Kratom: More Than Just an Herb — It's a Drug
Understanding Kratom’s Health Effects
Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as “kratom,” is a perennial tree native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Its leaves are well known and have long been popular in Thailand, where people chew the fresh leaves to relieve stress, ease body aches, and boost energy.
The addictive compound found in kratom leaves is mitragynine, an alkaloid that acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, in the same broad category as substances such as psilocybin, LSD, and methamphetamine. It affects the nervous system and can produce feelings of relaxation, or in some cases, excitement and alertness.
Kratom use can have a range of health effects depending on the dose, frequency of use, and the user’s overall health. Below are some of the effects that can occur with kratom use.
The Effects of Kratom
• At low doses: Kratom may produce alertness and increased energy, similar to the effects of caffeine or a mild stimulant.
• At high doses: It acts as a depressant, causing drowsiness or symptoms resembling those of certain other drugs, such as opioids or heroin.
That said, kratom is a plant that carries real risks, particularly when used in large amounts or over a long period. Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, sleep problems, or addiction. In some cases, more serious health problems can develop.
Signs of Kratom Addiction
These can develop just as with other forms of drug addiction — meaning symptoms arise from continued use and reliance on the substance to feel normal or to avoid withdrawal. Signs that may indicate addiction include:
• Needing to use more often: Needing increasing amounts of kratom to get the same effect, or feeling the need to use it more and more frequently.
• Withdrawal symptoms: When kratom use stops, withdrawal symptoms can appear, such as irritability, anxiety, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, drowsiness, body aches, diarrhea, or pain resembling drug withdrawal.
• Using beyond intended limits: Using kratom in larger amounts or more often than intended.
• Inability to stop: Trying to stop using kratom but being unable to, or feeling that kratom is needed to restore one’s mood or state of mind.
• Impact on daily life: Kratom use interferes with daily life, such as work, education, or relationships with others.
• Using kratom to avoid problems: Using kratom to avoid or ease emotional or psychological problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Dependence on the feeling it provides: Relying on kratom to feel good, or simply to function normally.
Kratom addiction can affect both your health and your daily life. If you or someone you know shows these signs, consulting a medical professional or psychiatrist is a good first step toward proper care and guidance. At Day One Rehabilitation Center, our team of doctors and specialists is ready to provide holistic support. We understand that quitting kratom can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Wherever you are in your journey to quit, we have programs tailored to your needs. Contact us today to speak with a specialist and begin your path to recovery — a better life is waiting for you. Let us help you move toward a brighter, healthier future together.
For more information, contact us at:
99/1 Moo 6, Si Chula, Mueang Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Nayok 26000, Thailand
Phone: +66 64-645-5091
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ICT)