Kratom – What is it?

Kratom is a leaf that is found on a tree in the coffee family.  These trees are natively found in many South East Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia.  These leaves have been chewed by local farmers and others for a boost in stamina and energy.  Recently, this method of consumption has changed.

The way kratom is consumed among young people in Thailand is in a cocktail consisting of boiled leaves, cough syrup, Coca Cola, and ice.  When consumed in this way, kratom has an opiate-like effect, making users euphoric and sleepy.  In America, kratom is being taken in a variety of ways.  Smoke shops and online stores sell kratom that is already mixed into liquid so users can add it to a drink or dip cigarettes into it.

Often, bottles of kratom sold in head shops or online are labeled “Not approved for human consumption” to get past DEA regulations which would likely make this substance more controlled.  As it stands, kratom is a completely uncontrolled substance.  Like any other drug sold outside of medical control, there is no knowing what you are actually buying when purchasing kratom.  One recent test of a website’s kratom found that it was laced with hydrocodone and other drugs.

Effects of Kratom 

Here in America, kratom is advertised to do many types of things.  Marketers say that it can improve energy, work as a painkiller, increase sex drive, combat depression, and even cure opiate addiction.  A lot of this is just someone trying to get new users to buy the drug.  Here, we will discuss the real effects of kratom.

When small amounts of kratom are taken (such as in the traditional method used by Thai farmers), it can cause an increase of energy.  When large amounts of the drug is taken, it works in the brain in a similar way as opiates.  Taking kratom can cause severe mood swings, nervousness, and aggression.  

Here are some of the other effects of kratom:

• Insomnia
• Constipation and nausea
• Sweating
• High blood pressure and increased heart rate
• Mood swings, nervousness, paranoia, agitation, aggression, or violence
• Mental confusion
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Loss of sex drive
• Addiction
• Seizures
• Breathing problems
• Liver failure

Though this drug has to be further studied, so far doctors are saying that the withdrawal symptoms from kratom are similar to those of opiate abuse.  

If you or someone you know is suffering from kratom addiction, contact Narconon Suncoast at 1-877-850-7355.  Remember, if you are taking kratom or any other unregulated drug, you have no idea what you are really getting.  It’s very possible that the drug you are taking has something more deadly or addictive laced within.  Don’t wait.  Contact us about our effective, drug free rehabilitation program today.

Refs: NYTimes.com, CBSLocal.com, NBCNews.com