Kratom Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, Risks, And Treatment Resources

While not as common as other drugs, you can overdose on kratom. The term “overdose” differs with kratom than with opioids or other substances, however. A kratom overdose produces unpleasant side effects and adverse reactions instead of fatal outcomes, but life-threatening complications are always possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Kratom Overdose

High doses of kratom can produce signs like:

• Heavy sedation
• Respiratory depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and lightheadedness

What to do if you suspect someone is overdosing on kratom:

Kratom overdoses are relatively rare, but the lack of regulation with kratom products increases the risk of contamination that can lead to unpredictable effects. If you suspect someone is overdosing on kratom or experiencing an adverse reaction, treat it as a medical emergency and call 911. If possible, provide the packaging of the product to emergency medical services to help them identify possible contaminants.

The long-term use of kratom is associated with potential risks and adverse effects, especially with the possible contamination of kratom products. Regular use can lead to tolerance, which means you need more of the substance to achieve the same effects. Dependence is also possible, which is when you find it challenging to stop using kratom without withdrawal symptoms.
Other risks of kratom use include liver toxicity, which can cause severe liver damage and liver failure, gastrointestinal issues, and psychological effects like mood swings, anxiety, and depression. With the lack of regulation, kratom products can carry risks of contamination or adulteration. The dangers of smoking kratom can include respiratory effects.

The effects of kratom and its interactions with other substances are not well understood. It’s possible that mixing kratom with other substances like alcohol or opioids can increase the risk of adverse reactions and health complications, especially if there are unknown additives.

Kratom has the potential for addiction and dependence. It contains alkaloids that can interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, which can produce opioid-like effects. Over time, you can become tolerant to kratom and may need higher amounts to achieve the desired effects. This can contribute to dependence, so you may find it challenging to stop using kratom without withdrawal.

The addictive potential of kratom is a subject of ongoing research, but it’s believed to have a lower abuse potential than opioids or other substances. Still, it’s not without the risk of dependence and addiction.

Signs of Addiction to Kratom

The signs of kratom addiction can vary, but they may be similar to signs of addiction to other substances, such as:

• Compulsive kratom use
• Loss of control over kratom use
• Sleep changes
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Social isolation
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Financial issues
• Secrecy and deception

Addiction treatment levels of care are designed to provide you with the most tailored treatment and support for each stage of your recovery journey.

• Medical detox: Kratom withdrawal can cause uncomfortable symptoms that make it challenging to quit. Detox provides supervision and support from a medical team to keep you as comfortable as possible during the process and prevent adverse effects.
• Inpatient treatment: Inpatient treatment is ideal for people who need more intensive care in their recovery process. You stay in a facility 24/7 and receive care and support from staff and peers to set the foundation for your recovery.
• Outpatient treatment: Outpatient treatment is a more flexible option for people who need to balance their treatment with personal responsibilities. You can attend treatment sessions on a set schedule and return home to sleep in your own bed and spend time with family.
• Aftercare: Once formal treatment is complete, aftercare programs provide support and resources to help you transition into everyday life and commit to long-term sobriety.

Addiction therapies vary according to your tailored treatment plan. They may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Group therapy
• Experiential therapy
• Somatic experiencing
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Outdoor recreation

Co-occurring disorders are when substance use disorders coincide with mental health disorders. The presence of two disorders and their influence on each other can complicate treatment, so an integrated approach is necessary for better outcomes. Kratom addiction commonly co-occurs with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.