In recent years, kratom has gained attention as a controversial substance that blurs the line between herbal remedy and harmful drug. Widely sold at gas stations, smoke shops, and online, kratom is often marketed as a natural and legal alternative for managing pain, increasing energy, or addressing anxiety. But beneath its seemingly harmless reputation lies a more complex reality. For many, what starts as casual or therapeutic use can lead to dependency, adverse side effects, and a cycle of addiction. As its popularity rises, many wonder, Is kratom dangerous? or Is it just a pick-me-up?
At Restaura Behavioral Health, we believe in educating individuals about the risks of substances like kratom and other “gas station drugs” that are widely available but poorly understood. In this blog, we’ll dive into what kratom is, why people use it, whether it’s dangerous, and the importance of seeking professional help when kratom use becomes problematic.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, people in countries like Thailand and Indonesia have used kratom for its stimulant properties when chewed in small amounts or its sedative effects when brewed into tea in larger doses. Traditionally, kratom was consumed to combat fatigue or for its mild pain-relieving qualities.
In the United States, kratom is readily available in gas stations, smoke shops, and even convenience stores. It’s often sold in the form of powders, capsules, or teas, and advertised as a “natural” remedy for pain, anxiety, stress, or even opioid withdrawal. Its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, creating a high and triggering effects similar to substances like morphine or prescription opioids.
Despite these perceived benefits, kratom carries significant risks. The accessibility of this unregulated substance, combined with misleading marketing makes it one of many potentially dangerous gas station drugs.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
The rise in kratom’s popularity can largely be attributed to its accessibility and its reputation as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals. Many individuals turn to kratom for a variety of reasons, including:
- Pain Management: Kratom’s rumored pain-relieving properties make it attractive to people dealing with chronic pain.
- Energy Boosting: In low doses, kratom is said to act as a stimulant by increasing focus and energy.
- Anxiety and Stress Relief: Users often believe kratom can help them relax or combat anxious feelings.
- Self-Medicating Withdrawal: Some people use kratom to ease withdrawal symptoms from opioids, alcohol, or other substances.
Is Kratom Dangerous?
Kratom’s marketing as a safe, natural remedy leads many users to believe they are consuming a harmless substance. However, kratom is far from risk-free. Its impact on the brain and body can create dependency and health complications, especially when used frequently or in high doses.
How Kratom Can Be Dangerous
- Physical Dependency and Addiction:
While kratom is not classified as an opioid, its active compounds produce similar effects by acting on opioid receptors in the brain. Over time, regular use can increase tolerance and lead to dependence. Individuals may find themselves unable to stop using kratom without experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, irritability, muscle aches, or anxiety. - Harmful Side Effects:
Kratom use comes with numerous side effects, including gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and nausea, as well as dizziness, fatigue, and potential liver damage. In some cases, users have experienced rapid heartbeat or seizures. - Mental Health Risks:
Kratom’s sedative or mood-altering effects can exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or paranoia, especially with frequent use. - The Unregulated Market:
Because kratom is largely unregulated in the United States, its safety and purity are inconsistent. Products sold at gas stations or smoke shops often contain additives or contaminants, which could increase the risk of adverse reactions or overdose. - Overdose Potential:
In rare cases, excessive use of kratom—particularly when combined with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids—can lead to potentially fatal respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2011 to 2017, U.S. poison control centers reported over 1,800 cases of kratom exposure, with the majority involving serious clinical complications. (CDC Kratom Data)
Gas Station Drugs: Hidden Dangers
Kratom is one of many substances that fall under the category of “gas station drugs.” These are products sold at gas stations and convenience stores that are marketed as legal but often carry high risks. Examples include synthetic cannabinoids (“spice”), synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”), and certain unregulated supplements.
These substances are dangerous for several reasons:
- They are often poorly labeled, making it unclear what the user is consuming.
- Their quality and purity are not independently tested or verified.
- They may contain additional harmful chemicals or contaminants.
- Serious side effects, including psychosis, seizures, liver issues, and even death, have been linked to their use.
Just because these substances can be purchased legally at gas stations doesn’t mean they’re safe. Kratom and other gas station drugs are incredibly dangerous when misused or abused, and their unregulated nature only increases the risks.
Recognizing Problematic Kratom Use
If you or a loved one is using kratom, it’s important to recognize when casual or therapeutic use has crossed the line into dependency or addiction. Some common signs of problematic kratom use include:
- Requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect (tolerance).
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using kratom, such as nausea, anxiety, or muscle pain.
- Being unable to stop or cut back on kratom use, even if you want to.
- Using kratom to cope with stress, emotions, or pain.
- Spending significant time and money acquiring and consuming the substance.
- Losing interest in other activities or responsibilities in favor of kratom use.
Seeking Help for Kratom Dependency
Breaking free from kratom dependency can feel overwhelming, but professional help offers a pathway to recovery. At Restaura Behavioral Health in Atlanta, Georgia, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals grappling with kratom use.
What Does Treatment for Kratom Dependence Involve?
- Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your physical and mental health, substance use history, and goals for recovery.
- Medically Supervised Detox: For individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms, we offer medical supervision to ensure safety and ease discomfort during detox.
- Individualized Therapy: Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help address the underlying causes of substance use and teach healthier coping strategies.
- Relapse Prevention: We equip patients with tools to identify triggers, build resilience, and navigate challenging situations without turning to kratom.
Through personalized care in a safe, nonjudgmental environment, we guide individuals toward stability, health, and lasting recovery.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Awareness
Kratom and other gas station drugs can seem harmless due to how they’re marketed and sold. But make no mistake—these substances can have damaging consequences, from dependency to potentially life-threatening health complications.
If you or someone you love is struggling with kratom use, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Restaura Behavioral Health, we understand the challenges of overcoming substance use and stand ready to offer the support, resources, and treatments needed for recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you reclaim your health and well-being.
Your journey to recovery starts here.