Kratom addiction: signs and symptoms of Kratom abuse

A list of 7 signs of Kratom addiction, abuse vs. use and a description of Kratom withdrawal symptoms here.

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Kratom use vs. Kratom abuse

Kratom addiction is a very real possibility for those who abuse it. I say “abuse“,  but in the West, where Kratom has no established medical usage, any use of Mitragynia Speciosa, at least in the eyes of the great majority of the medical profession, is abuse. In South-East Asia, however, where Kratom has a long history as a treatment for diarrhea, opiate addiction and pain, abuse is seen as the excessive use of Kratom in order to benefit from its stimulant/euphoric effects. More on Kratom effects here, including why effects are dose dependent.  We also review the long term effects of the herbal drug and invite your questions about withdrawal from Kratom at the end.

Is Kratom addictive?

Yes, Kratom is addictive.

But looking at forums and groups about Kratom on the Web you could be forgiven for thinking that Kratom is the holy grail of drugs; it gets you high, it’s legal AND withdrawal symptoms from abuse are so mild that they are hardly worth mentioning.   But becoming addicted to Mitragynia Speciosa isn’t difficult, particularly if you have an addictive personality.

My experience has been that daily use over a period of a month or so will cause psychological dependence. After over six months of Kratom use, you will find that physical dependence also kicks in. This varies, of course, to what form of Kratom you are using and the method of administration. Strains of UEI (Ultra Enhanced Indonesian), for example, will get you addicted far faster and harder than, let’s say, dried leaf. Additionally, although some people try to snort Kratom, the administration is not as effective as when you swallow a capsule or drink Kratom as a tea. But to know whether you have developed physical dependence to Kratom, try to lower doses or cut out Kratom from your life. Withdrawal symptoms generally appear when you attempt to lower doses or cut out Kratom completely.

Kratom withdrawal symptoms

Compared to ’real’ opiates, the withdrawals from Kratom may be relatively mild but they most definitely exist and can include:

  • apathy
  • depression
  • diarrhea
  • insomnia
  • restless leg syndrome
  • symptoms similar to the common cold

How do you know if you are addicted to Kratom?

Deep down all addicts know that they are addicted, yet they deny it because they want to carry on doing what they are doing. If you need to know whether you are dependent on Kratom or not, then the following signs and symptoms are typical of Mitragynia Speciosa addiction:

7 signs of Kratom addiction

1.  Increased tolerance – Tolerance to Kratom builds up very quickly and the dose needed to get the same effect will quickly increase.

2.  Long-term constipation – As with opiates, constipation is a side-effect of Kratom use. Constipation over many days is a sign of  physical drug dependence.

3.  Secrecy – Shame is a big part of addiction, therefore those addicted to any substance will attempt to hide evidence of their problem (even though they may not consciously acknowledge it as a problem).

4.  Cravings and obsessive thoughts – The mind of the addict will be constantly thinking about Kratom. When you can next take it, buy it, the feeling you will get, etc.

5.  Daily use – The addict will use Kratom every day and probably many or multiple times in one day.

6.  Withdrawal symptoms – Any break in habitual use of Kratom will see the addict going through withdrawals (see above for the symptoms of Kratom withdrawal).

7.  Ensuring supply – To avoid withdrawal symptoms that result in lower doses or in stopping Kratom use, a Kratom addict will always try and make sure to have access to Kratom and that they don’t run out. This may mean they buy Kratom in bulk, hide Kratom at work, in the house and so on.

Recognize these signs and symptoms of Kratom addiction in yourself or someone you care about? If YES…don’t wait to get help! The sooner you get appropriate substance use treatment – the bigger your chances of maintaining a positive and productive life without drug abuse. If you need more info, see what it’s like to seek help from Kratom Addiction Treatment Programs and how you can choose the best treatment type, duration, and therapies for you.

OR call 1-877-960-2430 NOW for immediate addiction help and appropriate treatment options referral.

How can you use Kratom without forming a habit?

So how do you avoid getting addicted to Kratom? Easy, don’t start using it. Kratom regardless of its legality and ’herbal nature’ is a drug, it’ s addictive and, although cheap compared to illicit drugs, it will sap your finances if you do become dependent. On top of this it is a gateway drug, I found that when I couldn’t get Kratom I tried to get my hands on anything that would help ease the withdrawals invariably that was opiates and they are a different ball game all together.

If you have to take Kratom then play safe. Take it as an occasional treat, use it no more than once a week and never on consecutive nights. This is easy to say but far harder to practice. Kratom makes you feel good and who doesn’t want to feel good all the time?

About the author
Charles Somerville is the writer of The Alcoholism Guide, a website that looks at alcoholism in all its forms and the effects of alcohol abuse on mental and physical health.
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