What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tree in Southeast Asia that contains compounds in its leaves that have a psychotropic effect. Someone who consumes these leaves might experience feelings of euphoria, relaxation, alertness, and increased energy. However, kratom can also produce unwanted side effects like nausea, constipation, sweating, itching, hallucinations, and seizures. There is a significantly larger risk for these unwanted side effects when using kratom at higher doses.
Kratom is legal in the United States. Many Americans purchase it as a leaf extract or gum from the internet. Others consume kratom in a capsule form or chew/smoke leaves of the kratom tree.
“Kratom can cause effects similar to both opioids and stimulants,” says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Two compounds in kratom leaves, mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain, especially when users consume large amounts of the plant.”
What is Kratom Tolerance?
Kratom tolerance happens when one’s body adjusts to the substance. That might occur if a person consumes kratom frequently or takes the same dose for some time.
Someone who experiences kratom tolerance might not feel the same effects as when they first took the substance. When that happens, the user might:
- Increase their dosage.
- Turn to other substances to achieve the same effects as kratom.
- Take a kratom ‘break,’ where they try to abstain from the substance to lower their tolerance levels.
All three scenarios often prove fruitless.
Increasing Dosage
Someone who increases their kratom dosage might experience the positive effects of the substance again, but their body will soon adapt to the new dose. Continuously increasing kratom dosage can be dangerous and result in dependence, addiction, or overdose.
Using Other Substances
Replacing kratom with another substance might provide users with the effects they desire. However, these people typically build a tolerance to the new substance and increase its dosage, resulting in dependence, addiction, or overdose.
Taking a Break
Taking a break from kratom and returning to the substance can also be dangerous. When one quits kratom abruptly, they increase the risk of overdose when they go back to it.
So what is the solution?
What is Kratom Addiction?
Even though it is legal, kratom users can become dependent on the substance. Eventually, this dependency might cause an addiction. That is because kratom changes the chemistry of the brain and central nervous system, causing a feeling of euphoria. When the effects of the substance wear off, users might experience anxiety or depression.
In those scenarios, someone might take more kratom to replicate the pleasurable feelings they experienced when they last took the drug, or increase their dosage over time. When that happens, someone can develop an addiction.
We have experience with treating those with a potential kratom addiction. Our specialists can develop a custom treatment plan that identifies the root cause of client issues and help individuals manage the side effects associated with their kratom withdrawal process. Over time, the individual is able to develop tools and techniques that prevent relapse and promote successful recovery; it is what we have done for years.
As one of the leading treatment centers for kratom withdrawal in California, Windward Way Recovery customizes treatment plans based on the individual’s circumstances. These plans might include:
- Individual therapy, where someone discusses their kratom dependency or addiction with a counselor, support worker, psychologist, or another specialist.
- Group therapy, where someone talks about dependency or addiction with other substance users.
- Family therapy, where substance users and their loved ones work toward collaborative goals and explore how addiction impacts the family system.
- Medication-assisted treatment.
- Case management services, which includes (but is not limited to) sober living arrangements, connection to community resources, and ongoing support.
- Aftercare planning.
An individual might need one or several of these solutions to overcome kratom dependency or addiction for good.
Should You Take a Break From Kratom?
Taking a break from kratom will cause the user to withdraw from the substance. One who abstains from kratom, regardless of how long one avoids use, can experience these withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Bone pain
- Achy muscles
- Runny nose
- Involuntary arm and leg movements
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Weight loss
Abstaining from kratom use and then returning to the substance can confuse the body and increase the chances of overdose.
That is why we do not recommend that anyone suddenly stop taking kratom, especially if that person takes a high dose of the substance.
There is an alternative solution to taking a break from kratom.
Visiting a drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment center may sound intimidating, especially because kratom is a legal substance in the United States. However, it can reduce the risks associated with kratom withdrawal and can assist the individual in comfortably transitioning to a lifestyle without kratom involvement.
It is effective for kratom users to work with a professional who understands kratom and its side effects. This professional is able to work collaboratively with clients to establish an individualized treatment plan. A specialist can help a kratom user gradually reduce their intake of the substance so they can return to a relatively safe level or quit entirely.
We have seen people of all ages and backgrounds walk through the doors of our California treatment center with a kratom dependency; many of our addiction professionals have experienced substance use issues with substances like kratom in the past.
That is what makes us different from some other treatment centers.
Our team understands the pain and frustration of addiction, how addictions can destroy relationships, and how addiction can sabotage career prospects or individual aspirations. However, every one of them who are in recovery from addiction now lead a successful life free from any substance use.
You can too.
If you have developed a tolerance to kratom and want to quit this substance, Windward Way Recovery’s treatment solutions can help. Talk to a member of the team today. Email or call (855) 430-9426 for a 15-minute assessment.
How Windward Way Recovery Helps
Our therapeutic approaches help those who want to reduce kratom intake or quit the substance for good. We adopt a holistic, evidence-based approach to kratom treatment based on a patient’s unique circumstances, lifestyle, and schedule. Whether you take part in our outpatient program or stay at our off-site housing for our partial hospitalization program, you will receive the support and resources you deserve.
We also support loved ones of kratom users who have developed a tolerance to the substance. Our family therapy programming, for example, helps relatives understand the nature of their loved one’s addiction and explore aftercare options for the individual.
Here are some other benefits of working with our team of drug and alcohol treatment specialists:
- Our programs identify the issues underlying the addiction, whether that is childhood trauma, a recent negative event, or a mental health disorder.
- We judge no one who visits our treatment center and welcome patients from all walks of life.
- We provide the highest standards of patient care.
- We provide ongoing support and aftercare; patients can reduce their chances of relapse through collaborative planning.
- We work with major healthcare providers so kratom users and their loved ones can manage treatment costs. Verify your insurance plan here.
What People Say About Windward Way Recovery
Windward Way Recovery currently holds an average review score of 4.5/5 on Google, making us one of the highest-rated treatment centers for addictions in California. Here’s what people say:
- “Windward Way Recovery has been instrumental in my recovery process. The staff is fantastic and always had my best interests at heart. My case manager and therapist went above and beyond and helped me establish goals while I was there, as well as for when I left. I would recommend Cardinal to anyone who is serious about getting clean and sober. I feel like I left there with confidence and a new family.” — Erin S.
- “Cardinal is a great place for addiction recovery. The staff here truly care about each individual. The daily classroom sessions are very informative. Case managers and therapists are here to help you through the process of recovery, but the individual has to be wanting it to exceed in sobriety. Getting the opportunity to go to outside AA and NA meetings is a huge plus, along with the sober activities that are planned for the weekends.” — John G.
- “I really appreciate how much the staff seems to care about everyday situations that occur while outside the building. Miss Nesetta has really taught me how to become more vulnerable in my recovery journey.” — Scooter S.
- “A very well organized center that made me feel very comfortable and securely guided me through my recovery from alcohol use of 35 years. I feel confident that I will succeed due to their Follow-up program and excellent staff.” — Thomas C.
- My experience was great, and I was able to purge and get to a mentally and emotionally sound and sober headspace! The staff is easy to talk to and are always available to help!” — Nakeshia W.
- “It was great staying here, and all of the staff were amazing. I feel so much better. Thankful to Windward Way Recovery.” — Carolyn T.
Kratom tolerance can lead to addiction, dependency, and overdose. Working with our team can help you reduce or quit this substance. Send a message to Windward Way Recovery or call (855) 430-9426 for a 15-minute assessment.