Kratom is a natural substance that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. It can be chewed as leaves, infused in tea, taken as an extract or in pill form, snorted, or smoked.
While kratom is legal in many states, it has not been regulated by the FDA and little research has been done on its effectiveness and safety. Primary care providers should be cautious about recommending it to patients.
What is kratom?
Kratom is a plant with stimulant and opioid-like effects. It has not been approved by the FDA, but it is sold in health food stores and online. It comes in different forms, including powders, capsules, and extracts. It is generally considered safe at low doses, but high doses can cause side effects.
People use kratom to treat pain, anxiety, and depression. It also has sedative properties. In addition, kratom can help reduce withdrawal symptoms from opioids. It is often abused by teenagers because it can be purchased over-the-counter in smoke shops and on the internet. It also doesn’t show up on standard drug tests, making it easier for teens to get access to.
Most people find their ideal kratom dosage after a bit of experimentation. It’s important to measure your kratom with a scale so that you know how much you are taking. It’s also best to take a little at a time and wait for it to kick in before taking more.
It’s also important to stay hydrated when taking kratom. This is because it can cause dehydration. In addition, it’s helpful to rotate the strains you take so that your body doesn’t build up a tolerance to one strain. You can do this by mixing two or more strains together, so that each provides a different effect.
How to take kratom
Kratom is taken orally, and it can be found in powder or capsule form. It can be consumed with water or mixed with food to enhance flavor. The best way to determine your proper dose is to start with a small amount and increase it gradually until you achieve the desired effect. Taking too much can be dangerous and cause side effects, so it is important to know how much you are consuming.
Some people use kratom to boost their energy levels. It can also be used to improve focus and mental sharpness. In addition to this, kratom can reduce anxiety and depression. Depending on the strain, it can even give users a euphoric feeling. In fact, kratom is so effective in improving mood that it is used as an alternative to opioids in parts of Asia.
Unlike opioids, kratom does not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms. It can also be used to treat chronic pain. However, it is important to consult with a physician before trying it. Some people may be allergic to kratom and experience side effects. This is usually due to the presence of phenolic acids, which are responsible for the sedative effects.
It is important to use kratom responsibly, as it can be addictive. In high doses, kratom can act on the brain’s opiate receptors and cause euphoria. It can also cause a false sense of well-being, which is similar to alcohol. It is also not recommended to take kratom during pregnancy, as it can affect infant development.
Side effects of kratom
In a low dose, kratom acts like a stimulant, but in high doses it can act as an opioid. It’s not regulated by the FDA and is widely available over-the-counter, so people may not be aware of its dangers. It can also be contaminated with opioids, including the highly addictive fentanyl. This combination can cause a life-threatening overdose. It is also possible to develop a tolerance to kratom. The best way to avoid this is to rotate different strains. This will give your body different chemicals to respond to, which will help you avoid tolerance. You should also drink plenty of water while taking kratom. It tends to dehydrate you, and without enough fluids you could experience a variety of side effects.
If you know someone who is using kratom, be sure to educate them about the risks. Make sure they are only purchasing it from reputable sources and that they never take more than the recommended dosage. Always use it with a sober friend and always have fentanyl test strips and naloxone on hand in case of an accidental overdose. Overdoses involving kratom almost always occur when it is mixed with other substances.
If you or a loved one is suffering from pain or anxiety, experts say there are safer and more effective alternatives to kratom. For example, if you’re dealing with chronic pain, Cohen suggests yoga, acupuncture and exercise for pain relief. For anxiety, he recommends meditation and CBD products. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, he says that there are many treatment options for this problem, including FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine and methadone.
Kratom addiction
Getting rid of kratom addiction requires time, effort and a strong support system. Keeping in contact with friends and family can help you stay motivated to quit, but it’s also important to find an individualized treatment program that will suit your needs. It’s also a good idea to take steps to prevent relapse by eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated. In addition, it’s important to avoid other substances like alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate withdrawal symptoms.
Many people who use kratom do so to feel a boost in energy and focus. However, many users become addicted to the drug and start taking higher doses over time. This can cause side effects like tachycardia, altered mental status, and seizures. In some cases, people have even been rushed to the emergency room because of kratom usage.
Addiction to kratom can be hard to recognize, especially since it doesn’t interact with opioid receptors like opioids do. But there are some warning signs that you may be struggling with kratom addiction, such as prioritizing kratom over other responsibilities and spending excessive time trying to acquire more of the drug. Also, if you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, that’s another sign that you need to seek help.
The best way to get rid of kratom addiction is to detox under the supervision of a medical professional. This process will help you overcome cravings and withdraw symptoms. It’s also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle during detox, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. You can also join a support group to meet other people who are battling kratom addiction. How to use kratom