Kratom: Uses, Side Effects, and More

Kratom is a plant-based drug that some people use for energy, pain relief, or to help with withdrawal from other drugs. However, kratom also comes with serious dangers, including dependence, harmful side effects, and even the risk of overdose. 

While it may seem natural because it comes from a plant, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. This guide explores what kratom is, how it works, and the risks involved. You will also discover how to get compassionate and effective treatment for substance abuse. 

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant that comes from Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries. The plant’s leaves have natural chemicals that can affect the brain. People take kratom for many reasons, such as increasing energy or easing pain. Low doses of kratom act like a stimulant, making people feel more alert and awake. Higher doses work more as a sedative, calming the body and relieving discomfort. In recent years, kratom has become popular in the U.S., but it is still not well understood and can have dangerous side effects. 

Even though some people think it’s a natural alternative to medicine, kratom isn’t regulated, and there are concerns about its safety – just because something is plant-based doesn’t mean it’s safe to use. 

Mitragyna Speciosa Leaf

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tropical tree called Mitragyna Speciosa [1], which grows in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The leaves of this tree contain two key substances – mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These substances interact with receptors in the brain, much like opioids, which is why kratom can have powerful effects.

Traditionally, people in Southeast Asia would chew the fresh leaves or brew them into a tea to relieve pain or boost energy for working long hours. Today, kratom is often sold in different forms, like powders, capsules, or extracts. However, the strength of kratom can vary, making it hard to predict what kind of effects it will have. Because of this, people who use kratom face unexpected side effects like addiction or even overdose risks.

Ways to Take Kratom

There are several ways people consume kratom, depending on the form they have. Here are the most common methods:

• Kratom powder: The leaves of the kratom plant can be dried and ground into a fine powder. Many people mix this powder into drinks like water, juice, or smoothies to mask the bitter taste. Others may stir it into tea or yogurt.
• Kratom capsules or pills: For convenience, kratom is also sold in capsule or tablet form. This allows people to avoid the taste of kratom while still getting its effects. Kratom pills contain measured amounts, making it easier to control the dose.
• Kratom drink: Another traditional method is brewing kratom leaves or powder into a tea. The leaves are steeped in hot water, similar to how herbal teas are prepared. This is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy kratom more naturally.
• Kratom gummies: Sweets infused with kratom are a new method of consuming this plant-based drug. Gummies take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in and the effects of this kratom shot last several hours.
• Kratom extracts: Kratom extracts are much stronger than the powder or capsules. They are made by boiling kratom leaves and then reducing the liquid into a more concentrated form [2]. Some people prefer extracts because they provide faster, more intense effects, but they can also increase the risk of side effects and addiction.

Each of these methods has its risks, especially since the strength of kratom can vary greatly between different forms and products. Without regulation, it’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting, which can make taking kratom unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

What Does Kratom Do?

Kratom’s effects on the body depend largely on the dose. When people take small amounts, it acts like a stimulant, giving them more energy and alertness. This is why some people feel more awake and able to focus after taking kratom. For some, it can enhance their mood and make them feel more social and talkative.

In larger doses, kratom behaves more like a sedative. People report feeling relaxed, calm, and less anxious at these levels. This is why some people use kratom for pain or to help with stress. It can also make people feel sleepy and slow down their thinking. The different effects of kratom can vary from person to person and depend on the type and amount of kratom taken.

Some people turn to kratom as an alternative to prescription medications, especially for pain relief or opioid withdrawal [3]. Others consider it a natural way to boost their mood or deal with fatigue. Using kratom is not without risks, though. Its effects can change based on the person and how much is consumed.

Kratom Side Effects

Kratom may seem like a natural remedy, but it can come with a wide range of side effects. Side effects of kratom can occur even at low doses and become more severe the longer someone uses it. While some people use kratom for its stimulant or calming properties, they may also face physical and mental health risks that outweigh any short-term benefits.

Short-Term Effects

In the short term, kratom use can cause many unpleasant side effects. Some of the most common short-term effects of kratom include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Kratom can upset the stomach, leading to feelings of nausea or vomiting.
• Dry mouth: Many people who use kratom report having a dry mouth, which can feel uncomfortable and lead to dehydration if not addressed.
• Increased urination: Some people find they need to urinate more frequently after taking kratom, which can be inconvenient and lead to fluid loss.
• Constipation: Kratom can slow down digestion, making it difficult to have regular bowel movements, leading to constipation.
• Dizziness and drowsiness: Even at lower doses, some people may feel dizzy or sleepy, especially if they are not used to taking kratom. This can make it dangerous to drive or operate heavy machinery.
• Loss of appetite: Kratom can reduce appetite. Over time, this can lead to unhealthy weight loss.

In addition to these physical effects, kratom can also affect mental clarity. People may feel confused, anxious, or disoriented. Keep in mind that kratom’s effects are not the same for everyone, and these short-term side effects can be just the beginning of more serious problems.

Long-Term Effects

Using kratom over long periods can lead to more severe and lasting health problems. While some people start using kratom to manage pain or improve their mood, continued use can have serious consequences for both the body and mind. Long-term kratom effects include:

• Addiction: One of the biggest risks with long-term kratom use is addiction. Because kratom works on the same brain receptors as opioids, it can be highly addictive [4]. Over time, people may need higher doses to feel the same effects, leading to dependence. When trying to stop, they may experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those triggered by opioids.
• Weight loss and malnutrition: Long-term kratom use can suppress appetite, causing significant weight loss. If people continue to take kratom while eating very little, they may suffer from malnutrition, which can lead to other health problems.
• Liver damage: Some studies suggest that long-term use of kratom may harm the liver, leading to conditions like jaundice, where the skin and eyes turn yellow [5]. Liver damage is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if not treated.
• Mental health issues: Prolonged use of kratom can have negative effects on mental health. People may develop anxiety, depression, or experience mood swings. In severe cases, long-term use can lead to hallucinations or delusions, where people see or believe things that aren’t real.
• Insomnia: Regular kratom use can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia. People may struggle to fall or stay asleep, which can cause fatigue.
• Severe constipation: Chronic constipation is another problem caused by long-term kratom users. This can lead to more serious digestive problems, including hemorrhoids or even blockages in the intestines.

The longer someone uses kratom, the more likely they are to experience these harmful effects. While kratom may offer temporary relief for certain symptoms, the long-term damage it can cause to physical and mental health should not be ignored.

Kratom Warnings & Dangers

One of the biggest problems is that kratom is not regulated. This means that when you buy kratom, you can’t be sure what you’re really getting. Some products may be stronger than others, or they might be mixed with other dangerous substances. Because of this, using kratom can lead to unpredictable and risky outcomes. 

Another major kratom warning is its potential for addiction. Since it interacts with the same receptors in the brain as opioids, using kratom regularly can lead to dependence. Over time, people may need to take more to feel the same effects, which increases the risk of overdose and other serious health issues. Some people have reported experiencing intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using kratom.

Lastly, kratom use can affect your physical and mental health. Side effects like nausea, dizziness, and constipation are common, but more serious problems, such as liver damage or hallucinations, can also occur. Long-term use may also provoke mental health issues, including anxiety or depression, which can make quitting even harder [6]. Some people also report dependence or addiction forming.  

Is Kratom Bad for You?

Kratom can be harmful, especially when used regularly or in large amounts. Even though it comes from a plant, kratom has powerful effects on the brain and body. While low doses may seem harmless, providing energy or pain relief, the risks increase with continued use.

Kratom Interactions

One of the most dangerous aspects of kratom is how it interacts with other substances. Kratom can have serious interactions with medications or other drugs, increasing the risk of harmful side effects or even death. Here are some ways kratom can interact with other substances:

• Prescription medications: Kratom may interfere with how the body processes certain medications, especially those for pain, anxiety, or depression. This can make the medications less effective or increase the chance of side effects. Some people who take kratom alongside opioids or sedatives face a higher risk of overdose because the effects of these substances can stack up.
• Alcohol: Mixing kratom with alcohol is risky. Both kratom and alcohol can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slow reaction times. When taken together, they can make these effects much worse, leading to accidents, unconsciousness, or even death. The combined use of these substances can also increase the strain on the liver, leading to liver damage or failure.
• Other drugs: Using kratom with illegal drugs or other substances can be life-threatening. Many kratom-related deaths involved other drugs like fentanyl or cocaine. The way kratom interacts with these substances can make it harder for the body to handle them, leading to dangerous side effects like heart problems, seizures, or respiratory failure.

Because kratom is still being studied, researchers are discovering more about how it interacts with other drugs and medications. For now, it’s clear that mixing kratom with other substances can be extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. 

Kratom Addiction Risk

As people take kratom over time, they may need to increase their dose to get the same effects, a sign of tolerance. This can lead to physical dependence, where the body relies on kratom to function normally [7]. When someone tries to stop, they might experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those of opioid addiction – irritability, muscle aches, insomnia, and cravings. These withdrawal symptoms can make it hard to quit, leading to a cycle of continued use. 

Mental addiction is also a risk with kratom. People who use it to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression might find themselves turning to kratom more often, believing they need it to feel normal. Over time, this dependence can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. 

Can You Die from Kratom Overdose?

While it is rare, it is possible to die from a kratom overdose. Most deaths linked to kratom involve the use of other drugs at the same time, but kratom alone can still be dangerous. Taking too much kratom can cause severe side effects, such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, these effects can lead to unconsciousness or death. 

The risk of overdose is higher when kratom is mixed with other substances, like opioids, alcohol, or prescription medications. This is because the combined effects can overwhelm the body, making it harder for it to function properly. People who take high doses of kratom, especially in extract form, are also at greater risk of overdose.

Symptoms of a kratom overdose can include: 

• Slowed breathing
• Severe confusion 
• Dizziness
• Unconsciousness
• Seizures 

If you or someone you know is showing signs of a kratom overdose, seek medical help immediately. 

Lack of Kratom Regulation and Research

One of the biggest problems with kratom is the lack of regulation. In the United States, kratom is not regulated by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), meaning that kratom products are not tested for safety or purity. Because of this, kratom sold in stores or online can vary greatly in strength, quality, and content. Some products may contain harmful substances like heavy metals or bacteria, such as salmonella, which has led to cases of poisoning and even death. 

Without regulation, there is no way to know exactly what is in kratom products or how strong they are. This makes it difficult for people to measure safe doses, increasing the risk of overdose or other harmful effects. 

Research on kratom is still limited. While some studies are being done to understand its effects and potential medical uses, there is not enough evidence to fully understand its safety. As a result, agencies like the FDA and the DEA (United States Drug Enforcement Administration) are concerned about the risks associated with kratom and have issued warnings to the public [8]. More research is needed to determine how kratom works, its long-term effects, and how it interacts with other substances. 

For now, the safest approach is to avoid kratom or consult a healthcare professional before using it. 

Get Insurance-Covered Drug Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you have been abusing any addictive substance, we can help you reclaim your life with insurance-covered addiction treatment at Renaissance Recovery. 

We treat addictions with outpatient and intensive outpatient programs at our luxury beachside facilities in California and Florida.

Every addiction is different, so all Renaissance treatment plans are personalized. Our evidence-based therapies include:

• Talk therapies (CBT and DBT)
• Motivational therapies
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Counseling
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic interventions
• Aftercare 

Get treatment for drug addiction today by calling our team at 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/mitragyna-speciosa

[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.16366

[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670991/ 

[4] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom

[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168827823003112 

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571020/

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8583742/ 

[8] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom