It’s widely known that not all drugs are illegal — take for instance prescription medications. However, the numerous medications sold over the counter or prescribed by medical professionals have the potential for abuse. Kratom is one of these drugs. You may not have heard of Kratom, but it’s not exactly new.
What is Kratom?
The drug Kratom comes from a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia, where it’s been used in herbal medicine since at least the 19th century.[1] Kratom, which is derived from the leaves of the tree, contains two major psychoactive ingredients: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.[2] It can be taken orally as a capsule or tablet, or the leaves can be made into a tea.
What are the effects and side effects of Kratom?
Kratom has pain-relieving effects similar to opioids, along with many of the same serious safety concerns. It’s often being used by people who abuse opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, or pain pills when they are going through withdrawals and cannot find any opioids. However, the effect of Kratom is dependent upon the amount consumed. In low doses, Kratom provides a stimulant effect, while in higher doses it can provide a sedative effect.
People who have used the drug in low doses report increased alertness, energy, and talkativeness. However, at high doses, users report sedative effects and pain relief. Like many drugs, the effect of Kratom on the individual can vary slightly due to several factors, but it does have the potential for physical and psychological dependence. The side effects of Kratom may include nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, vomiting, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and tachycardia. Some users have even experienced psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), weight loss, insomnia, liver damage, and seizures.
Is Kratom Legal?
Kratom is legal in several states, such as Texas, but not in all. In fact, Kratom is illegal in Arkansas, but that does not prevent its use from becoming more and more prevalent.[3] In Arkansas, it’s classified as a felony, carrying penalties such as up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000 for possession of more than two grams. Possessing over 28 grams of Kratom can be a class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $15,000 in fines. Arkansas has taken a hard stance on Kratom. For example, possession of the drug near designated locations can lead to an additional 10-year sentence for endangering public welfare
Arkansas has banned both the possession and sale of Kratom products since 2016, classifying the active compounds in Kratom, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as Schedule I controlled substances. This places Kratom in the same category as drugs that have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. While Kratom may not be illegal in every state, it does have a potential for abuse and some major side effects.
Is Kratom Addictive?
While some research suggests that it’s less addictive than opioids, studies indicate that those who regularly use Kratom do risk becoming addicted. As with any substance abuse, the body naturally adapts to regular use. When you stop taking it, withdrawal symptoms can occur, which in turn makes the user reach for more.[4] And so the addiction cycle begins. According to the American Psychiatric Association, signs of Kratom addiction include:
- Lacking control over the amount of the substance taken or the frequency with which it is used.
- An inability to stop using the drug despite multiple attempts to do so.
- Neglecting responsibilities and relationships.
- Lacking interest in social, recreational, or other activities that used to be important.
- Decreasing productivity at home, school, or work.
- An increase in risk-taking behaviors.
- Continuing to use the drug in full awareness of problems its use may create.
- Needing to take more of the drug to feel its effects, which is also known as tolerance.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used.
Kratom for Opioid Withdrawal — Understanding the Risks
Kratom has been promoted as a way to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. Many view Kratom as being less harmful as it is an herbal extract. In Asia, it’s often used in small amounts to reduce tiredness or treat opium addiction. In other areas of the world, it’s used to lessen opioid withdrawal, help people feel more energetic, relieve pain, or reduce anxiety or depression. However, as previously mentioned, there are safety concerns as well as the potential of becoming addicted to Kratom. One study found that the risk of dependence development was highest for those who frequently consume higher doses (more than five grams per day and more than three times per day).[5] However, that is not to say that you can avoid addiction by simply taking smaller doses.
If you’re experiencing opioid withdrawal, the best treatment is to seek professional help to prevent the potential of becoming addicted to yet another substance. One such form of treatment is through Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Here at Lake Point Recovery and Wellness, we offer a MAT program that combines specialized medications with evidence-based counseling to help individuals learn recovery skills while safely taking medications that prevent withdrawal.
If you or a loved one is suffering from opioid or other substance abuse disorders, we’re here to help. We offer inpatient and outpatient services to get you on the road to recovery. Fill out our contact form or give us a call (1-833-4HANDUP) to learn more.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657101/
[2] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom
[3] https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB11082
[4] https://archives.nida.nih.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-use-addiction-basics
