Long-Term Effects of Kratom Abuse

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Medically Verified: July 10, 2024

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Long-Term Effects of Kratom Abuse

Long-Term Effects of Kratom Abuse

Kratom is a potent substance. Many retailers sell kratom, which manufacturers market as a “safe” dietary supplement.[1] While these products may be available for sale in everyday retailers, the short and long-term effects of Kratom can be very hazardous.

This article will explore the risks of Kratom abuse. You will learn:

  • What Kratom is
  • The short and long-term effects of Kratom use
  • How to recognize and treat Kratom abuse
  • Where to find treatment for Kratom abuse

If you or someone you love abuses Kratom, you do not have to manage it alone. Reach out to the specialists at The Living Room to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment and support programs. 

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a substance that comes from a plant called Mitragyna speciosa.[1] Kratom Mitragyna speciosa is a tree native to Southeast Asia. Kratom manufacturers use an extract from this plant to create a range of products. You may find Kratom for sale in gas stations, smoke shops, and other retailers.

Kratom works in the body similarly to opioids. It binds to specific opioid receptors in the brain. People may experience side effects while taking Kratom, including:

  • Euphoria (intense pleasure and well-being)
  • Increased energy and alertness 
  • Sedations
  • Decreased pain sensations

Some people believe that Kratom is a safer alternative to abusing opioids. Some people may use Kratom as a way to manage the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. However, many medical and public health experts have expressed concern about the side effects and risks of this dangerous substance. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning to the public outlining the risks of using Kratom. The warning advised people that Kratom products may be toxic and that production of these products is unregulated.[2,3] 

Some reports show that people have experienced dangerous short-term effects while using Kratom products, including psychosis and excessive sedation. In some cases, federal agencies have seized and destroyed Kratom products because of their risk to the public.

The Drug Enforcement Administration classified Kratom as a “drug of concern.” However, it does not currently regulate the production or sale of this substance.[4] 

Is Kratom Addictive?

There is not enough research to prove that Kratom is physically addictive. However, some Kratom users have reported developing symptoms of addiction, including:[5]

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking Kratom
  • Having cravings for Kratom
  • Needing larger doses of Kratom to get the desired effects

People who experience Kratom withdrawal may struggle to manage their symptoms and avoid relapse. Symptoms of Kratom withdrawal include:[5,6]

  • Tension
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Hot flashes
  • Insomnia
  • Mood swings
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Runny nose
  • Excessive sweating
  • Twitching in the limbs
  • Tremors

People who develop symptoms of addiction or withdrawal may require intensive treatment and support to stop taking it. Comprehensive treatment programs include:

  • Medically supported detox programs
  • Mental health treatment
  • Medications to reduce the risk of relapse
  • Individual, group, and family counseling
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Nutrition support, mindfulness, exercise, and other holistic therapies
  • Aftercare planning and support

While Kratom manufacturers and retailers may lead people to believe these products are safe, evidence shows this is not the case. Recent surveys found that the number of hospitalizations in Thailand for Kratom use tripled between 2007 and 2011.[7] While Kratom is relatively new in the United States, it is clear that there is cause for concern. 

 If you or someone you love struggles with Kratom abuse or addiction, contact the specialists at The Living Room to explore our treatment and support programs. 

What are the Long-Term Side Effects of Kratom Use?

There is currently not enough research into the long-term adverse effects of long-term Kratom use. However, there are many reports of Kratom users experiencing long-term effects, including:[8,9]

  • Liver toxicity
  • Psychosis
  • Chronic insomnia
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Anorexia
  • Weight loss
  • Hair loss
  • Urinary changes
  • Skin changes, including darkening of facial skin
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Dependence and addiction
  • Tolerance (needing to take higher doses), including cross-tolerance with other opioids

Kratom may have dangerous drug interactions with medications, alcohol, and other substances. It may be even more dangerous in high doses and has been linked to a small number of deaths. 

While manufacturers market Kratom as a safe and effective supplement, the dangers of this substance are becoming more apparent. Kratom products are dangerous and unregulated. People using them to manage controlled substance withdrawal are at increased risk of severe side effects. 

People who use Kratom must learn the risks associated with these products and seek treatment as soon as possible. 

Find Treatment Now

Seeing Kratom on the shelf at a local retailer may convince people that it is safe. However, this dangerous drug can cause serious, potentially life-threatening long-term effects. 

If you or someone you love uses Kratom and needs help to stop, you are not alone. Find the treatment and support you need at The Living Room. 

Reach out to our intake team to explore our programs, verify insurance, or schedule an intake evaluation. 

References:

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Kratom
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA issues warnings to companies selling illegal, unapproved kratom drug products marketed for opioid cessation, pain treatment and other medical uses
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA and Kratom
  4. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Fact Sheet Kratom
  5. National Institute of Health (NIH): A Case of Severe Kratom Addiction Contributing to a Suicide Attempt
  6. National Institute of Health (NIH): Kratom withdrawal: Discussions and conclusions of a scientific expert forum
  7. Research Gate: Following “the Roots” of Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa ): The Evolution of an Enhancer from a Traditional Use to Increase Work and Productivity in Southeast Asia to a Recreational Psychoactive Drug in Western Countries
  8. Johns Hopkins University: The Health Impact of Long-Term Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) Use in Southern Thailand
  9. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences: Long-Term Effects of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use 

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