Kratom Addiction

What Is Kratom Addiction?

Kratom is an herbal extract derived from a tree of the same name. This substance has been sold as a natural remedy for pain, fatigue and opioid addiction.

Kratom is commonly ingested as an extract, pill or powder, though traditionally it is consumed by chewing a leaf of the kratom tree. The effects begin within a few minutes and can last for hours. In rare instances, users who consume high doses may experience psychosis, with symptoms such as hallucinations and confusion.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated that no one should use kratom, and it is not approved for any medical use. For those who use kratom despite the warnings, its use carries the risk of addiction. While kratom may be more accessible to users than prescription medication, taking any substance without supervision can lead to addiction. Kratom is especially concerning because it contains active alkaloids that affect opioid receptors in the brain, creating a risk of dependence.

What Is Kratom Addiction?

Kratom is an herbal extract derived from a tree of the same name. This substance has been sold as a natural remedy for pain, fatigue and opioid addiction.

Kratom is commonly ingested as an extract, pill or powder, though traditionally it is consumed by chewing a leaf of the kratom tree. The effects begin within a few minutes and can last for hours. In rare instances, users who consume high doses may experience psychosis, with symptoms such as hallucinations and confusion.

Kratom vs. 7-OH

7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) refers to a partly synthetic and concentrated form of kratom. It is often marketed as “natural” even though it has much higher doses of the 7-OH alkaloid than is naturally found in the leaves of the kratom tree or kratom extracts. Some 7-OH shots, drinks and other products even contain chemically derived 7-OH and very little or no natural kratom.

Depending on the product, 7-OH products sold online, in smoke shops and other locations can be more potent than morphine, but are not controlled or independently tested. Customers purchasing 7-OH have no assurance that the product is safe from contamination and have no means of verifying its potency or whether it has been chemically derived or modified in any way.

As a result, there is no way to control the dose, and some of these products behave like opioids in the system, increasing the risk of addiction and overdose.

Efforts have been made to ban 7-OH and related products. Certain states, including Arizona, have made these products illegal. At the federal level, kratom is not a controlled substance, and some states still classify it as a legal substance. It is largely unregulated, and even in states where it is illegal, it can readily be purchased online or even at gas stations, in vape shops and through other retailers.

Kratom vs. 7-OH

7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) refers to a partly synthetic and concentrated form of kratom. It is often marketed as “natural” even though it has much higher doses of the 7-OH alkaloid than is naturally found in the leaves of the kratom tree or kratom extracts. Some 7-OH shots, drinks and other products even contain chemically derived 7-OH and very little or no natural kratom.

Depending on the product, 7-OH products sold online, in smoke shops and other locations can be more potent than morphine, but are not controlled or independently tested. Customers purchasing 7-OH have no assurance that the product is safe from contamination and have no means of verifying its potency or whether it has been chemically derived or modified in any way.

Signs of Kratom Addiction

While you may believe you are safe to take a substance that has been used for thousands of years in Southeast Asia, there may be signs that you are at risk of addiction. Ask yourself:

Do you seek out 7-OH products and kratom, even when you tell yourself you will reduce your use?
Does it take more of the product to get the same effect?
Are you experiencing changes in your sleep patterns, appetite, moods and relationships?
Have other people told you that they are worried about your kratom use?
Do you neglect yourself, your pets, your family, your friends and your usual hobbies because of kratom?
Do you think about kratom a lot and spend a significant amount of money on it?
If kratom became illegal tomorrow, would you panic?
Do you feel stress or anxiety when you think about kratom?
Are you worried about your mental health?

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Kratom can have unpleasant and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including:

Respiratory depression, or dangerously slowed breathing
Sleep disorders and insomnia
Joint and muscle pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Panic attacks and anxiety
Mood swings, irritability and depression
Emotional instability
Compulsive thoughts
Brain fog
Aches and flu-like symptoms
Fatigue
Tremors
Strong cravings

Symptoms are often most intense during the first week of withdrawal, known as the acute phase. In some cases, symptoms last for months. On many online forums, such as Reddit, users share their kratom withdrawal symptoms with others to seek solutions.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Kratom can have unpleasant and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including:

Respiratory depression, or dangerously slowed breathing
Sleep disorders and insomnia
Joint and muscle pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Panic attacks and anxiety
Mood swings, irritability and depression
Emotional instability
Compulsive thoughts
Brain fog
Aches and flu-like symptoms
Fatigue
Tremors
Strong cravings

Symptoms are often most intense during the first week of withdrawal, known as the acute phase. In some cases, symptoms last for months. On many online forums, such as Reddit, users share their kratom withdrawal symptoms with others to seek solutions.

Overcoming Kratom Addiction

Overcoming kratom and 7-OH addiction is challenging because these substances impact your brain’s receptors, making it more difficult to stop using them. That means your best chance for healing is professional treatment for kratom addiction from professionals who know what you are going through and know how to help.

Kratom addiction can result in slowed breathing and potentially dangerous or frightening symptoms in withdrawal. Having an experienced professional by your side ensures you have someone to assist you if you need it. Professionals can monitor your health and provide emotional and physical support, keeping you safer and more secure during recovery.

Another benefit of professional treatment is that overcoming kratom addiction with a residential program allows you to focus entirely on healing. You are removed from your daily life, where triggers and other reminders of your kratom use may be everywhere. In a residential program, you are surrounded by people dedicated to helping you succeed. At The Sanctuary, you live in comfort, with premium linens, beautiful grounds, an on-site chef, luxury accommodations and more. All your needs are taken care of, allowing you to focus entirely on healing.

Often, difficult memories and traumas come up during recovery and withdrawal. You may remember a childhood trauma that triggered your addiction, or face the realities of what happened during your addiction. At The Sanctuary, we offer support through Licensed Independent Behavioral Health Professionals who specialize in addiction, trauma, dual diagnoses, psychiatry and functional medicine. We help you heal fully through our integrative, holistic approach and science-based recovery programs.

The time to act is now. The longer you use these substances, the more likely you are to encounter contaminated products that may contain dangerous ingredients like pesticides. Kratom addiction help is available, and it can help you break free.

Overcoming Kratom Addiction

Overcoming kratom and 7-OH addiction is challenging because these substances impact your brain’s receptors, making it more difficult to stop using them. That means your best chance for healing is professional treatment for kratom addiction from professionals who know what you are going through and know how to help.

Kratom addiction can result in slowed breathing and potentially dangerous or frightening symptoms in withdrawal. Having an experienced professional by your side ensures you have someone to assist you if you need it. Professionals can monitor your health and provide emotional and physical support, keeping you safer and more secure during recovery.

Kratom Addiction