Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) that’s native to Southeast Asia. It’s derived from leaves containing compounds that produce psychotropic or mind-altering side effects. Kratom can be used as an illegal drug or dietary supplement (that has not been approved by the FDA). It’s often sold on the internet as a green powder in packets labeled “not for human consumption.” People can use kratom as pills, capsules, gum, tinctures, tablets, or extracts, all of which produce the same effects. Not many people have heard of this drug, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Our drug rehab in Palm Beach shares more information about the different types of kratom extract and their side effects.

How Does Kratom Work?

Kratom produces similar effects to drugs like opioids and stimulants. The active compounds in kratom – mitragynine and 7-?-hydroxymitragynine – interact with opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body to produce sedation, pleasure, reward, and alleviate pain. Mitragynine also works in the brain to produce effects similar to central nervous system (CNS) stimulants like cocaine. These effects include increased energy, sociability, and alertness. When kratom is taken in small doses, users tend to experience stimulant-like side effects. When taken in large doses, they may experience sedation. The unpredictability of ingredients and fluctuations in side effects of Kratom often cause users to ingest an amount high enough to cause uncomfortable symptoms akin to an overdose. Long-term use of kratom can develop into physical dependence. People at this stage of addiction should receive medically monitored detox like the one offered at our treatment center in Lake Worth. Detox prevents complications and further health repercussions.

What Are the Different Types of Kratom Strains?

Like other drugs with opioid-like effects, kratom can cause physical dependence, meaning that users will experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Kratom strains come in three different colors: red, white, and green. Each color represents the type of side effects that users will experience. Kratom also comes in a variety of different strains, including:

• White Vein Kratom
• Red Vein Kratom
• Green Vein Kratom
• Maeng Da Kratom
• Bentuangie Kratom
• Yellow Vein Kratom
• Sumatra Kratom
• Borneo Kratom
• Malay Kratom

Red vein kratom effects are said to be relaxing, white vein kratom effects are stimulating, and green vein kratom effects are said to be a hybrid of both. These side effects can fluctuate depending on the dose taken and whether it’s mixed with another substance.

Kratom Effects

Kratom has become a drug of concern in the United States. It’s often mixed with caffeinated beverages, cough syrups that contain codeine, and ice, to create a drink called 4×100. This drink is common in southern Thailand and is said to produce similar side effects as alcohol intoxication. In the U.S., Kratom is often sold as either a dietary supplement (that hasn’t been approved by the FDA) or sold under the radar in tobacco shops. From sexual enhancement to pain relief, kratom is known to produce adverse side effects when abused.

Common side effects of kratom include:

• Sedation
• Drowsiness
• Relaxation
• Pinpoint pupils
• Increased energy and alertness
• Decreased appetite
• Increased sociability
• Increased libido
• Analgesia
• Dreamlike mental state
• Tremors or loss of motor coordination
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Itching

When taken in high doses and for long periods, the desired effects of kratom are superseded by their adverse ones. The long-term effects of kratom include hyperpigmentation, anorexia, and psychosis. Kratom is also addictive, considering its ability to mimic the effects of opioids like heroin and oxycodone. Some chemicals found in kratom can stimulate opiate signaling in the CNS, mitigating withdrawal symptoms caused by addictive opioids, which strongly suggests that kratom also has a potential for abuse. Many people with opioid use disorders attempt to take kratom to treat their conditions instead of getting opioid addiction treatment. Rarely does the use of one substance cancel out the other, and combining various substances often results in more concerning repercussions.

Addiction can happen to anyone before they’ve even realized they have a drug or drinking problem. If you or someone you know is in this situation, get help before it’s too late. Call BHOPB now at 888-280-4763 to learn how our addiction treatment in Palm Beach can help.