Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, isn’t illegal — yet. You can buy it at some smoke shops and nutritional supplement stores. There, you might find it as a tea or powder-filled capsules. Precisely what is kratom, and why is there controversy about its use? Do you need to know more about synthetic marijuana addiction treatment? If so, call us today at 866.262.0531.
What Is Kratom Drug?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Kratom leaves contain compounds that can have psychotropic (mind-altering) effects. The main active ingredients are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Kratom is most commonly consumed as a powder or capsule, but it can also be brewed into tea or taken as an extract.
Kratom is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Not too long ago, a salmonella outbreak led to recalls of the powder. Some states are banning the sale of the substance. Officials in other locations are keeping a watchful eye on the herb.
In other parts of the world, users combine the dried leaves with cough syrup and soda. There, it’s a party drug much like a new form of sizzurp. In this country, users like the stimulating effects the substance has. But already they’re mixing it with alcohol and other drugs to boost the moderate high.
Does It Have Medicinal Value?
Proponents of the substance want to keep it legal. They say that it’s useful to help people quit using harder drugs. However, officials don’t see it as having medicinal value. What is kratom if not a substance that replaces one addiction with another?
Moreover, there isn’t enough actual evidence to suggest that the herb can help you kick a drug habit. In fact, there isn’t enough information to warn you about possible drug interactions. Because kratom purity doesn’t undergo agency approval, you likely won’t know what you’re getting. In fact, it could have all sorts of dangerous additives that you don’t know about. However, advocates for keeping the drug legal don’t agree that officials have enough evidence to ban the substance.
Can You Develop an Addiction to Kratom?
The herb interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors. Even so, it doesn’t have the same effects as morphine or heroin. That said, it’s possible to get high and develop an addiction. Kratom has mind-altering qualities in moderate doses.
In high doses, they amplify and can evoke feelings of euphoria. Moreover, mixing the substance with other drugs can lead to the formation of a habit. This, in turn, gives rise to physiological and psychological dependence. Breaking this habit is possible in rehab.
Rehab Counteracts Kratom Dependency
Proponents don’t like to hear that there’s a chance this substance leads to dependency. However, in certain circumstances, it has the potential to do just that. If you’ve been taking the supplement or smoking it, you may need help to quit using it. Even if others can just stop, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Kratom addiction treatment is based on a combination of traditional methods and evidence-based therapies. Treatment typically begins with medical detoxification to help the body rid itself of toxins from kratom abuse. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), contingency management, and mindfulness are used to address underlying issues and help patients develop healthier coping skills. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be recommended to help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Therapists at rehab help you with behavioral treatments. Depending on the extent of your addiction, you could benefit from care that involves:
- One-on-one talk therapy that lets you speak privately with an expert in addiction treatment
- Group therapy sessions that emphasize addiction education and peer support
- Relapse prevention strategy planning as a way to avoid using again after discharge
- Dual diagnosis treatment for program participants with mental health disorders
- Experiential therapy that helps you find ways of interacting with peers without using
The goal of kratom addiction treatment is to create a long-term recovery plan that supports the individual’s goals for sobriety. With the right treatment, individuals can take back control of their lives and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Get the Help You Need Today From Crestview Recovery
What is kratom if not an opportunity to start over? Crestview Recovery wants to help. Call 866.262.0531 with questions or to schedule an appointment.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
