If you’ve ever explored the world of legal highs, you’ve probably come across kratom before. Kratom offers the user a high similar to, yet weaker than, opiates. It’s often used to ween opiate addicts off dangerous drugs like heroin and opium.
Knowing all of this about kratom begs the question: Is kratom addictive and is kratom dangerous? How dangerous is it exactly? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Kratom and What Does It Do?
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia. When chewed, smoked, or brewed into tea, it gives a user a similar (yet weaker) high to an opiate high.
Kratom is legal in most states, and you can buy kratom online. It’s also available in many head shops and herbal supplement stores. It can be used recreationally, or as a way to ween opiate addicts off their addiction.
In high doses, kratom acts as a downer, helping users sleep. In low doses it acts as a stimulant, giving the user energy. Some people use it for therapeutic reasons, to quell feelings of anxiety and depression, and others use it for fun.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Because kratom is used to ween people off strong opiate addictions, you may assume kratom itself is not addictive.
However, this is far from the truth. Like any drug, especially those that get you high, kratom is addictive. The more you use kratom, the more your body adjusts to the sensation of it, leading to cravings.
Kratom addiction doesn’t just affect recreational users, either. Many people who use kratom to get off other opiates end up replacing their addiction with kratom. They then struggle to get off kratom as a result.
Is Kratom Dangerous?
Despite what some people say, kratom can be considered a dangerous drug when used improperly is kratom dangerous .
Kratom is absolutely not as dangerous as opiates like heroin or opium. Kratom is all-natural, and its high is produced in the plant. It’s also not a true opiate, and the jury is still out on whether or not you can overdose on it.
What Should People Do After Addicted?
While people have overdosed with kratom in their systems, there are always other drugs in their systems as well. It’s most likely these other drugs that caused the overdose, although kratom may have accelerated the chance. Further research is required to know for sure.
It’s recommended that you only use kratom when advised to for drug rehabilitation purposes. If you are a recreational user, dose yourself carefully, don’t use it daily, and never mix it with other drugs. If you start to feel cravings, seek help to make sure you don’t fall deep into addiction.
Addicted to Kratom: What Do I Do?
So, is kratom addictive?
The unfortunate answer is yes, kratom is addictive like any high-producing drug is. It’s also potentially dangerous if not taken with care. If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom addiction, seek out help from a doctor or rehabilitation center as soon as possible.
Final Thought
Kratom can be a great medication and stress reliever when taken with care. Just keep all the dangers in mind before you consider making it a part of your daily life.
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