

What Side Effects Are Possible With Kratom Addiction?

In general, Kratom has pain-relieving effects. When misused, it can lead to feelings of euphoria and increased sociability.

Kratom addiction can be dangerous though, especially due to the drug’s psychoactive properties.

If you take higher doses, there is a risk of respiratory depression and psychosis. The psychosis that accompanies Kratom abuse often involves aggression and hallucinations.

This combination of side effects may make you a danger to yourself and others.

Other, more general side effects of Kratom use include: 

• nausea and vomiting
• sweating
• itching
• constipation
• painful defecation
• hypertension (increased blood pressure)
• tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• weight loss, which can be significant with long-term use
• insomnia
• hyperpigmentation in the cheeks

Does Kratom Use Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?

Any drug with addictive potential can also cause withdrawal symptoms. Until Kratom is properly studied and released for use under FDA guidelines, you should not use it.

What Are The Dangers Of Kratom Misuse?

Without active regulation, there is no way of knowing exactly what is in any Kratom product you purchase online.

Case studies cite instances of irregular doses and adulteration even in dietary supplements that contain Kratom.

As a result, Kratom drug use has put many people in life-threatening situations.

Case reports of sudden grand mal seizures, liver damage, hallucinations, violent behavior, paranoia, and delusions of grandeur follow cases of Kratom drug abuse.

Addiction Treatment Options For Kratom Use

Kratom is addictive, and you may require addiction treatment if you have been using the drug habitually.

As with opioid addiction or any other addiction, it is challenging to quit even with help from healthcare providers.

Depending on the severity of your Kratom withdrawal, you may require an inpatient medical detox as well as outpatient therapeutic treatment for your mental health.

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment Today

Rather than using a substance that could cause even more harm, consider reaching out to an addiction treatment program for help with your substance abuse.

A qualified treatment center will be able to help you detox safely, providing buprenorphine and medical treatment as needed to manage your withdrawal symptoms.

After detox, they can help you find therapies that work for you and offer long-term relief from your drug addiction.
Reach out to our helpline to find an addiction recovery center today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff