Many people are unaware of the dangers of kratom. This is because kratom is still legal in most places, especially in the U.S. However, the reality is that kratom can be very dangerous and can lead to serious addiction issues. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help you recover if you feel that you have a kratom addiction.
Kratom, like most illicit substances, has many negative side effects. These can be physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual. Ultimately, kratom use and addiction can lead to a complete interruption of an otherwise healthy and positive life.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “[The] FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder (SUD). In rare cases, deaths have been associated with kratom use, as confirmed by a medical examiner or toxicology reports. However, in these cases, kratom was usually used in combination with other drugs, and the contribution of kratom in the deaths is unclear.” This last component is very important to understand because kratom use can also lead to the use of other illicit substances and even more complicated addiction issues.
So, what exactly is kratom? According to the peer-reviewed thesis Kratom, by Doctors Sokup and Pippin, “Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, typically consumed by tea or powder, with physiologic effects similar to opioids, as well as stimulants. There is an increasing prevalence of kratom use, raising concerns for possible dependence, addiction, and toxicity. Given the increasing popularity and the potential harm this substance could cause, it is essential to understand how it works, its physiologic side effects, and any possible treatment options for symptoms related to a toxic overdose.”
Much like opioids, kratom can be very addictive and very physically damaging. Also, like opioids, it can be hard to recognize when there is a serious problem. That is why knowing the signs and symptoms of kratom addiction can help toward early intervention.
Now, of course, the world of addiction is vast. So, pinning down an exact list of symptoms that fit every situation is impossible. However, there are many universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
Now, as you can see, these can be very serious symptoms, which is why seeking professional help as soon as possible is crucial. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences of kratom use. But, where does recovery from kratom addiction start?
When it comes to recovery, it is first important to connect with the right recovery center that offers individualized recovery plans. For example, not all recovery centers may be equipped to handle kratom addiction.
It is also important to establish a recovery plan that utilizes all avenues of treatment. This includes psychotherapy.
There are many effective psychotherapies for addiction, but one of the most popular is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps get to the underlying issues of why one uses kratom in the first place. It treats the cause of the behavior rather than just the behavior itself. It also helps to change the negative thoughts and emotions that often come with excessive substance use.
Holistic healing methods like mindfulness meditation can also be very helpful. Yes, it can help with addiction and cravings, but it also offers many other benefits.
The benefits of mindfulness meditation are vast. They include reduced stress and anxiety, increased mental awareness and clarity, reduced blood pressure, improved breathing, and even improvements in physical ailments like headaches and gastrointestinal problems. It can also help calm the mind when issues of relapse arise.
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why we only believe in using individualized recovery plans that also focus on the future.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then you are ready to recover. Kick kratom to the curb. You can do this! We can help.
Kratom is widely available, and it is also highly addictive. Many people don’t understand the true dangers of kratom use, as well as how to best recover from kratom addiction. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from kratom addiction in the long term. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of kratom addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about effective recovery options for kratom addiction, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.