What is Kratom?
Every time you turn on the news, there seems to be another plant or substance that's catching the attention of the public. One such herb that's currently in the spotlight is kratom. Many people wonder, What does kratom feel like? and Does kratom get you high? The answer is multifaceted.
Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand and Malaysia, has psychotropic compounds that alter a user's perception, emotional state, and physical well-being. Known by various slang names such as “Ketum”, “Kakuam”, “Biak”, “Thom”, and “Ithang”, kratom has become a subject of interest and concern.
While some consume kratom in the form of pills or capsules, others prefer kratom drinks, mixing its powerful extract into food and beverages. There's also a segment of users who prefer smoking kratom powder or even the leaves directly. This method, however, has raised questions like Can you smoke kratom? and concerns about the effects of smoking kratom.
Can Kratom Get You High?
Yes, kratom can get you high. Kratom is a botanical substance that comes from the plant Mitragyna speciosa native to places like Thailand and other regions of Southeast Asia.
It is known to have a variety of reported uses and desired effects, from sexual enhancement to pain relief to a “safe” and legal high. The effects of kratom are similar to opiates and stimulant drugs. It increases mood, sociability, and alertness. Kratom can, in effect, make someone “high” when abused.
In Thailand, it is considered a controlled substance and the third most commonly abused illegal drug, while in the United States, kratom is listed as a “drug of concern” by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), although the drug is not controlled or considered illegal in most states.
What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?
Kratom, while a natural herb, is not without its side effects. The full range of kratom effects is still being researched, but there are known side effects that users should be aware of, both mild and severe.
When people ask, What does kratom feel like?, they're often curious about both its positive effects and potential downsides. In terms of side effects, some users report experiencing nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, increased urination, and loss of appetite. More severe side effects can include hallucinations, seizures, and liver damage.
One of the more controversial methods of consumption is smoking kratom powder. Smoking kratom, especially when mixed with substances like nicotine, can be toxic. The act of inhaling hot smoke from organic material like kratom can damage the lungs and airways.
This can lead to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory issues. Moreover, the act of smoking the leaves or powder results in significant damage to the capillaries of the lungs, reducing the overall ability of the lungs to deliver fresh oxygen to the body.
Can Kratom Lead to Addiction?
Kratom's effects can be likened to both stimulants and opioids, which means it has a high potential for dependence. Depending on the dosage and frequency of use, kratom can indeed produce a high, making it a substance of concern for potential abuse.
Regular or heavy users might find themselves developing a tolerance, meaning they'll need to consume more kratom to achieve the same effects. Over time, this can lead to physical dependence. There are reports of users feeling addicted to kratom, with withdrawal symptoms ranging from muscle aches, sleep disturbances, emotional imbalances, and more.
The psychological dependence can be particularly challenging, especially if kratom was used as a substitute for other substances. For instance, if someone was using kratom as an alternative to opioids, removing kratom from their routine might make them feel that returning to opioids is their only option to treat withdrawal symptoms.
Can you overdose on Kratom?
Yes, it is possible to overdose on Kratom. While an overdose on Kratom is rare, it can lead to serious health complications and dangerous side effects from taking this substance in higher quantity.
The effects of a Kratom overdose haven’t yet undergone much official study due to the fact that it’s so new in this part of the world, but the findings in case reports suggest the possibility for severe and dangerous effects from taking too much of this drug.
Some of the signs and symptoms of Kratom overdose include nausea, drowsiness, increased heart rate, agitation, irritability, hypertension, seizures, coma, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias.
It’s important to note, mixing Kratom with Alcohol and other substacnes can increase the risks of overdose and adverse effects. If you suspect someone close to you is overdosing on Kratom, call 911 immediately. There is no specific antidote for a Kratom overdose, so treatment will focus on managing the symptoms.
When to Seek Help for Kratom Addiction
Recognizing a kratom addiction is the first step towards recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with a dependence on kratom, it's essential to understand that help is available. By working with professionals, individuals can learn strategies to manage cravings, avoid triggers, and build a support system to maintain a drug-free life. Premier facilities for rehab in Los Angeles, California offer comprehensive and individualized programs for kratom addiction treatment and relapse prevention.
It's crucial to remember that addiction is a complex issue, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. However, with the right support and resources, recovery is possible. If you or a loved one is facing challenges with kratom, don't hesitate to reach out to professionals who can guide you on the path to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Kratom is a natural herb originating from Southeast Asia. Its effects can mirror both stimulants and opioids, with the outcome largely dependent on the dosage taken.
When consumed in small doses, kratom can induce feelings of energy and heightened alertness. However, when taken in larger quantities, it can elicit sensations of relaxation, sedation, and profound pleasure.
Choosing to smoke kratom, particularly when mixed with other substances, poses significant health risks and can be both harmful and toxic.
Research on the long-term effects of kratom is ongoing, but preliminary findings suggest potential risks. These include damage to the lungs, especially if kratom is smoked, and the possibility of developing an addiction.
The ideal kratom dosage can vary widely based on individual factors and the intended purpose. Therefore, it’s of utmost importance to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before incorporating kratom into one’s routine.
Indeed, a range of natural and pharmaceutical alternatives to kratom exist for pain relief and energy enhancement. Engaging in a dialogue with a healthcare provider is vital to explore and understand these options.
Numerous treatment centers are dedicated to assisting individuals grappling with kratom addiction. Reaching out to these centers and tapping into their resources and support is a pivotal step towards recovery.
The effects of kratom can vary in duration. It can last for several hours, with stimulant-like effects appearing within 10 minutes of consumption and opioid-like effects lasting for about 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Written By
Dr Ryan Peterson