After repeatedly sending out warnings, the FDA has also recently issued a kratom salmonella recall due to contamination, which increases the harmful side effects of kratom use.
Kratom is an herbal extract that comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia (Mitragyna speciosa) that causes mind-altering side effects.It’s often sold as a supplement that can treat muscle pain, suppress appetite, stop cramps, and stop diarrhea. However, while kratom is sold in smaller doses as a supplement, many people purchase larger amounts off the internet. Similar to bath salts, kratom is a green powder that’s delivered or sold in small packages often labeled “not for human consumption” or “cleaning products.” It can also be sold in the form of gum or extract. People may chew kratom leaves, brew it, or dissolve the powder into a liquid. It’s known by many names, including biak, ketum, kakuam, ithang, and thom. The side effects of kratom are not well known because it’s a newer drug that’s slowly grown in the illegal drug market. As more and more people engage in kratom abuse, its dangers are quickly being realized.
How Does Kratom Work?
Kratom works similarly to opioids and stimulants in that two of its compounds, mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine, attach themselves to opioid receptors in the brain, causing feelings of pleasure, feelings of euphoria, and pain relief. However, the side effects of kratom take it a step further. As a psychotropic drug, it also produces mind-altering symptoms in addition to increased feelings of alertness and energy.
As a drug and alcohol treatment center in Boca, we know that many people become addicted to drugs because they’re distracted by the high they experience. Unfortunately, substance abuse only offers empty promises, and many individuals who become dependent on drugs like kratom require treatment. Our medically monitored detox at Banyan Boca is an excellent first step in recovery from kratom use. Our detoxes include 24-hour care and medical assistance to help patients safely get through withdrawal and increase their chances of long-lasting sobriety.
What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?
The physical side effects of kratom may vary in intensity depending on the dose ingested and how often the individual takes it. Because it’s addictive, daily kratom use can eventually lead to mental and physical dependence. Kratom is another highly dangerous drug that contains a variety of harmful chemicals, many of which are often unknown to the user.
There are several negative side effects of kratom, including:
- Numbness in the mouth or tongue
- Dry mouth
- Excessive weight loss
- Muscle pains
- Chills
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Aggression
- Thyroid issues
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Liver damage and/or failure
The side effects of kratom usually begin after five to 10 minutes and can last for up to five hours. As the dose of the drug increases, so do its side effects. The most severe side effects are seizures, coma, and death. Like other addictive drugs, abusing kratom for a long period of time can lead to mental and physical dependence. Without professional help, a person with a kratom addiction may struggle to stop using it on their own, increasing their risk of overdose, coma, and death. Our residential drug treatment in Boca separates patients from their environments and other people and things that could influence their addiction to help them focus on their recovery. Being separated from outside distractions and temptations has proven effective time and time again when it comes to addiction treatment.
At Banyan Treatment Centers Boca, we’re dedicated to helping every individual heal from the physical and emotional effects of drug addiction and change their lives for the better. If you or someone you know is battling a substance abuse disorder, call us now at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our rehab facility and levels of care.
