Kratom Use: Effects, Addiction & Withdrawal

Kratom is the name of a tree in Southeast Asia, and also the name of the plant-based product derived from its leaves.^1,2 It’s used as an energy booster as well as to manage pain.^1,2

In the U.S., kratom can often be found as whole, chopped or powdered leaves that may filled into capsules, as well as leaf extracts in commercially prepared liquids or tea-like brews.³ It is typically sold through the Internet and at herbal store or tobacco/smoke shops, where it is typically marketed as a “legal” or “natural” high.⁴

About Kratom

There have been a number of deaths linked to the use of kratom, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System.⁵ In many of the cases, however, kratom was one of a number of drugs the individual used or can be tied back to adulterated kratom—or kratom that’s not pure as it has been mixed with other chemicals or substances.⁵

Although the FDA tracks these adverse events and has taken, Kratom remains unregulated at the federal level and the FDA has not approved for any medical use. The deaths prompted the FDA and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to express concern regarding its use.^6,7

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also raised flags, noting that kratom prompted 1,807 calls to poison control centers between 2011 and 2017.⁸ The CDC also noted that between July 2016 and December 2017, kratom was involved in polydrug overdose deaths in 27 of 32 states that participate in the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System.⁸ In 2018, kratom tainted by salmonella bacteria infected 199 people from 41 states.⁹

Effects of Kratom

Traditionally, kratom was used by workers in Malaysia and Thailand in low doses as a stimulant in order to increase work efficiency and endurance in the hot and human climate.⁴ In addition to the physical and mental energy boost, it also increases alertness and talkativeness.² In higher doses, kratom produces effects more like a depressant, producing sedation, pleasure and decreased pain.¹

In addition to the desired, dose-dependent effects, there are a number of potential side effects:^1,2

• Sweating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Itching.
• Sleepiness.
• Dry Mouth.
• Constipation.
• Increased urination.
• Appetite loss.
• Seizures.
• Hallucinations.

Kratom has also reportedly caused more alarming side effects, including weight loss, aggression, hostility and psychosis.^11,13

Kratom Withdrawal and Dependence

Similar to opioids and other opioid-like drugs, evidence points to kratom causing dependence.^1,12 Moderate to heavy regular users may experience withdrawal symptoms once they stop taking the drug.^1,12 Kratom withdrawal symptoms can include:^1,10

• Irritability.
• Hostility.
• Aggressive behavior.
• Jerky movements of the arms and/or legs.
• Emotional changes.
• Runny nose.
• Insomnia.

Researchers have not yet formally studied any specific medical treatment for kratom addiction, however, the National Institute of Drug Abuse has reported that people seeking treatment have found that behavioral therapy is helpful.¹

Interestingly, kratom is being investigated by researchers for its potential to mitigate drug cravings and withdrawal effects resulting from opioid dependency.³

Help is just a phone call away. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and are unsure of what to do, call us today at . Greenhouse Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ rehab center near Fort Worth, Texas, is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.