As kratom is an over-the-counter supplement, the risks of kratom abuse are often overlooked. Although available online or in local stores, kratom is not necessarily safe and can be addictive. Know the signs of kratom addiction to recognize when to seek treatment.
Once you have developed a dependence on kratom, it can be challenging to quit without support. Kratom withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and quickly lead to relapse. Promises Brazos Valley’s inpatient drug rehab can help you kick the habit and avoid the long-term side effects of abusing this substance. Call 979.426.0086 to speak with someone from the knowledgeable team of professionals at Promises Brazos Valley about how we treat kratom addiction in Texas.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is an herbal substance derived from the Mitrogyna speciosa tree’s leaves, native to Southeast Asia and Africa. It is commonly consumed by chewing the leaves, brewing them into tea, or making them into a liquid extract and adding them to beverages. Sometimes the dried leaves are crushed and put into capsules or smoked.
Kratom is known to produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects, depending on the dosage. When used in low doses, kratom has energizing effects. In more significant amounts, kratom acts more like an opioid drug, making you feel calm, euphoric, and pain-free.
Kratom is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), so it is legal at the federal level. However, each state has policies regarding the legality of kratom, and some counties ban the substance despite it being legal in their state. Kratom is currently legal in Texas, but bills are moving forward to regulate the substance.
What Are the Signs of Kratom Addiction?
Kratom is not approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug (FDA), and its use carries potential risks and side effects—one of those being addiction. Despite this risk, kratom can easily be sourced. If you develop a kratom addiction, you may experience the following:
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Delusions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
- Sudden changes in weight
Its accessibility may mislead people to think it is safe to consume kratom as you would another nutritional supplement. But if you notice the above kratom addiction symptoms in yourself or someone else, it is time to seek professional help.
How to Recover from Kratom Addiction Symptoms
Overcoming kratom addiction usually requires the help of professionals. If you try to quit kratom cold turkey, you will encounter withdrawal symptoms like:
- Abdominal cramping
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Hot flashes
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Tremors
These withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity depending on how much kratom you use and how often. The level of discomfort can also determine your risk of relapsing if you try to quit alone. Additionally, some kratom withdrawal symptoms can be potentially dangerous. If you lose excessive fluid through vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating, you can become severely dehydrated and require hospitalization.
To avoid these risks, enroll in an addiction treatment program. Treatment for kratom addiction may involve a medical detox to rid your body of the substance in a safe environment. Staff can monitor your progress 24/7 and administer medications to alleviate any discomfort. Once the drug is out of your system, you can heal through behavioral and holistic therapies and medications to ease cravings and lingering withdrawal symptoms.
Overcome Kratom Addiction in Texas at Promises Brazos Valley
At Promises Brazos Valley, we understand how difficult it can be to quit using kratom or other addictive substances. We are here to support you throughout the withdrawal process with a combination of therapies and medication. Enroll in our inpatient drug rehab to have the intensive support you need in a safe, structured environment. Contact Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 to learn more.