Kratom: Dangers of Withdrawal

The DEA lists kratom is a drug of concern; however, it is not a controlled substance, and there are no reliable figures regarding its use in the US. Several states, such as Alabama, have identified kratom as a potentially dangerous substance and enacted regulations to control its distribution.

Despite its legal status, Kratom use can cause negative effects and poses risks for withdrawal. Our guide will explain the risks of use, withdrawal, and how to get help for you or a loved one struggling with addiction.

What is Kratom?

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and scholarly sources, such as an article in Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, kratom is a tree that is found in areas of Southeast Asia (Mitragyna speciosa Korth). The tree goes by other names that include biak-biak, kakuam, or ketum. The leaves and shoots of the tree are commonly used by the local people in the areas who chew the leaves or brew them in beverages like tea. The leaves are considered to have medicinal purposes and may produce stimulant-type effects when taken in small doses. In moderate to higher doses, it may have similar effects to opiate drugs.

Because kratom is reputed to have medicinal qualities and is used as an herbal remedy in many areas where the tree is indigenous, the drug has also received the reputation in the US as having significant medicinal uses. One of the uses that the drug is reported to have is it possesses antidepressant-like qualities when taken. Others report that the drug can be used as an opiate replacement medication for individuals attempting to undergo withdrawal associated with recovery from opiate use disorders. Numerous sites, such as The American Kratom Association, continue to list reported “research studies” that attest to its effectiveness; however, actual controlled research regarding the properties of the drug is scarce.

Effects of Kratom Use

The primary psychoactive substance occurring in kratom is mitragynine. The substance produces effects that are dependent on the dosage. The scholarly book The Medical Toxicity of Drug Abuse: Synthesized Chemicals and Psychoactive Plants lists these effects as follows:

In smaller doses, individuals may experience:

• Increased energy.
• Decreased need for sleep.
• Increased concentration.
• Increased talkativeness.
• Feelings of being more sociable or friendly.

At higher doses, users report experiencing:

• More euphoric effects.
• Sedation.
• Reduced anxiety.
• Reduced subjective experience of pain.

People who use the drug for longer periods of time have been observed to have issues with weight and appetite loss, insomnia, and darkened skin tone. In some cases, they display issues with hallucinations or delusions. Other effects of kratom use include:

• Extreme perspiration.
• Itching.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea.
• Frequent urination.
• Constipation.
• Appetite loss.
• Weight loss.
• Potential development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Dependence on Kratom

There are two main sources that have documented the development of physical dependence in individuals who use kratom. The majority of the individuals who display withdrawal symptoms were noted to be chronic users of the drug and used it regularly. The major form of use was to drink the drug as a tea. Articles in the journals Substance Abuse and Drug and Alcohol Dependence have documented a relatively consistent withdrawal syndrome associated with kratom.

Initial symptoms present within several hours following discontinuation of the drug. The symptoms can consist of:

• Sweating, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
• Muscle aches and pain, spasms, or muscle weakness.
• Irritability, mood swings, restlessness, and, in some cases, aggression.
• Insomnia and tremors in the hands.
• In rare cases, mild hallucinations.
• Cravings for the drug.

Any of the above symptoms will typically peak within 1-2 days and then decrease in their intensity. After the symptoms peaked, they may continue to be present but decline in their intensity over 3-5 days in the majority of cases that were observed.

In cases where the withdrawal syndrome was treated, individuals were successfully treated with anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Tylenol). In some cases, for individuals who had some persisting symptoms, antidepressant medications were prescribed. The majority of individuals expressed mild symptoms that are often considered to be consistent with the notion of psychological dependence.

Risks of Kratom Withdrawal

Even though these symptoms are not considered to be potentially fatal on their own, there are reasons for concern in any individual undergoing withdrawal from kratom.

• Even though the development of hallucinations is rare, this presents a potentially dangerous situation if not controlled.
• Individuals who are experiencing mood swings may be at risk for poor judgment that can result in serious issues with decision-making, accidents, or even self-harm.
• Individuals who are nauseous and vomiting are at risk for dehydration that can be potentially serious.
• Because of severe cravings and the physical and emotional distress that individuals experience during any withdrawal syndrome, there is always the potential that an individual may relapse and overdose on their drug of choice or some other drug.
• There are several case studies that have documented fatalities associated with kratom use.  In the case studies, individuals who had suffered fatalities may have used kratom in combination with other medications or drugs of abuse.

Getting Help for Addiction in Etta, MS

It’s never too late to reach out for help. If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating side effects of addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at . The addiction specialists at our drug rehab in Mississippi, are ready to help you get on the road to recovery and back to living the live you deserve.

Contact us today to find out more information about our different levels of addiction treatment, what to expect in inpatient treatment, and how to start the admissions process. Our admissions navigators can also answer your questions about ways to pay for rehab — including using your insurance for addiction treatment — and help you make travel arrangements to our facility.