What is Kratom?
Kratom comes in the form of capsules or loose powder and is derived from Mitragyna speciosa, a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia. In the state of Virginia, kratom can be legally purchased through various retail vendors and online. Although kratom is technically in the same family as caffeine, the chemical stimulates the same receptors in the brain as many opiates, such as prescription painkillers and even heroin. In lower doses, kratom offers effects more similar to a stimulant. In higher doses, kratom causes a much more sedative and euphoric effect like opioids. Kratom is taken orally in capsulated form or by mixing loose powder into a beverage or a tea.
In recent years, kratom has grown in popularity as a way to reduce the effects of opioid withdrawal and even work as a replacement for continued use. The wide and easy availability has caused many people to become addicted and not fully understand that they have become dependent on taking higher and higher doses.
Some of the chemicals found in kratom can interfere with the metabolism of other drugs by the liver. This can create dangerous drug interaction effects in kratom users who are also using other drugs (including legal medications). Such drug interactions can result in either an under- or over-activity of the concurrently taken medication, with consequences ranging from seizures to liver damage. Kratom is often marketed as a safe alternative to pain medicine, misleading people about the potential abuse that may happen from continued use. People often purchase kratom looking to take a natural supplement when in fact they are taking a very strong active compound that can greatly affect their life.
Symptoms of Kratom Abuse:
- Dilated pupils
- Slurred speech: the person under the influence of kratom will sound groggy and speech will be slower.
- Sedation: often appearing tired and as if on the verge of falling asleep.
- Itchy skin and obsessive scratching.
- Lack of regard for personal hygiene: showering and everyday grooming may become less important.
- Poor financial and economic standing.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Kratom:
- Muscle aches
- Restless legs
- Insomnia
- Joint and muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
- Depression
- Anxiety
Many of the withdrawal symptoms are similar to those experienced when withdrawing from opiates. Initial withdrawal symptoms will begin around 8 to 12 hours after the last administered dose. While the more serious symptoms will last about four days, other symptoms such as trouble sleeping and depression can last many weeks longer. Luckily, medication is available that can help with the withdrawal symptoms experienced from kratom. Suboxone, commonly used to aid with opioid withdrawal, will greatly reduce the discomfort associated with kratom withdrawal. Lucemyra may be used in conjunction with Suboxone to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible for each client.
Here at Inspiration Health:
Clients receive all the necessary services for treating their kratom use disorder (SUD), conveniently located under the same roof. We ensure a transparent and communicative relationship between our physicians, counselors, and care coordinators to provide each client a team of professionals to treat their unique individual needs. We understand that while certain substance use disorders present similar symptoms, no two individuals experience the same journey; for this reason, we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all model here at Inspiration Health.
When a client joins the Inspiration family and walks through our doors, they can feel at peace, treated respectfully, and without stigma. We admire the tremendous courage it takes for an individual suffering from SUD to make the decision to regain control of their life. The Inspiration Health team takes great pride in maintaining a supportive and safe environment for everyone that decides to join us and embark upon this journey to overcome substance use disorder.
Medication-Assisted Treatment:
Medication-Assisted Treatment, or “MAT,” is a method of treatment using a combination of medicine to combat Opioid Use Disorder. Although kratom is not a true opioid, the medication prescribed to combat kratom abuse is the same as both kratom and opiates affect similar parts of the brain and body. Buprenorphine not only treats the withdrawal symptoms from opiates and kratom but can also be used in conjunction with naloxone for long-term maintenance. The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone is prescribed together in the form of Suboxone. Naloxone helps prevent misuse of the medication and is an effective blocker for opiates and kratom while undergoing treatment.
During the initial withdrawal from opioids and kratom, Lucemyra may be used in conjunction with Suboxone to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible for each client as they transition into a new healthy life in recovery.
At Inspiration Health, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to recovery.
