Though kratom is available over the counter and is often marketed as a nutritional supplement, its effects can be highly problematic and might lead to misuse. The Raleigh House offers intensive support and therapeutic intervention for people struggling with kratom addiction. If you think you are no longer controlling your substance use, pursuing kratom addiction treatment immediately will give you the best chances of long-term physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
What is Kratom Addiction?
Kratom comes from a species of Southeast Asian tree called Mitragyna speciosa. Its leaves, when consumed, produce an effect similar to opioids, though, in small doses, it is reported to increase focus and energy levels. It is sometimes used to mitigate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. (Research on the effectiveness of kratom as a treatment for opioid withdrawal has been inconclusive.)
The leaves can be chewed while fresh or dried and brewed as tea or smoked. Kratom is sold as a supplement in powder and pill form. It is viewed as a more attractive alternative to opioids and illicit drugs because of its legality and accessibility. However, kratom can produce uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects. These include:
- Appetite loss
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Sweating
The continued use of kratom can trigger addiction, mainly if co-occurring emotional disorders or environmental factors contribute to misuse. Substance misuse can alter brain chemistry over time, lessening impulse control and disrupting the reward response.
Kratom is believed to trigger dependence after chronic use. This means that ceasing kratom consumption will cause physical withdrawal symptoms, which may involve experiencing any of the following:
- Aggression
- Disordered sleep
- Moodiness
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
The Raleigh House Kratom Addiction Treatment
The most effective kratom addiction treatment will depend upon several factors. These include using additional substances, experiencing a pattern of recovery and misuse, or co-occurring disorders.
If you are struggling with kratom dependency, the first step on the path to recovery will be medically assisted detoxification. This is the supervised cessation of substance use over a controlled period. There are typically three detox stages.
- Evaluation. The first stage involves a blood screening and thorough assessment to measure the volume of the substance and check for additional medical issues.
- Stabilization. This is the stage where the body is weaned off of the substance. Medications might be administered to assure a safe transition and manage potentially severe symptoms. This might last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and is personalized to the specific needs of our clients.
- Pretreatment. This stage is the preparation for an intensive treatment program. It might involve motivational intervention and counseling before admission into an extended inpatient recovery program.
At The Raleigh House, we provide a broad scope of therapies addressing addiction and co-existing emotional disorders. We are proud to offer standalone outpatient treatment for mental health disorders that might contribute to kratom addiction or another substance misuse.
If you think you are becoming dependent on kratom or any other substance, please contact our helpful team today for a consultation.
When you’re ready to recover, we’re ready to help. Contact us today.