Key Takeaways
- Kratom is an herbal product with opioid-like effects and the potential for addiction and overdose.
- Overdose symptoms include confusion, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and seizures.
- Seeking professional treatment can help individuals recover safely from kratom misuse.
Introduction
Kratom, a plant-based substance often promoted as a natural remedy, has gained popularity for its pain-relieving and stimulant effects. People use it for various reasons, including managing opioid withdrawal symptoms, boosting energy, or reducing chronic pain. However, what many don’t realize is that kratom use can lead to serious risks, including overdose and addiction.
Despite being labeled as “herbal,” kratom is not without dangers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have raised concerns about its safety. In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms of kratom overdose, its side effects, and why treatment is essential for those struggling with misuse.
What is Kratom, and How is it Used?
Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, kratom leaves have been chewed or brewed into tea to provide pain relief and energy. Today, it’s commonly sold as powders, capsules, or extracts.
Many people take kratom to help with pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal symptoms. It interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects similar to prescription opioids but milder. However, these effects can quickly become problematic when kratom is used in high doses or over long periods.
The FDA has not approved kratom for medical use, and the DEA lists it as a substance of concern due to its potential for abuse and lack of regulation. This means the quality and safety of kratom products can vary widely, increasing the risks for users.
Symptoms of Kratom Overdose
Kratom overdose occurs when someone takes more of the substance than their body can handle, leading to severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Early signs of a kratom overdose include nausea, drowsiness, and confusion. As the overdose progresses, symptoms may worsen and include:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Seizures or uncontrollable muscle movements.
- Difficulty breathing.
In extreme cases, a kratom overdose can cause coma or even death. Because kratom affects the brain’s opioid receptors, its overdose symptoms resemble those of opioid overdoses. Recognizing these signs early and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to preventing severe outcomes.
Side Effects and Dangers of Kratom Use
Even when used in smaller amounts, kratom can cause a range of side effects. These include:
- Dry mouth and constipation.
- Dizziness or drowsiness.
- Increased anxiety or irritability.
With long-term use, the risks increase. Chronic kratom use has been linked to liver damage, dependency, and psychological effects like depression. Additionally, many kratom products are unregulated, which means they may be contaminated with harmful substances or have inconsistent potency.
One of the most significant dangers of kratom is its addictive potential. Regular use can lead to dependency, causing individuals to rely on kratom to function normally. This can result in withdrawal symptoms and a cycle of continued use.
How Much Kratom is Too Much?
The amount of kratom it takes to overdose depends on several factors, including the person’s tolerance, health, and the product’s potency. Kratom’s effects vary widely because its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are present in different concentrations depending on the product.
Taking high doses of kratom or combining it with other substances, such as alcohol or opioids, significantly increases the risk of overdose. Case reports have documented severe adverse effects and deaths associated with excessive kratom use, highlighting the importance of caution when using this substance.
Kratom Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms
Although kratom is often marketed as a safer alternative to opioids, it can still be addictive. Regular use can lead to both physical and psychological dependency, creating a substance use disorder.
Withdrawal symptoms from kratom may include:
- Muscle aches and joint pain.
- Insomnia or restless sleep.
- Irritability and mood swings.
- Intense cravings for kratom.
The withdrawal process can be uncomfortable and challenging to manage without professional help. Many people turn to addiction treatment programs to safely detox from kratom and address the underlying issues contributing to its misuse.
Treatment for Kratom Addiction and Overdose
Recovering from kratom addiction or overdose often requires professional care. Treatment begins with a medical detox program, where healthcare professionals monitor patients as their bodies eliminate the substance. This helps manage withdrawal symptoms and prevents complications.
Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective in addressing the psychological effects of kratom addiction. CBT helps individuals identify the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to substance use, giving them tools to make healthier choices.
Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs provide a supportive environment for recovery. These programs often include counseling, group therapy, and education about addiction. Long-term support, such as joining recovery groups, is also essential for maintaining sobriety.
Seeking treatment early can prevent further harm and give individuals the best chance of achieving a healthier, substance-free life.
Conclusion
Kratom may seem harmless because it’s a natural product, but its risks are real. Overdose, dependency, and long-term side effects make it a substance that should be used with extreme caution—if at all. Recognizing the symptoms of kratom overdose and seeking professional help can save lives.
If you or someone you love is struggling with kratom misuse or addiction, don’t wait to take action. Contact Virtue Recovery Killeen at 855-788-5582 for compassionate support and effective treatment. Recovery is possible, and help is just a call away.
FAQs About Kratom Side Effects, Overdose, & Dangers
What is kratom, and why is it dangerous?
Kratom is an herbal substance that interacts with opioid receptors in the brain. It can cause addiction, overdose, and long-term health risks.
What are the symptoms of a kratom overdose?
Symptoms include confusion, rapid heartbeat, nausea, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases may result in coma or death.
Can kratom addiction be treated?
Yes, professional treatment programs that include detox, therapy, and counseling can help individuals recover from kratom addiction.
How does kratom affect the body compared to opioids?
Kratom has similar effects to opioids, such as pain relief and sedation, but it also carries the risk of dependency and overdose.
What are the long-term risks of using kratom?
Long-term use of kratom can cause liver damage, dependency, anxiety, and other physical and mental health issues.
What are the symptoms of kratom withdrawal?
Symptoms of kratom withdrawal include muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, nausea, sweating, diarrhea, and intense cravings for the substance.
Is kratom legal in the United States?
Kratom is legal in most U.S. states but is banned or restricted in certain areas. It’s essential to check your local laws regarding its legality.
Is there enough research on kratom about the side effects?
No, research on kratom’s long-term effects and safety is still limited, and its potential risks are not fully understood.
Is kratom addictive? What are the signs and symptoms?
Yes, kratom can be addictive. Signs include increased tolerance, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite negative consequences.
Where can I find professional kratom addiction treatment?
Professional treatment for kratom addiction is available at rehab centers like Virtue Recovery Killeen, offering medical detox and therapy tailored to your needs.
Is kratom safe to use?
Kratom is not considered entirely safe, as it carries risks of addiction, side effects, and interactions with other medications. Its safety profile remains under-researched.
What can be used to prevent an overdose on kratom?
There is no specific antidote for kratom overdose, but seeking immediate medical attention and monitoring vital signs can prevent severe complications.
What are the short-term effects of kratom substance use?
Short-term effects of kratom include euphoria, increased energy, sedation (at higher doses), nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
Is medical detox drug addiction treatment necessary for kratom withdrawal and addiction recovery?
Yes, medical detox is often necessary for managing kratom withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively, providing a foundation for comprehensive addiction recovery.
Resources
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/kratom
- About the Author
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Gigi Price holds licenses as a Master Social Worker and Clinical Drug Counselor. She completed her master’s degree in Social Work at Texas State University. Over the last decade, Gigi has been dedicated to utilizing evidence-based practices to enhance patient care and treatment planning, resulting in positive, long-term outcomes for patients and their families. Her passion lies in creating a treatment environment where professionals collaborate to bring about positive change and provide a safe, trustworthy therapeutic experience. Patients can be confident in receiving top-quality care under her leadership.
In her role as the Clinical Director of Virtue Recovery Houston, Gigi conducted research to identify the most effective approaches for treating patients with acute mental health diagnoses, PTSD, and Substance Use Disorder. She then assembled a team of skilled clinicians who could offer various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
(DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Somatic Exposure, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Gigi takes pride in overseeing the development and implementation of Virtue Houston’s Treatment Program, which includes two specialized therapeutic curricula tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and PTSD.
