The Truth About Using Kratom For Opioid Withdrawal

For many opioid users, quitting opioids is hard. It can be a long and grueling process to get clean and sober again. For some it might take months or years of trying various treatment methods before they find one that works for them. And for a lot of people who want to pursue sobriety, the cost of getting into an addiction treatment center can be prohibitive. Some, on the other hand, refuse to go to rehab to avoid the stigma attached to being admitted.

These kinds of situations have pushed some opioid users to look for alternatives to combat withdrawal symptoms when they are trying to quit. One of the substances that has been used as a natural alternative to wean off of opioids is kratom. Many people have had anecdotal success with kratom, but it isn't without risks. In this blog post, we will discuss kratom and opioid withdrawal so you can make an informed decision about whether or not kratom is a good alternative.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant in the coffee family that is native to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Myanmar. It has been used for centuries there by farmers, laborers and others looking to increase energy or reduce pain. The kratom tree produces leaves that are dried out into powder form so they can be brewed into tea or chewed directly. In the United States, people order kratom online and it comes in pill form, tablets, extract or as a green powder.

The interesting thing with kratom is that it can produce different effects depending on how much you use. When used sparingly, kratom can act as a stimulant and increase energy. On the contrary, taking a higher dose can deliver sedative and pain relieving effects.

Is Kratom Safe for Opioid Withdrawal?

Many people have the misconception that just because a substance has been derived from natural sources, then that makes it safe to use. With kratom, many opioid users turn to this herb thinking that it can cure their withdrawal symptoms without any additional risks. Because of these claims, researchers have looked into the safety of using kratom for opioid withdrawal.

According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, while kratom may be natural, it is not necessarily safe. Although kratom is a plant derivative, it can still be very harmful to the body. Kratom also has many side effects that don’t make it worth trying for opioid withdrawal symptoms.

While using kratom may temporarily relieve pain and induce pleasant feelings, there is a risk of experiencing serious side effects including hallucinations, delusions, confusions, loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation, and even organ damage.

But aside from these side effects, what's alarming is the possibility of getting addicted to kratom as well. Maybe you're wondering: Is kratom addictive? The answer is yes. Kratom can be addictive.

Instead of kicking out your opioid addiction, using kratom may actually make it worse. Kratom can be habit-forming and cause one to crave more of the drug when withdrawal symptoms come. Instead of solving your opioid problem, you are potentially just adding another substance to your addiction.

While research is still ongoing, kratom should not yet be considered a viable treatment for opioid addiction. There are safer and evidence-based treatments that can help you recover from addiction to opioids.

What Is the Alternative to Kratom for Opioid Withdrawal?

Opioid addiction can be debilitating and painful, but there are ways to combat it. While it may be tempting to turn to "natural" DIY methods like using kratom to aid you in your recovery, it is still best to seek professional treatment. Experiencing opioid withdrawal can be painful. These symptoms can cause opioid users to relapse or turn to other substances to manage these symptoms. When you get help from a licensed addiction treatment center, the medically-trained staff can help you manage your symptoms while you go through detox. This can turn a potentially dangerous withdrawal into a more manageable process.

The best alternative to using kratom is to admit yourself to an addiction treatment center that specializes in opioid addiction recovery. At Anaheim Lighthouse, we will not only help you with your withdrawal symptoms, but also offer a holistic treatment program that can help you address your substance abuse issues as a whole.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.