Substance abuse is dangerously common in an age where so many people struggle with illness and try to self-medicate. Whether it be for anxiety, depression, or boosting one’s sex drive, there is one drug that people keep coming back to; that drug is Kratom.
Those who champion the drug say it offers pain relief, or could even cure their depression. In addition to this, some experts also suggest that down the line, it could help treat addiction to opiates. On the other hand, the DEA has labeled it as a drug or chemical worthy of concern. They’re also threatening to classify it as a schedule 1 controlled substance.
Regardless of the differing opinions on Kratom, it is becoming too prevalent an issue to simply ignore its presence. In some cases, it’s a cause of death; in others, it helps people with ADHD focus when taking low doses. However, the question remains: What is Kratom?
What Should I Know About Kratom?
Kratom, as it’s referred to, is a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves are used for purposes such as combating depression, anxiety, or pain. When used in a low dosage, it is a stimulant. Because of this, it is quite popular amongst teens and college students who have trouble focusing and want to self-medicate. In this low dose format, it could be paralleled with that of Adderall.
On the other hand, when it is used in higher dosages, it acts as a sedative. It is also worth mentioning that because of the tendency to abuse the drug and the effect it has on those who abuse it, the DEA has listed it as a drug and chemical of concern. They’re also very close to labeling Kratom as a schedule 1 controlled substance, which means anyone caught abusing the drug would be detained by the DEA. In this case it would be a felony charge, causing someone to face up to 30 years of incarceration.
According to some studies, Kratom stimulates the brain in the same way that drugs like Codeine, Fentanyl, and Morphine do. These are often referred to as opiates. Opiates are highly addictive and can cause serious harm to the body when abused. This is why it is so important that Kratom and its potential for abuse is understood.
Why It Is Used
In some parts of the world, namely Asia, Kratom has been used for centuries to treat everyday ailments like coughing and diarrhea. In some cases it has even been used to treat withdrawal symptoms. Despite this, the DEA still suggests that Kratom has no benefit. This is perhaps because many people in the United States have been using Kratom as a means of self-medication to relieve withdrawal symptoms or even using it as a pain-killer. Some who have ADHD also often self-medicate to focus better.
How Could Kratom Be Dangerous?
As mentioned before, Kratom affects the brain the same way that opiates do. Because of this, the substance is addictive. Those who abuse Kratom often end up requiring substance abuse treatment. In some cases, the use of this drug has even been reported as a cause of death. Though, in some cases, Kratom was one of many drugs identified, the CDC has claimed that between the years 2016 and 2017, 91 people died as a result of using Kratom.
In terms of withdrawal from Kratom, some people become enormously anxious, often leading to them to no longer pursue treatment. Kratom is difficult to treat due in large part to the fact that it contains many unknown substances.?
The Dangers of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious withdrawal in the treatment process. Symptoms of Kratom withdrawal include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Muscle Aches
- Insomnia
- Runny Nose
Kratom is highly addictive and can lead to substance abuse. This is particularly dangerous because of the long term effects on drug abuse. Some of these include mental illness and in some cases, even cancer. However, this doesn’t only affect those who use it, but it also indirectly affects the ones who love them. This could impact their sleep, diet, mental health, and decision making.?
How Can a Kratom Addiction Be Treated?
Life with addiction is very difficult, and one of the most difficult parts about it is finding the right kind of treatment to fit one’s individual needs. Addiction Treatment Services understand this, and there are options available to make that process less burdensome, such as Inpatient Residential Treatment and Outpatient Treatment.?
Inpatient Residential Treatment
Inpatient Residential Treatment is used to treat severe cases of addiction. In these cases, patients participate in treatment anywhere from 28 days to six months and live in the care of the treatment facility. They also have 24/7 access to professional medical personnel.?
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient Treatment is used to treat milder cases of addiction. Patients in this particular realm of recovery are treated anywhere from 3 months to over one year. While being treated, they have access to professional psychiatrists and therapists 10-12 hours weekly and are even able to recover while living in the comfort of their own homes.
How ATS Is Helping
In an age where so many people struggle with mental health, substance abuse if becoming dangerously common. This is due in large part to the fact that those who either have mental health problems or a learning disability try to self-medicate and end up becoming addicted. The use of Kratom is no exception to this. Regardless of one’s opinions on the matter, it is becoming far too serious an issue to ignore it blatantly. If you would like more information on seeking help for substance abuse, you can contact us here.
