Kratom: Is it Addictive?
Welcome to the topic “Kratom: Is it Addictive?”
If taken occasionally, Kratom will never harm you. The over-use of Kratom can become a habit, so use it occasionally rather than daily. If using it for the very first time, don’t take it more than once a week. Preferably this substance is taken once or twice a month. This is to ensure that it must not become a habit.
Is There Any Health Concern?
If you use Kratom according to the prescribed directions you are unlikely to have any health issues. Some people in Thailand consume a large amount of it, and most of them are dependent on it. Those dependent on this substance have lost weight, dark pigmentation on the skin of the face. If its use is stopped, the individual develops withdrawal symptoms.
- Muscle aches,
- runny nose,
- diarrhea,
- muscle aches and jerking,
- irritability, and
- uncontrollable crying etc.
Some people also have some allergic reactions to Kratom even if they use it responsibly.
Is Kratom Legal?
Kratom is legal in many countries, including the United States and Europe. At the moment it is illegal in Thailand, Burma, Australia, and Malaysia, if you are caught in the possession of this herb you’ll face severe penalties. In every country laws often change, so be careful before using Kratom in any country.
Dependence and Addiction
When an individual takes a mind-altering drug, it changes the natural chemistry of the brain. It is the same in the case of Kratom. The chemical messengers produced in the brain to be sent throughout the body may be absorbed, depressed, or not stimulated properly. Opioids, and likely kratom as well, occupy opioid receptors in the brain which can create a backlog of some of the neurotransmitters working for how a person feels pleasure.
With time the regular intake of this substance makes its place in the brain by altering its natural chemistry. These chemical messengers are not properly sent or received throughout the CNS and body. And becomes a permanent habit for users.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
Although FDA has not approved Kratom for medical use, people use it to get relief from chronic pain or for Opioid withdrawal. A large number of people are turning to its use as a substitute for heroin and other recreational drugs.
Medical experts have found many side effects of its use, which include:
- Severe weight loss
- Discoloration of the cheeks
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Bone pain
- Vomiting
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
- Lack or loss of appetite
- Delusions
- Thyroid problems
- Insomnia
Is Kratom Addictive?
Kratom is often used to combat opioid use disorders, but this substance is addictive itself. Kratom addiction usually develops in six months.
People using it on regular basis are more likely to have withdrawal symptoms. Because they develop a dependence on the substance over time. Here are some of the most common physical withdrawal symptoms of its addiction.
- Jerky movements
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Decreased appetite
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Fever
- Sweating and hot flashes
Psychological withdrawal symptoms:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Changes in mood
- Agitation
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) occurs after heavy regular use of this substance. Anxiety, insomnia, and depression are sometimes seen in individuals struggling with PAWS and could last for weeks or months. Before it gets too late contact More Life Recovery Center for help.