Kratom Addiction Treatment in Colorado

What Is Kratom and How Is It Used?

Kratom, a tree native to Southeast Asia, contains compounds with mind-altering effects and is recognized in discussions about kratom addiction treatment. While it’s not an illegal substance, it can be easily purchased online. Kratom is also sold in vape shops, gas stations, and drug stores across the country. Typically sold as a green powder in packets marked “not for human consumption,” kratom can also be found in other forms, such as extracts or gum. It is known by several names, including Biak, Ketum, Kakuam, Ithang, and Thom, and its addictive potential makes the services offered by Achieve Whole Recovery in Denver, Westminster, and Colorado Springs essential.

Kratom can be consumed in various ways, including pills, capsules, extracts, or as a brewed tea. The compounds in kratom leaves, mitragynine and 7-alpha-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects like sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain. At low doses, kratom tends to act as a stimulant, making users feel more alert and energetic. At higher doses, the effects shift to sedation and pain relief, similar to opioids. The health effects reported from kratom use range from nausea and constipation to severe side effects like seizures and psychosis, underscoring the importance of kratom recovery programs.

Is Kratom Dangerous?

Achieve Whole Recovery offers comprehensive kratom addiction treatment in Colorado, addressing the varied symptoms and effects of kratom use. While there have been reports of deaths related to kratom use, most were linked to the use of kratom with other potent substances like illicit drugs, opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. The FDA indicates that many deaths involved adulterated products, highlighting the risks of unsupervised use. The FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration lists it as a drug of concern. Kratom products have also been found to contain heavy metals such as lead and harmful germs, including salmonella, which can be fatal. This risk profile emphasizes the need for professional recovery services, such as those provided by Achieve Whole Recovery.

Side Effects of Kratom

Kratom carries a number of documented side effects. Physical side effects include weight loss, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, constipation, liver damage, muscle pain, and high blood pressure. Kratom also affects the mind and nervous system and can cause dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, delusions, depression, trouble breathing, confusion, tremors, and seizures. People who use kratom to self-manage pain or opioid withdrawal symptoms should know that it carries its own risk of dependence and addiction, and it has not been shown to safely or effectively treat any medical condition.

It is crucial for individuals to consult healthcare providers before using kratom or mixing it with other medications. Kratom has been reported to interact with other medications, potentially leading to severe effects such as liver damage.

Kratom Addiction Treatment and Recovery in Colorado

For those in Denver, Westminster, and Colorado Springs, Achieve Whole Recovery’s kratom addiction treatment in Colorado offers a path to safe recovery. People who use kratom for more than six months commonly report withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioid use, and some may require medications used in opioid addiction treatment, such as buprenorphine. If you are interested in kratom addiction rehab treatment, learn more about our medically assisted treatment (MAT) and psychiatry services today or call us at (303) 749-5150.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kratom physically addictive?

Yes. Despite being sold as a natural supplement, kratom acts on the brain’s opioid receptors and can cause physical dependence with regular use. Research from a collaborative study found that of those who used kratom for more than six months, more than half developed severe dependence. People who become dependent on kratom may experience significant withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop.

What are kratom withdrawal symptoms?

Common withdrawal symptoms include muscle and joint pain, sweating, nausea, insomnia, tremors, anxiety, depression, irritability, and strong cravings. The experience is often compared to opioid withdrawal, though it tends to be milder in severity.

How long does kratom withdrawal last?

Kratom withdrawal typically begins within 12 to 48 hours after the last dose, peaks during days 2 and 3, and the acute phase usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Psychological symptoms like anxiety and cravings can continue for several weeks or longer.

Can you quit kratom cold turkey?

Stopping kratom abruptly is possible but often difficult and uncomfortable. Tapering, meaning gradually reducing your dose over a period of time, is a well-known approach that can minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Professional support during this process significantly improves the chances of lasting recovery and reduces the risk of relapse.

Can kratom cause psychosis or seizures?

Yes. Poison control centers in the United States received more than 3,400 reports about kratom use from 2014 through 2019, including side effects such as high blood pressure, confusion, and seizures. Kratom can also cause hallucinations, delusions, and depression.

Can you mix kratom with alcohol or other drugs?

This is strongly discouraged. Most deaths associated with kratom have involved its use alongside other substances, including alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Kratom has been reported to react with other medicines, potentially leading to severe effects such as liver damage and death.

How long does kratom stay in your system?

Kratom’s active compounds are generally detectable in urine for up to 7 days in regular users, though this can vary based on how frequently and how much kratom was used. Because kratom is not a standard substance on most drug panels, specialized testing is typically required to detect it.