Kratom is quite a new drug, which is already popular among high school and college students for learning or coping with nervousness. Kratom is a tree that originated from Southeast Asia and its leaves to prepare the drug. This one is made into a powder and can either be consumed in the form of a tablet or can be put into a tea. Is kratom addictive? We’ll learn in this article.
Kratom addiction is becoming more common among teens. In a low dose, kratom acts as a stimulant, similar to medications commonly used to treat ADHD. At higher doses, it’s like an opioid.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tree that grows in tropical regions of Southeast Asia. The leaves of this tree have the presence of a potential psychoactive or hallucinogenic component in its composition. Thais, Indonesians, Malaysians, and people from Papua New Guinea have used these leaves to fight fatigue, alleviate pain, work more, and substitute opium.
Kratom came to be used in the Western Hemisphere in the 19th century through the discovery by a botanist, Pieter Willem Korthals from the Dutch East India Trading Service. Currently, kratom is sold for recreational purposes to increase energy levels, improve mood, and for management of opioid dependence.
Is Kratom addictive?
Studies are still being carried out to get as much information as possible on kratom and the impact of kratom and kratom’s constituent chemicals on the human body especially in the short and long term.
Like any other substance, the effects of kratom vary depending on some factors which include the dose, strength, composition, route of administration, current health, and mental condition as well as the history of substance use among others. However, research indicates that it has a lower propensity for dependence than the common opioids in the first place.
How Addictive is Kratom?
While research continues on kratom and its use, effects, drug interactions, and therapeutic possibilities, some experts worry about kratom’s addictive potential because the main kratom compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitagynine, partially activate the same receptors in the brain that drugs with known addictive properties activate.
However, research also shows how kratom activates these receptors reducing its probability of addiction as compared to opioids. First literature reviews have suggested that some consumers may take kratom to manage opioid and craving symptoms.
What Are The Signs of Kratom Addiction
The signs and symptoms of kratom addiction include a variety of physical, psychological, and behavioral markers connected with the compulsive use of this psychoactive substance. The signs and symptoms of kratom addiction are listed below.
1. Small pupils:
Users who suffer from kratom dependence demonstrate small pupils which are associated with the opioid effects of alkaloids contained in kratom. This is a symptom that appears while using kratom which indicates the impact of the drug on the central nervous system.
2. Tremors:
People who use large or modest amounts of kratom suffer from tremors. According to a study by Afzal et al., published in the January 2020 issue of Cureus, tremors in the face and extremities develop with modest doses of kratom; tremors in general result from long-term use and during withdrawal.
3. Sweating:
Some of the symptoms include excessive sweating, which could be attributed to the chemical compounds present in kratom.
This symptom is more pronounced during the withdrawal phases, reflecting the body’s response to the absence of the substance and the challenges of adjusting to decreased kratom intake.
4. Sleep disturbances:
This drug alters the normal sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to either fall asleep or to wake up during the night. Sleep disturbances exacerbate the negative effects of kratom addiction on an individual’s well-being by contributing to general physical and mental health difficulties.
5. Mood swings:
The interaction of kratom with the brain’s neurotransmitter systems leads to fluctuations in neurotransmitter levels, contributing to changes in mood.
6. Nausea and vomiting:
Excessive use of kratom results in stomach upsets such as nausea and vomiting. Such physical signs give a general sense of unease and are manifested during acute poisoning with kratom or withdrawal.
8. Heightened risk-taking:
Engaging in activities with potential negative consequences is indicative of the altered risk perception associated with kratom addiction.
9. Loss of interest in formerly valued activities:
Individuals affected by kratom addiction gradually lose interest in social and recreational activities they once enjoyed.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), these withdrawal symptoms may be mild to moderate.
What are the side effects of Kratom addiction?
The side effects of kratom addiction involve the negative and unwanted outcomes linked to the repeated and obsessive use of this stimulant. The most common side effects of kratom addiction are listed below.
1. Constipation:
One of the side effects of kratom addiction is constipation which is defined as having bowel movements less often or having difficulty in the process of passing stool. Kratom slows the movement of bowels hence causing constipation and all associated pains.
2. Dizziness:
This adverse reaction is frequently linked to the drug’s effects on blood circulation and pressure. The alkaloids in kratom alter blood flow and vasodilation, which causes periods of lightheadedness.
3. Loss of appetite:
Individuals addicted to kratom find themselves less inclined to eat regularly, worsening the nutritional impact of this side effect.
4. Hyperpigmentation:
Long-term use of kratom may lead to hyperpigmentation, particularly on areas that are affected by sun rays.
What are the risk factors for Kratom addiction?
Risk factors for kratom addiction describe a set of conditions, characteristics, or circumstances that increase the likelihood of individuals developing dependence on kratom. The risk factors for kratom addiction are listed below.
1. Genetic predisposition:
Personality plays a significant mediator in consequently leading the individual to addiction, and experts have observed that there are certain ages and metabolic genes that play a role in handling the response of kratom.
2. Previous substance use disorders:
Based on experience, kratom dependency is most probable in individuals with previous substance addiction. A history of substance use alters the neurobiology of an individual, making the person vulnerable to kratom dependence.
3. Co-occurring mental health conditions:
Mental health problems like anxiety or depression make it much more likely that someone will become addicted to kratom.
4. Social factors:
Lack of companionship and low social support systems are two of the social factors that lead to kratom addiction. Those who feel lonely or socially isolated are more likely to turn to substances such as kratom to help overcome that feeling.
5. Environmental influences:
Regular exposure to environments where kratom use is prevalent serves as a risk factor. Peer influence, cultural acceptance, or easy accessibility to kratom in certain settings contribute to its initiation and continuous use. Social norms that support kratom use are likely to normalize its use and encourage the development of addiction in those who are vulnerable to it.
Wrapping Up
Even though kratom is an ancient remedy that is sold today for different purposes, including mood elevation, and to overcome opioid addiction, it has negative potential.
Through the influence of opiate and delta receptors, Kratom is considered addictive, and particularly dangerous to teenagers and persons with a history of addiction.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of kratom dependence including changes in mood, sleep patterns, and continued use despite negative outcomes. Also, the side effects and risk factors bring into focus the safety measures and precautions that need to be taken while using the medication. You should use kratom with care and seek professional guidance if you experience dependency or withdrawal symptoms.
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