Kratom: Myths, Effects, Risks, and How to Get Help
You may well have heard of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a herbal supplement commonly used for energy and help alleviate aches and pains in Southeast Asia. Kratom contains alkaloid compounds called mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine extracted from a type of evergreen. When taken at low doses, kratom acts as a mild stimulant; it can cause an opiate-like high when taken at high doses. Kratom is currently classified as a drug of concern’ by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and has not been licensed by the Food and Drug Administration for medicinal use (FDA). Also known as Biak, Ketum, Kakuam, Ithang, Thom, Herbal, and Ketum are also referred to as Kratom products.
Widespread effects: pain relief, relaxation, improved mood, increased energy, sunburn sensitivity, nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, and loss of appetite are the effects of using kratom.
What’re The Uses of Kratom?
Kratom is an agonist that binds to the brain’s mu-opioid receptor, according to an FDA study. These are the same receptors that are activated when you take opioids, like prescription painkillers or heroin. Kratom is a natural opioid, in essence. There is a chance of tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal, as with all opioids. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are thought to help regulate pain by binding to these opioid receptors, which, in turn, reduces the perception of pain. As an alternative to opioid pain drugs such as Vicodin (hydrocodone) and OxyContinin, Kratom has become standard (oxycodone). Kratom is used in many ways to treat chronic pain associated with diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Kratom consumers tend to be middle-aged, middle-income people living with pain in the United States. Most of the over 8,000 respondents said that kratom was used to relieve pain or boost their mood. A smaller but substantial number said they used it to help them avoid prescription drugs (a class of pain relief medication) or treat opioid withdrawal.
Possible side effects might include:
Kratom are used in various ways. Users can even eat Kratom pills. Some case reports conclude that kratom usage can cause drowsiness, irritability, palpitations, high blood pressure, low concentration, insomnia, hypothyroidism, seizures, psychosis, hepatitis, and coma. There are risks associated with kratom use and a history of heroin use or consumption of drugs.
Potential health effects:
- Bulimia
- Calm
- Hemorrhoids
- Blushing
- Drowsiness
- Frustration
- Social improvement
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Irritation
- Lack of appetite
- Headaches
- hallucinations, delusion, confusion
- Being sensitive to sunburn
- Worried
- Socializing
However, the risks appear to be relatively mild, particularly when compared to those of opiates.
Myths of Kratom
Lots of people believe that kratom is a safe and natural remedy. It’s important to remember that the FDA has not yet approved herbal products. There is no way of confirming that a supplement will contain any ingredients stated on the label. Adulteration and contamination with other drugs are possible,
Dependence, Tolerance, and Withdrawal.
Kratom Pills causes tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal. Kratom users may develop tolerance, in which they require greater doses to achieve the desired effect, and experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug.
How long does kratom remain in your system?
More research is needed on the stability of kratom. Compared to other things, how long kratom may be in your system will depend on the following factors:
• Age
• Body fat
• Frequency of use
• Genetics
• Metabolic rate
• Type of kratom
• Water and food intake
Is kratom addictive? How to get appropriate help?
Kratom, according to the DEA it is a narcotic. Many individuals have reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing kratom usage and developing a tolerance to the effects of the drug. The withdrawal symptoms for d-amphetamine in the individuals who participated in the study were generally mild compared to those who had received opiates. Almost 10 percent of study participants reported illicit drug use triggering withdrawal effects. The findings demonstrate the critical importance of educating users about the adverse effects of kratom use. Since individuals who have had substance use problems in the past are advised to be careful when using kratom, this includes knowing that there are pros and cons to kratom use.