Victory Recovery Partners is a network of eight addiction-recovery centers on Long Island, New York. We specialize in outpatient addiction-recovery services, providing total care under one roof. This includes behavioral health, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric, and wellness services. Recently, a new substance, kratom, has grown in popularity. The substance has been marketed as a natural supplement, with claims that it can relieve pain, improve focus, and even help with opioid withdrawal. There are many dangers associated with kratom that must be addressed.
Kratom is easily accessible, being found in smoke shops, online, and in wellness circles. It has been marketed as a plant-based alternative to standard and typical prescription medications. Initially, kratom may seem harmless – however, there are many risks and dangers associated with using it. Let’s discuss these in more detail:
Risk for Addiction and Dependence
Kratom comes from tree leaves, and the active compounds in the leaves interact with the opioid receptors in the brain, therefore creating the risk for dependence. In fact, it has been shown that long-term use of kratom can actually cause similar withdrawal symptoms as withdrawing from opioids. This can include muscle aches, feeling irritable, insomnia and mood swings. Like other drugs, those who use kratom frequently find that they need to consume higher amounts of the substance just to feel “normal”.
Kratom is Unregulated
It is important to note kratom is not FDA approved or regulated. This creates all sorts of potential issues and problems, because products currently being sold can vary in both potency and purity. Kratom products can contain heavy metals and even bacteria such as salmonella. Simply, because kratom is not being regulated, consumers don’t fully know exactly what they are consuming. Using kratom is extremely risky.
Serious Health Risks & Mental Health Issues
Kratom use comes along with many side effects including nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, high blood pressure, seizures, and liver damage. When combined with other drugs, there has even been cases of death. Kratom can increase anxiety and depression, and when used heavily, it has been reported that there have been hallucinations or paranoia.
With all of this being said, there are still many “unknowns” about kratom. It isn’t FDA approved or regulated, so those who use it must be extremely careful. In fact, kratom is currently banned in six states and Washington, D.C. When users see kratom as “plant-based”, they may assume it’s safe. However, this claim can be misleading because of all of the dangers associated with kratom. If you have any further questions about kratom, please speak with your provider.
Victory Recovery Partners, a network of eight addiction-recovery centers on Long Island, provides outpatient services to help our patients overcome substance use disorders and addiction. If you or someone you know is suffering with substance use disorder and addiction, Victory would like to help. Learn more about Victory by visiting our website www.victoryrp.com