Kratom Addiction Treatment
Kratom is a medicinal herb indigenous to Southeast Asia. It is exported to the United States and other countries as it has become popular because many people report it has similar effects that opiates cause. Opiates like heroin and prescription painkillers cause a person to feel sleepy and relaxed and experience euphoria.
When certain substances cause a person to feel high, there is a risk for addiction. Any substance that causes euphoria or has psychoactive effects, mainly when they cause the brain to release pleasure-activating chemicals such as dopamine or serotonin, can easily be abused or cause addiction. If addicted, it’s essential to seek out an opioid addiction treatment center near you.
What is Kratom?
Since Kratom is a plant, the most common form available is dried leaves to be chewed, steeped into a tea, smoked, or mixed with other ingredients to form a powder to make a capsule to be swallowed. Plant medicines are often considered safer than other substances because they are natural. Many herbal remedy promoters market Kratom as a safe alternative to other drugs. Many support that it reduces inflammation, eliminates or minimizes pain, and can cause a person to feel high in large enough quantities. Kratom is available mainly on the internet and in retail shops that sell herbal or natural medicines. Kratom bars also serve Kratom teas and other medicinal herbs to be served as tea.
What Is Kratom Used For?
The Food and Drug Administration reports that Kratom is marketed for its medicinal properties, which can be misleading. The FDA also states that the marketers of Kratom push that it is a safe herb because it is natural and, therefore, should not be addictive. The argument here is that marijuana and opium poppy seed plants are natural plants, and both cause addiction.
According to the Federal Food and Drug Administration:
Proponents of Kratom argue that it is a safe substance mainly because it is a plant-based product. The FDA knows people are using kratom to treat conditions like pain, anxiety, and depression, which are severe medical conditions that require proper diagnosis and oversight from a licensed healthcare provider. We also know this substance is being actively marketed and distributed for these purposes. Importantly, evidence shows that kratom has similar effects to narcotics like opioids and carries similar risks of abuse, addiction, and in some cases, death. Thus, it is not surprising that users often take kratom recreationally for its euphoric effects. (FDA)
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Addiction to Kratom can mirror opioid withdrawal symptoms, although not as severe. The chemical compounds in Kratom are not the same as opioid compounds that are found in drugs like heroin and prescription opiate medications, but Kratom does act on the same opioid receptors that these same opioids affect. Typical opioid withdrawal symptoms begin with flu-like symptoms that worsen as time goes on without using the drug. Opioid withdrawal symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, fever, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Kratom detox symptoms are more likely to cause the following:
- Body aches
- Runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Shakiness
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms
- Intense cravings for Kratom
Kratom Addiction Treatment Program
Kratom addiction treatment is similar to opioid addiction treatment in that it requires detox and withdrawal management, behavioral therapy, and counseling. Many people find inpatient treatment the most successful way to overcome an addiction to Kratom. Inpatient treatment provides around-the-clock care, supervision from medical staff, and access to other addiction treatment therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and group counseling. Outpatient treatment is another option for Kratom addiction treatment, which allows people to live at home while attending treatment during the day. Outpatient treatment can be a good option for people with a strong support system at home and those with a less severe addiction.
Some options for Kratom addiction treatment include:
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Detox and withdrawal management
- Behavioral therapy
- Counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group counseling
- Relapse prevention education
Kratom addiction is a serious problem that requires professional treatment.
Florida Kratom Detox Program
Evoke Wellness at Miramar offers a medically managed detox program for Kratom addiction and dependency. Our Kratom detoxification program provides around-the-clock medical care for individuals experiencing Kratom withdrawal symptoms. All clients in our detox unit are allowed to rest and sleep while in detox. We provide safe and effective medications that minimize and reverse withdrawal symptoms. Other drugs are also administered to help a person sleep, diminish anxiety, and manage flu-like symptoms.
Our Florida Wellness Kratom Detox center is overseen by medical doctors and other experts specializing in Kratom and other drug addictions. Our doctors, psychiatrists, licensed addiction counselors, and mental health specialists assess every client regularly. Although detox is the beginning of recovery from Kratom addiction, it is not treatment. We provide each client in the detox unit with an individualized treatment plan to help them understand how therapy can help them. It is common for people who need to detox from substances to be admitted into a treatment program. We provide personalized Kratom treatment programs that are evidence-based in these drug rehab formats:
- Intensive Inpatient
- Residential Rehab
- Dual Diagnosis
To understand whether you or a loved one is addicted to Kratom, the first step is to reach out to one of our Kratom addiction specialists. Our specialists will complete a brief interview over the phone to determine how severe the addiction and or physical dependency is and which detox center will provide the best level of care. Our specialists will also make all door-to-door travel plans, explain your insurance coverage, make payment arrangements, and provide 24-hour support for you or your loved one until they arrive at our Kratom Detox Program.
