Kratom is a tropical tree that is native to parts of Southeast Asia, where it has been used in herbal medicines since at least the 19th century. The tree leaves contain compounds that can produce pain-relieving, euphoric, or psychotropic effects, depending upon the dosage. Due to its ability to produce an opioid-like high, kratom has gained popularity throughout the United States in recent years as a recreational drug. It has been listed by the Drug Enforcement Agency as a “drug of concern.”
With the abuse of kratom on the rise, Harmony Hills has taken a proactive stance by developing a kratom addiction treatment program as part of our overall initiative to be part of combatting our nation’s opioid crisis. If you or someone you love is abusing or has become addicted to kratom, call Harmony Hills today at 855.494.0357 to learn about how our kratom addiction treatment program can help.
The Debate About Kratom
There is a great deal of conflicting information about kratom and much debate about how safe it is. Many believe that kratom is a healthy, natural substance because it is derived from a plant. This camp of people will often point to its medicinal use in some Southeast Asian cultures as safe. You can find kratom sold in many forms across several platforms, including health food stores, where it’s often sold as an “energy booster.” Proponents of kratom promote it as a treatment for pain, depression, anxiety, cough, and even opioid withdrawal. The bottom line is that there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.
Although kratom has been widely marketed as a natural healing agent, it has not been approved by the FDA. In the United States, kratom is not illegal at the federal level, but at least six states have made it illegal, and many others have restrictions about its use. Not being regulated, kratom can contain other compounds that can increase the danger of its use, particularly at higher dosages. This is especially true when it is sold as a street drug, where it is often laced with substances like fentanyl to enhance its euphoric effects.
Essentially, kratom is a natural opioid, and like all opioids, its use presents a high risk of tolerance, dependence, addiction, and withdrawal. When kratom is used in conjunction with alcohol, marijuana, and other substances, the risk of adverse reactions like seizures, liver damage, psychosis, and overdose is multiplied. Kratom addiction is just beginning to be understood, but at Harmony Hills, we are on the cutting-edge of kratom addiction treatment. Call us at 855.494.0357 to learn more.
Opioid Addiction Treatment Programs
Kratom is used in many forms. It can be chewed, smoked, brewed as a tea, taken in pill form, or added to liquids. Taken in smaller doses, kratom produces a stimulant effect like that of cocaine. It can simulate the pain-relieving and euphoric effects of other opioids like morphine or heroin in higher doses. In very high doses, kratom acts as a strong sedative that can cause depressed breathing, leading to an overdose. Side effects of kratom addiction and withdrawal can include:
- Significant weight loss
- Chills, nausea, vomiting
- Severe constipation
- Muscle pain
- Liver damage
- Seizures, coma, and death
With kratom becoming such a significant part of the nation’s opioid crisis, we at Harmony Hills are committed to being at the forefront of treatment options for kratom addiction as an inclusive part of our opioid addiction treatment programs.
Harmony Hills Provides Kratom Addiction Treatment
The information about kratom can be very confusing. Among other uses, kratom has become widely used as an in-home attempt to detox from opioids. The experienced treatment team at Harmony Hills knows that this is usually ineffective and potentially very dangerous.
We are available around the clock to answer questions about kratom addiction and provide information about how our kratom addiction program can help you or a loved one. Use our online form or call 855.494.0357 to talk with an intake specialist today.
