Kratom has gained popularity as an herbal remedy that alleviates pain boosts a person’s health while recovering from opioid addiction, and improves overall mood. Many people turn to kratom to help with their issues, but most of these individuals lack the coping mechanisms to deal with the problems that come about due to prolonged usage of kratom. In several ways, withdrawing from kratom can be difficult and painful mentally and physically.
Understanding the effects, withdrawal symptoms, and detox methods is paramount for individuals grappling with kratom dependence. This article details how kratom affects the body, withdrawal stages, symptom duration, and strategies for effective recovery.
Understanding Kratom and Its Effects on the Body
Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is an indigenous tree in Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain the active ingredients of Kratom, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which affect opioid brain receptors. Kratom in lower doses tends to stimulate an individual while enhancing their mood. Social interaction and focus become enhanced. Sedation, relaxation, pain relief, and, in some cases, sleep are followed with larger doses.
Many individuals self-treat using kratom for pain relief, mood enhancement, or in the case of opioids, for withdrawal, which can lead to dependence over time. Dependence on kratom develops as the body is used to the drug and requires to take higher doses to achieve the same relief. The advanced tolerance experienced leads to withdrawal symptoms during intake suspension or reduction.
The Experience of Using Kratom
Kratom is a new experience for many first-time users. Effects may differ depending on dosage, strain, and one’s unique body chemistry. At lower doses, kratom can result in some increase in energy, cognitive function, as well as euphoria. Enhanced sociability and motivation have also been reported by some users, which is what makes them reach out for kratom as a natural option to caffeine or other stimulants.
Effects of Higher Doses
At moderate to high doses, the effects are more sedation and analgesia-oriented. Since kratom can produce mild, warm, and soothing effects, people trying to alleviate pain, anxiety, or stress often prefer using it. This being said, these higher doses greatly increase the possibility of developing dependency. Eventually, the brain accustomed to the use of kratom makes it harder to function without it.
How Long Do Kratom’s Effects Last and Stay in the System?
Kratom has multiple different forms, coming in capsules, tablets, tea, and powder, each with individual effects that depend on a person’s metabolism, body weight, and whether they have eaten before consumption. Generally, Kratom’s effect kicks in between 15-30 minutes if taken on an empty stomach. With food, however, that number can increase to 45-60 minutes. Upon ingestion, peak effects start to set after 1-1.5 hours and last anywhere from 3-6 hours.
With the above information in mind, it can be estimated that kratom’s half-life sits at roughly 24 hours. However this estimate does not mean the compound clears the entire body within one day. Kratom can remain detectable in urine for up to 7 days, while blood tests may confirm its presence for around 24 hours.
Hair follicle tests are not commonly used for Kratom detection. Nonetheless, they could potentially confirm prior use for several months after consumption. Those who consume kratom daily may find that they have a slower emptying process due to the metabolites stored in the body.
Why Does Kratom Withdrawal Happen?
Kratom’s interaction with opioid receptors results in withdrawal symptoms. Due to frequent usage, a kratom user develops tolerance or a greater need for the substance to achieve the same outcomes. Stopping the consumption of kratom for a prolonged period of time results in multiple bodily issues, which also generate withdrawal symptoms.
Factors That Influence Withdrawal Severity
Various factors affect the intensity of kratom withdrawal. It has been observed that chronic high-dose users are likely to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, individuals with a history of addiction or certain mental health disorders tend to struggle more. Also, the form in which one takes kratom, be it as dried leaves, capsules, or tinctures, can impact the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Both the body and mind can be impacted by the kratom withdrawal symptoms. Users might experience problems such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle soreness, hypochondria, excessive sweating, chills, and even insomnia. Some report leg restlessness, which is impossible to alleviate.
Apart from the physical effects, the uncontrolled anger, depression, and anxiety triggered by kratom withdrawal pose great psychological stress. This also includes uncontrollable intense cravings for kratom, rapid changes to one’s mood, and sometimes, even violent outbursts. The degree of such symptoms is different for each person, depending on their withdrawal history.
Timeline of Kratom Withdrawal
A typical withdrawal process is always prefaced by particular symptoms appearing six to twelve hours after the last dose is taken. In this initial stage, which may last up to three days, severe physical symptoms such as vomiting, excessive sweating, intense muscle aches, and a host of other symptoms occur as the body attempts to reach peak withdrawal.
Thereafter, days four to seven are characterized by a notable decrease in withdrawal symptoms, but mental symptoms like severe anxiety and an intense need for substances will continue to exist.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
To some, the first week of these symptoms could continue beyond the first week in what is called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). In this scenario, tiredness, changes in mood, and some form of craving may last for weeks to months. While these symptoms are likely to be mild compared with the acute withdrawal phase, they still create obstacles to sustained recovery.
Safe Detox Methods for Kratom Withdrawal
While undergoing detox, dealing with withdrawal symptoms can be challenging, but there are safe remedies. It is preferable to completely stop using kratom, however, the cold turkey method will make many symptoms feel intense. Suffering is hardly a guarantee when using the process known as tapering, which involves slowly reducing the dose over time. This technique promotes a smoother transition by enabling the body to adapt with minimal disruption.
The Role of Medical Detox
Medical detox is ideal for individuals suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms. Professional supervision allows symptoms to be treated safely within the confines of a detox center. Physicians are able to alleviate withdrawal symptoms through the prescription of muscle relaxants, antiemetics, and hypnotics. Maintaining proper fluid levels, well-balanced meals, and enough sleep supports the body during detox.
Holistic Support for Recovery
Stress and anxiety can be alleviated through meditation, basic breathing exercises, and even light stretching. During these difficult times, an individual can greatly benefit from emotional support from friends, families, or even a therapist. Given the ramifications of withdrawing from kratom relies heavily on the mental and physical side, taking a more holistic approach offers the best outcomes.
The Risks of Kratom and Its Impact on Heart Health
Kratom extract is often promoted as a holistic supplement, but it carries health threats, especially concerning the cardiovascular system. Some users report adverse effects of the cough syrup and diet pill tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure with sepal pulses, and even heartbeats that are out of sequence with standard rhythms. There are infrequent case reports of kratom abuse being associated with some relatively neglected dangerous heart rhythms, which are quite alarming if untreated.
Long-term consumption of kratom may put some cardiovascular stress on the body, especially for patients already suffering from heart conditions. These people should be warned that during the use of kratom, attention should be paid to the heart and medical examination conducted when the person suffers from painful sensations in the chest or persistent palpitations.
Get Help for Kratom Dependence at Silicon Valley Recovery
A person’s chronic dependence on kratom can be mitigated with professional treatment options. At Silicon Valley Recovery, we develop individualized treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs, both psychologically and medically.
The comprehensive withdrawal management offered through our medical detox program allows patients to be treated within a structured setting. While the therapy assists in dealing with the emotional and behavioral issues, the withdrawal symptoms are managed strategically.
In addition to detox services, our establishment offers aftercare planning and support systems and helps users sustain recovery through group counseling. These individuals, kratom dependents, are available to seek true professional support that enables them to establish the foundational tools for a life free of substances.
Kratom withdrawal can be difficult, but we at Silicon Valley Recovery are prepared to assist you or someone you know who is struggling. Together, let’s take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow. Make the change by contacting us today.
FAQ
What does kratom do to the mind?
As it interacts with opioid receptors, kratom alters breathing and is used for stimulant and sedative purposes. When consumed in small amounts, it increases concentration. Escalating the intake enhances feelings and friendliness while having a calming impact. Dependence, long-term memory problems, and mood shifts can develop over time.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of kratom?
Dependence manifests in flu-like symptoms, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and extreme craving for kratom. The severity hinges on the person’s medical condition and frequency of usage.
How long does kratom withdrawal last?
The indicators begin within 6 to 12 hours, peak around the third day, and taper off by the seventh day. There are also mental effects: worry and strong cravings for the substance may persist for several weeks.
Can kratom affect heart health?
Kratom can undoubtedly increase heart rate, blood pressure, and even the chance of developing an arrhythmia, particularly in patients with existing heart problems. If any of these symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a medical professional.
What is the safest way to quit kratom?
Withdrawing symptoms are generally milder with gradual tapering; however, heavy users are safest undergoing medical detox. The assistance of professionals can lessen the effects of withdrawal and help ensure lasting recovery.
