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If you have been following the news, you might have seen headlines in the US, UK and other countries concerning a substance called kratom. Kratom is being used as a ‘wellness’ supplement as well as recreationally, but there are also increasing warning signs that this plant derivative could become a serious public health issue.
But what exactly is this substance, what does kratom do and, crucially, is kratom safe? We’ll take a look at the evidence below…
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa) native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have traditionally been used in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, both as a traditional medicine to ease pain and boost energy and recreationally.
Kratom contains naturally occurring psychoactive compounds that work on the opioid centres of the brain. Although it is plant-based and frequently marketed for its wellness benefits, being ‘natural’ does not always mean that a substance is safe for human consumption.
How Does Kratom Work?
Kratom has active compounds that bind with a number of receptors in the brain, including opioid receptors. It can also have very different effects depending on the dosage used.
The main active compounds in kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). These interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Kratom is not itself an opioid like heroin, codeine or fentanyl, but it does produce some opioid-like effects.
Dose-Dependent Effects
Unusually, the effects of kratom can vary depending on the dosage taken. At low doses, the drug can have mild stimulant effects while at higher doses it acts more as a depressant. This can result in sedative and pain-relieving kratom effects.
The precise effects experienced can vary between individuals though, depending on a number of factors including individual health and body weight, method of consumption and whether the kratom is ‘cut’ or mixed with other substances. The potency of products containing kratom can also vary very widely.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
Some people use kratom recreationally, for its stimulant and opioid-like effects that some people report can produce relaxing and sometimes euphoric results.
Other people use it as a ‘wellness’ supplement or for self-medication. Some of the benefits claimed include pain relief, energy boost, mood enhancement and anxiety relief, but it’s worth bearing in mind that scientific evidence supporting many claimed benefits remains limited.
Kratom is also sometimes used during self-management of opioid withdrawal. Again, the evidence of any benefits in this area remains unclear. What is certainly the case is that opioid withdrawal can be both uncomfortable and also potentially dangerous. It should always be undertaken as a supervised detox process if possible.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects?
The effects of kratom can vary from one individual to the next but potential short-term kratom side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
Some people may experience more serious issues. Kratom-induced seizures are rare but have been reported, as has injury to the liver.
There may also be a link between kratom and mental health. Some studies have suggested that kratom use can worsen pre-existing psychiatric conditions, as well as suicidal thoughts and behaviours. There may also be a risk that kratom could be addictive.
Can Kratom Be Addictive?
Before answering the question, ‘Is kratom addictive?’ we must first consider the different elements of addiction.
Firstly, evidence suggests it is possible to build up a tolerance to kratom. This means that, as your system becomes used to it, you need to take more and more of it for the same effects. This can lead to a vicious cycle of increasing use.
At the same time, you can also develop both a psychological and physical dependence on kratom. The psychological dependence can lead to compulsive behaviours and usage, as well as issues like anxiety when you don’t have access to the substance. The physical dependence can lead to a range of physical withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use kratom.
Psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Muscle and joint pain
- Lacrimation (teary eyes)
- Insomnia
- Diarrhoea
- Feverish Sensation
- Loss Of Appetite
- Tremors
- Itching
- Loss Of Concentration
- Chills
It’s clear from the available evidence that dependence and addiction can occur even though many people believe it must be safe as kratom is derived from a plant.
Is Kratom Legal?
The question of kratom legality can vary from place to place and can also change quite quickly, so you should always check local regulations if you intend to purchase or use products containing the substance.
In the UK, kratom is prohibited under the Psychoactive Substances Act. This makes it an offence to produce or supply any substance intended for human consumption that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect, even if they are not specifically named.
Is It Safe?
Advocates of kratom claim that it can have a range of beneficial effects but there is currently a lack of scientific evidence backing up such claims.
But there’s also growing evidence that kratom may carry a number of risks and could potentially be harmful to both physical and mental health, as well as being highly addictive. Recently, a drink sold in the US has gone viral on TikTok because it’s been linked to people developing addiction. There is a lack of long-term safety research coupled with limited regulations and concerns about the quality and consistency of products containing kratom.
Risks may also increase for people with pre-existing physical and mental health conditions and if kratom is mixed with other substances.
Need Support? Reach Out Today
Kratom might be a naturally occurring substance, but plenty of natural substances present significant health risks.
There are also significant concerns that kratom can lead to addiction. If you’re experiencing dependence or have concerns about kratom or any other type of substance use, it’s always best to seek professional advice. Contact Rehab Clinics Group for more information and confidential advice.
