Kratom is a drug that produces a euphoric high. It is legal in many states, but regular use can result in addiction. Kratom addiction is a substance use disorder, and kratom addiction treatment is needed to support healing and recovery. Addiction to any substance can lead to serious long-term consequences. Contact Silicon Beach Treatment Center at [Direct] for more information on helping a loved one with kratom addiction.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a leaf that comes from Thailand. It’s a psychoactive drug that mirrors the effects of heroin by stimulating the opioid receptors in the brain. Regular use of kratom produces dependency. Its impact on the mind makes a user more likely to continue using the drug.
Kratom is a relatively new drug in the U.S., making it less regulated than other drugs. Some states sell it openly in gas stations and vape shops, while others have recognized its high potential for abuse and made it illegal.
What Are the Signs of Kratom Abuse?
Kratom’s legal status means that a user may openly admit to using it while insisting that they aren’t addicted. In other cases, a user may deny using kratom at all. Varieties of kratom leaves come in several different colors. The most popular types are green, red, yellow, and white. The dried leaves are often ground into a powder. People may smoke the drug, take it in capsules, or make it into tea.
To identify the presence of kratom, look for leaves or powder, self-rolled cigarettes, empty capsules, and homemade tea brewing attempts.
Kratom can be a stimulant in smaller doses, while larger doses create a depressant effect. This divergence can make it harder to identify when a user is under the influence of kratom. However, physical signs to watch for that indicate kratom abuse include:
- Dilated pupils
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Itchiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion
- Hyperactivity or lethargy
- Altered behavior
Tolerance to kratom builds quickly. Missing money, secretive behavior, or odd spending habits are all signs that your loved one may be struggling to afford the drug. As tolerance builds, larger and more frequent doses are needed to experience the high.
Kratom overdose can result in kratom poisoning. Its potential to cause death is understudied. There have been cases of death in which kratom use was considered to be the contributing factor. If your loved one appears ill and you believe kratom use is the reason, seek medical attention immediately
How Kratom Addiction Treatment Can Help
Kratom’s legal standing means that some users may insist that it isn’t a drug or isn’t addictive. Opioid users, in particular, often claim to use kratom as means of staying clean from other drugs, arguing that it helps with cravings and prevents relapse. Unfortunately, these claims are not true.
Kratom is an equally addictive drug. Using kratom to avoid other drugs is still a form of addiction. This means a user engages in active addiction and is poised for full relapse with an even more dangerous substance.
Withdrawal from kratom is similar to opioid withdrawal. A safe, successful detox should be completed under medical supervision.
Effective treatment also involves counseling and an evidence-based therapy approach. Kratom addiction treatment can help a client understand the patterns that contribute to their kratom use and create a plan to support recovery.
Get Help for Kratom Addiction at Silicon Beach Treatment Center
Kratom addiction is a serious problem. As with any drug, it requires treatment and a dedication to long-term recovery. Without taking these steps, your loved one will only fall further into the cycle of addiction.
Help is available. Stop the cycle by seeking out treatment options and helping your loved one understand the consequences of kratom addiction. Contact Silicon Beach Treatment Center at [Direct] for more information on kratom addiction treatment.
