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Signs of Kratom Addiction

Although kratom is a lesser-known drug, you should learn more about it if a loved one is at risk of addiction. Its effects are dangerous enough to have been listed as a drug of concern by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

If you use kratom or know someone who is, keep reading to learn about the signs of kratom addiction and why it is so important to seek treatment. My 5 Palms is here to help you or a loved one heal from addiction to kratom or other substances with our evidence-based addiction treatment programs. Contact our knowledgeable team in Florida online or by phone at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a drug that acts as a stimulant in low doses and as a sedative in higher doses. It comes from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia but can also be found online or in stores selling alternative medicines or herbal products. 

People take kratom for several reasons:

  • Mood elevation
  • Pain relief
  • Increased energy

Some people have also found that kratom helps alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Kratom interacts with the same opioid receptors as drugs like morphine to relieve withdrawal discomfort and cravings, similar to methadone treatment. However, for your safety, you should seek professional treatment for opioid withdrawal rather than self-medicating with kratom.

Although the DEA considers kratom a drug of concern, it is still legal at the federal level. Each state has its policy regarding the legality of kratom, but counties and cities can implement policies that conflict with that of the state. For example, kratom is legal in Florida, but Sarasota County has banned the drug.

What Are the Signs of Kratom Addiction?

It can be easy to mistake kratom as reasonably harmless if it is legal in your area. But a drug does not have to be classified as a controlled substance for it to threaten your health. You can develop a devastating addiction to this drug, so it is vital that you recognize these kratom addiction symptoms as early as possible:

  • Increased tolerance – You need to take larger doses of kratom to achieve the same stimulant or sedative effects.
  • Cravings – You feel an intense desire for kratom when you do not have it.
  • Withdrawal symptoms – You feel uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms—insomnia, depression, nausea, sweating, and irritability—if you stop taking kratom.

Another sign of kratom addiction is using the drug to prevent or manage withdrawal symptoms. This is what keeps many people stuck in the cycle of addiction. The most effective way to break this cycle is to get professional addiction treatment.

The Dangers of Kratom Addiction

Kratom has not been FDA-approved for any medical purpose, so it is used instead as a self-medication for opioid withdrawal, anxiety, and depression. While it may help minimize the symptoms of these conditions, it can also expose you to some potential dangers, including:

  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis
  • Respiratory depression
  • Seizures
  • Heart problems
  • Liver damage

Using kratom can also increase the risk of addiction, overdose, and death. 

Call My 5 Palms for Help with Kratom Addiction Symptoms

Herbal substances like kratom are not necessarily safe, so whether or not it is legal in your state, you can experience potentially life-threatening effects if you use this drug. If you recognize any of the above signs of kratom addiction, contact My 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to speak with someone from our knowledgeable team in Florida about our addiction treatment options. Our addiction treatment programs will provide a personalized plan to address your dependence on kratom or other substances. We also offer dual diagnosis treatment if you struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders.

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