Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant native to Southeast Asia, has become increasingly popular in recent years. While it’s often marketed as a natural remedy for pain relief and anxiety or even as a tool to manage opioid withdrawal, its usage comes with risks. For some, prolonged use can lead to dependency and addiction. Understanding the signs of kratom addiction is essential to recognizing when someone may need professional help.
What Is Kratom and Why Can It Be Addictive?
Kratom has psychoactive ingredients that act upon opioid receptors in your brain called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Kratom causes stimulant effects at low doses. High doses create opioid-like effects. Kratom users seek both its energizing and relaxing qualities to relieve pain and feel euphoric. Some individuals use kratom for recreational purposes or medicinally. However, if you take kratom regularly and in high doses, you can develop a physical and mental dependence on the drug. Once dependency on kratom takes hold, you can become addicted.
Identifying addiction in its early stages can be tricky. Here are some signs to look out for if you think you or someone you know might have a kratom use disorder. Addiction to kratom doesn’t happen overnight. When used continually, your brain becomes dependent on kratom to keep you functioning normally.
Key Signs of Kratom Addiction
It can be difficult to know when you or someone you know might have a kratom addiction. Some of the common signs of kratom addiction include:
1. You build a tolerance
This is usually one of the first signs that someone is becoming dependent on kratom. If you notice that you or someone you know has to take more kratom to feel the desired effects, it could be cause for concern.
2. Going through withdrawal symptoms
If someone exhibits physical and mental signs like irritability, muscle pain, nausea, sweating, insomnia, or fatigue after they stop taking kratom then they may be addicted. Psychological withdrawal symptoms can also include anxiety, depression, or cravings for kratom.
3. Acting differently
Someone who is addicted to kratom will likely start to act differently. They may start to neglect their responsibilities or avoid spending time with family and friends because they want to use kratom instead.
4. Can’t seem to stop
If someone can’t seem to control how much or how often they use kratom, they may be addicted. Using kratom even when it’s causing problems in your life is also a big sign that you may be addicted.
5. Start to experience health problems
If you start to experience problems like changes in weight, diarrhea, nausea, or feeling dizzy often, then you may be using too much kratom. Taking kratom for pain or anxiety can actually cause you to experience more of those symptoms.
How Kratom Addiction Develops
Addiction to kratom doesn’t happen overnight. For many, it begins with casual or intentional use for pain management, relaxation, or increased focus. Over time, increased tolerance and dependency take hold. The individual may use kratom to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, which perpetuates the cycle of addiction.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing an addiction, including pre-existing mental health conditions, a history of substance abuse, or prolonged use of high doses of kratom. Because kratom interacts with the body’s opioid receptors, it can mimic the addictive characteristics of other substances, like prescription painkillers or heroin.
Recognizing the Signs of Kratom Addiction and the Need for Treatment
The first step towards getting help with kratom addiction is identifying that there is a problem. If you are experiencing physical symptoms, psychological distress, or disruptions to your life because of kratom use, it might be time to seek out treatment options. Getting help early on will ensure that your addiction does not become worse.
Treatment will usually start with detoxing. Toxins will leave your body, and you will learn how to handle withdrawal symptoms. Some kratom addictions are severe enough that you will want to seek medical assistance during detox. If you have been using high doses of kratom for an extended period of time, you may want to taper off of kratom.
Available Treatment Options for Kratom Addiction
Seeking professional care is an important step in breaking free from kratom addiction. Behavioral health treatment programs, such as RestAura Behavioral Health, provide therapies to help clients heal and learn to maintain their recovery and long-term health. Typical treatments include:
One-on-One Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral health therapies like individual talk therapy (CBT) can help clients recognize thought processes that contribute to addiction and create positive coping skills.
Support Groups
Talking to others in a group can help clients share their story. It also allows them to connect with like-minded people they can lean on.
Medication
In cases of extreme addiction, a doctor may prescribe medications to help with withdrawal symptoms or cravings in early recovery.
Aftercare and Continuum of Care
After a treatment program is completed, aftercare is geared towards keeping you on the path of recovery and staying clean. Continuing to receive support is important for anyone recovering from addiction.
How RestAura Behavioral Health Supports Recovery
We know how scary addiction can be. That’s why at RestAura Behavioral Health, we take pride in offering research-based care for every patient. Whether you need help with detox or therapy programs, we have you covered for every symptom of kratom addiction.
Our kind clinicians work with you to form a treatment plan that helps you discover why you turned to addiction, how to cope with triggers, and treat any underlying mental illness that may be fueling your dependency.
If you notice the Signs of Kratom Addiction, Contact Us Today
If you or someone you know is showing the signs of kratom addiction, RestAura Behavioral Health is here to help. Addiction can feel isolating, but professional care and compassionate support can make all the difference. Contact us today to learn more about how our treatment options can provide the guidance and tools you need to achieve lasting recovery and renewed wellness.