Kratom Addiction: Symptom, Causes, Effect and Treatment

Kratom addiction involves a dependence on the kratom plant, which is often used for its stimulating and pain-relieving effects. This condition can lead to cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty in controlling its use despite negative consequences. People may find themselves using kratom more frequently or in larger amounts than intended.

Symptoms of kratom addiction encompass physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Physical symptoms include increased tolerance, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiovascular complications. Psychological effects involve mood swings, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Socially, individuals may experience strained relationships, neglect of responsibilities, and financial problems. Behavioral signs include cravings, compulsive use, and denial of the addiction.

The causes of kratom addiction include biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition, neurochemical responses to kratom’s alkaloids, psychological issues like stress and trauma, social influences, co-occurring mental health disorders, and early exposure to substance use all contribute to addiction.

Kratom addiction has wide-ranging effects on health, mind, and social life. It can harm the body, especially the gut, liver, and heart. It also affects mood and thinking. Socially, it can lead to isolation and money problems. Users may face legal issues and struggle with daily tasks. Overall, kratom addiction seriously impacts many aspects of a person’s life.

Treatment for kratom addiction includes medical detoxification, behavioral therapies, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). However, further research is needed to optimize treatment strategies and improve long-term outcomes for individuals struggling with kratom addiction.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree. Kratom is scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom belongs to the coffee family. Kratom belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Kratom is native to Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. This plant has a long history in its native regions, where Kratom has been used in traditional herbal medicine practices.

Kratom usage dates back to at least the 19th century. In its natural habitat, kratom grows wild and has also been cultivated for various purposes. The plant has gained attention worldwide due to its unique properties, though its use remains controversial in some areas.

What Is Kratom Addiction?

Kratom addiction is a type of substance use disorder characterized by a compulsive pattern of kratom consumption, leading to significant impairment or distress. It occurs when regular kratom use results in withdrawal symptoms upon abstinence, cravings for kratom, tolerance to its effects, and cross-tolerance to morphine. 

Kratom dependence is marked by both psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued. The psychoactive alkaloids in kratom, particularly mitragynine (MG) and 7-hydroxy mitragynine (7-HMG), act as partial mu opioid agonists, contributing to the development of dependence with regular use. 

Individuals may continue to use kratom despite experiencing negative consequences in various aspects of their lives, such as social, occupational, or health-related issues.

Renowned for its opioid-like properties and some stimulant-like effects, anecdotal reports attribute diverse outcomes to Kratom consumption, spanning increased alertness, sociability, physical energy, sedation, mood changes, and pain relief.

Nevertheless, Kratom’s safety and efficacy remain ambiguous, as its utilization has been linked to severe side effects, addiction risks, and even fatalities. Despite being legally accessible as a dietary supplement federally, Kratom lacks approval for therapeutic usage in the United States due to inadequate research on its safety and efficacy.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Kratom Addiction?

The signs and symptoms of kratom addiction include physical symptoms like increased tolerance and withdrawal, as well as psychological effects such as mood swings and anxiety. There is also social and occupational impairment that leads to a neglect of obligations, in addition to behavioral signs like compulsive use and denial.

Here are all the signs and symptoms of Kratom addiction

Physical Symptoms of Kratom Addiction:

• Increased tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms (irritability, nausea, muscle aches)
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Weight loss or appetite fluctuations
• Liver damage
• Respiratory issues
• Cardiovascular complications

Psychological Symptoms of Kratom Addiction:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Cognitive impairment
• Impaired decision-making

Social and Occupational Impairment from Kratom Addiction

• Neglect of family or social obligations
• Strained relationships
• Employment or academic difficulties
• Financial problems
• Social isolation

Behavioral Signs of Kratom Addiction

• Withdrawal from social activities and hobbies
• Cravings
• Compulsive use
• Denial or defensiveness about kratom use

What Are the Causes of Kratom Addiction?

The causes of kratom addiction are often a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including genetic predisposition and the brain’s neurochemical response to kratom’s alkaloids. Here are some key causes:

• Biological Factors: Biological factors, including cellular protein responses and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways, influence susceptibility to kratom addiction. Certain individuals possess a heightened biological vulnerability to dependency due to molecular mechanisms that affect protein folding and cellular stress responses. According to Yang et al. (2023) in their study “Kratom use disorder and unfolded protein response,” higher protein expression of CHOP was associated with increased odds of kratom use disorder by 5.382-fold, while higher expression of p-JNK increased the odds by 17.025-fold among regular kratom users.
• Neurochemical Effects: Kratom’s alkaloids, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, engage opioid receptors in the brain and elicit pleasurable effects, fostering potential dependence.
• Psychological Factors: Stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression contribute to kratom addiction. Many individuals turn to kratom to alleviate emotional distress or evade negative emotions, leading to psychological dependence.
• Social and Environmental Influences: Peer pressure, societal acceptance of kratom use, and the widespread availability of kratom products influence addictive behaviors. Environments that normalize or endorse kratom usage heighten the risk of addiction.
• Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, or chronic pain, drive individuals to self-medicate with kratom. This reliance perpetuates a cycle of dependence and addiction.
• Trauma and Adverse Life Events: Experiencing trauma, abuse, or significant life stressors predisposes individuals to substance use disorders, including kratom addiction. Traumatic experiences compel individuals to seek solace or numbness through substance use.
• Reinforcement and Conditioning: Kratom’s pleasurable effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief, reinforce addictive behaviors. Positive reinforcement from these effects encourages repeated use and the development of addictive patterns.
• Early Exposure and Use: Initiation of substance use, including kratom, during adolescence or young adulthood escalates the risk of addiction later in life. Early substance use alters brain development and increases susceptibility to addiction.

What Are the Effects of Kratom Addiction?

The effects of kratom addiction include a decline in physical health, such as gastrointestinal problems and weight loss, as well as psychological effects like mood swings and anxiety. It also strains relationships, fosters social isolation, and causes financial challenges.

Here are all the effects of Kratom addiction:

Physical Health Decline: Prolonged kratom abuse brings forth various physical health issues, including:

• Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, stomach cramps, and nausea
• Weight loss or fluctuations in appetite
• Liver damage or abnormalities in liver function tests
• Respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing or chest discomfort
• Cardiovascular complications, such as an elevated heart rate or high blood pressure

Psychological Effects: Kratom addiction impacts mental health and cognitive functioning, resulting in:

• Mood swings, irritability, and emotional instability
• Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and heightened anxiety levels
• Depression or worsening of existing depressive symptoms
• Cognitive impairment, including difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making
• Psychosis or hallucinations in severe cases or with high doses

Social and Relationship Consequences: Addiction to kratom strains relationships and fosters social isolation due to:

• Neglect of family, social, or occupational responsibilities
• Conflict and tension within relationships, including strained interactions with friends and family members
• Isolation and withdrawal from social activities or hobbies

Financial Challenges: Excessive spending on kratom to support addiction sparks financial strain, debt, and difficulties managing finances effectively.

Legal and Behavioral Risks: Kratom addiction poses legal risks if individuals engage in risky behaviors to obtain or use kratom, such as purchasing from unregulated sources or driving under the influence.

Physical Dependence and Withdrawal: With chronic use, individuals develop physical dependence on kratom, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation or reduction in use, including:

• Irritability, agitation, and mood swings
• Muscle aches, joint pain, and restlessness
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns
• Sweating, chills, and flu-like symptoms

Impaired Functioning: Kratom addiction impairs daily functioning in various life domains, including work, school, and personal relationships, leading to difficulties in maintaining productivity, meeting obligations, and achieving goals.

What Are the Treatment Options for Kratom Addiction in New Jersey?

The treatment options for kratom addiction in New Jersey include medical detox, behavioral therapies, and support groups. In some cases, medication-assisted treatment and holistic approaches are also used. Education and relapse prevention, along with family and social support, also play a vital role.

Here are the primary treatments utilized for kratom addiction:

Medical Detox

Supervised medical detoxification serves as the initial phase in treating kratom addiction. Medical professionals oversee withdrawal symptoms and administer medications or supportive care to manage discomfort and ensure safety during the detox process.

We, at Better Life Recovery and Wellness, help by assessing each individual’s medical history and substance use to match them with an appropriate, accredited NJ detox facility and coordinating admissions, transportation, and insurance verification. Our team stays involved throughout detox to communicate with medical staff and plan a seamless transition into ongoing treatment tailored to the person’s needs.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies are essential components of addiction treatment. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI) help individuals to:

• Identifying and altering addictive behaviors and thought patterns
• Developing coping skills to manage cravings, stress, and triggers
• Addressing underlying issues contributing to addiction, such as trauma or co-occurring mental health disorders

Support Groups

Engagement in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Kratom Anonymous (KA), or similar peer support programs furnishes invaluable peer support, encouragement, and accountability during recovery. These groups foster community, shared experiences, and practical strategies for maintaining sobriety.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In certain cases, medications form part of a comprehensive treatment plan for kratom addiction. Drugs like buprenorphine, naltrexone, or clonidine aid in reducing cravings, managing withdrawal symptoms, and supporting long-term recovery. However, the use of medications in kratom addiction treatment is meticulously considered and monitored by healthcare professionals.

Holistic Approaches

Holistic therapies and complementary interventions bolster overall well-being and aid in addiction recovery, encompassing:

• Mindfulness-based practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises
• Nutrition counseling and dietary adjustments to support physical health and recovery
• Exercise programs and physical activities to foster mental and physical wellness
• Stress-reduction techniques, relaxation strategies, and creative therapies

Education and Relapse Prevention

Education regarding kratom addiction, its effects, and strategies for relapse prevention proves vital for individuals in recovery. Acquiring knowledge about triggers, coping mechanisms, and healthy lifestyle habits, along with devising a relapse prevention plan, empowers individuals to maintain sobriety and navigate challenges in the long term.

Family and Social Support

Incorporating family members, loved ones, and supportive social networks into the recovery process enhances outcomes and provides additional sources of encouragement, understanding, and accountability.

Where to Find Treatment for Kratom Addiction in New Jersey

To find treatment for kratom addiction in New Jersey, consult addiction treatment centers, healthcare professionals, or support groups. Online resources and community-based programs also offer valuable support during recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom addiction, seek help from healthcare professionals or addiction specialists. Advocate for responsible kratom use and raise awareness about the risks of addiction.

Can Kratom Be Used to Ease Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?

Kratom is used to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms but is not FDA-approved and poses risks of addiction and dependence. While it provides temporary relief, it leads to its own withdrawal issues and potentially dangerous side effects, making it a controversial and risky option.

Can Kratom Be Used as An Alternative to Morphine for Pain Management?

Kratom is used as an alternative to morphine for pain management due to its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which bind to opioid receptors and produce analgesic effects. While Kratom initially served as a means of pain and anxiety management, its efficacy diminished over time, leading to excessive drowsiness. Consequently, the patient sought medical assistance and transitioned to morphine for pain relief. However, there is a lack of comprehensive clinical studies to fully understand its efficacy and safety compared to morphine.

Does Kratom Cause Memory Loss?

Yes. Kratom use, particularly high doses, causes memory impairment and cognitive deficits, especially affecting visual learning and new learning abilities. According to Singh, D.’s 2019 study, ‘Long-Term Cognitive Effects of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use’, Higher kratom consumption (>3 glasses daily) was linked to impaired visual episodic memory and new learning.

Does kratom cause mood swings?

Yes. Kratom addiction produces frequent mood swings ranging from euphoria to irritability, depression, and emotional instability.

Can Kratom Cause Panic Attacks?

Yes. Kratom use triggers anxiety, agitation, and panic-like symptoms, especially during withdrawal periods or with high doses. According to Vento et al. (2021) in “Treatment of Kratom Use Disorder With a Classical Tricyclic Antidepressant,” patients developed anxiety and dysphoric mood symptoms that persisted after kratom withdrawal, including recurrent panic attacks and severe restlessness.

Can Kratom Cause Anxiety?

Yes. Kratom produces anxiety as both a side effect of use and a withdrawal symptom, with chronic use leading to persistent anxiety disorders. According to Singh et al. (2018) in “Severity of Kratom Withdrawal,” 70% of respondents experienced symptoms of mild anxiety during kratom cessation, while research shows high doses above 15g are associated with reports of anxiety, irritation, and increased aggression.