Kratom comes from a tropical region in Southeast Asia. Fresh or dried kratom leaves are chewed or brewed in tea. Kratom may also appear in powder and tablet form. It may be sold as a supplement for nutritional purposes or incense. The effects of kratom are similar to opioid drugs like morphine and heroin. It may be addictive and lead to relapse. Learn what to look for including signs and symptoms of addiction if a loved one is at risk when using kratom.
Side Effects
Kratom has different effects at low and higher doses. At high doses, it can have pain-relieving effects, along with sedative qualities. Some specific side effects may include:
- Sense of well-being
- Euphoria
- Talkativeness
- Increased social behavior
- Pain relief
- Increased energy
- Increased libido
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Increased motivation
- Increased alertness
Dependence vs. Addiction
Dependence and addiction are not the same. Drug dependence refers to a physical state in which the body is dependent on a drug. A person will need more of it to get the same effect. Mental and physical effects occur when the drug is not in the body (withdrawal).
Signs and Symptoms to Know
Addiction often has common signs, no matter what the substance is. Some general signs of addiction may include:
- Desire to use the substance on a regular basis, perhaps several times per day
- Experiencing an urge to use that makes it hard to focus on anything else
- Taking more of the substance for longer than intended
- Needing larger doses to achieve the same effect
- Spending money on the substance, even when money is tight
- Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence
- Using it in spite of problems or risks
- Trying and failing to stop using the substance
- Experiencing withdrawal once substance use ceases
Learning to recognize addiction in another person may be difficult, especially if it is a loved one in the home. It may look like changes to mood, behavior, physical appearance, or health issues. It may be changes in social activities. The challenges can present themselves in many different ways. The biggest challenge is to figure out how best to support a loved one with addiction. Once it is suspected to be happening, an intervention may be helpful, along with discussion of how to best seek treatment, so long as they are ready for treatment.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare knows that lifetime sobriety, health, and wellness, are completely possible. Each of our treatment programs offer the opportunity for holistic healing utilizing an integrative approach for the recovery of mind, body, and spirit. You can recover. You will recover. Call us today for more information: 844-560-7269