Kratom is being marketed as a harmless recreational, pleasurable medicinal weed. It is leading users to dependency and addiction. For people that are in recovery from drug dependency, some are being lead back to the use of other addictive drugs. Kratom is a gateway drug – a milder drug that leads to other more harmful and addictive drugs. This seemingly harmless “natural” weed is just another way open the door to harder opiates. Continual kratom use will induce opioid-like tissue dependence resulting in a significant withdrawal syndrome. This occurs when it is used at higher doses on a daily and chronic basis. Longer-term use of kratom has been shown to produce many significant opioid-like withdrawal symptoms. The side effects and the withdrawal symptoms are similar to cocaine and opiates depending on the amount used.

Kratom Addiction Treatment Methods

NBRC utilizes various treatment protocols to treat Acute Symptoms, and other medications to treat Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) and cravings.

Our Kratom Detox Program Focuses On The Following:

1. Pharmacological Intervention – NBRC utilizes various medications to treat all symptoms associated with kratom withdrawal. Since kratom produces very similar symptoms to other full agonist opiates, patients respond quite well to various medications used in managing opiate withdrawal. Kratom withdrawal is easily managed and this type of detox is relatively brief. Treatment at NBRC is highly individualized and each patient’s specific needs are addressed and medications are prescribed and dosed accordingly.
2. Substance Abuse Counseling – Optional Individual and Group Therapy is recommended. Getting connected into a program of recovery is the best way to sustain long term sobriety. Support counseling is always included as a part of every detox program at NBRC, but some of our patients choose to supplement treatment with additional therapy.

The Facts About Kratom

Drug Name

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Street Names Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketum, Biak Category An interesting mix – on one hand a psycho stimulant and on the other hand it is a sedative, euphoric and analgesic.

Drug Type / Action

At low doses, it produces stimulant effects, with users reporting increased alertness, physical energy, talkativeness and sociable behavior. At high doses, it produces sedative and euphoric effects, and possibly an aphrodisiac effect. Effects occur within 5 to 10 minutes after ingestion and last for 2 to 5 hours.

Legal Status

It is legal in the USA.

DEA Status

Kratom is listed on the DEA “Drugs and Chemicals of Concern” list. It is also currently on the DEA “Watch List”. Added in August of 2007, there is no legitimate medical use for kratom in the USA.

Sources of Legal Distribution

Kratom is widely available on the Internet. There are numerous vendors within and outside of the U.S. selling kratom, many of which sell other uncontrolled psychoactive products. Forms of kratom available through the Internet, includes leaves (whole or crushed), powder, extract, encapsulated powder and extract resin “pies” (pellets or bars made from reduced extract).

Local Sources Of Kratom

Kratom can be bought over the internet. Also, there are several nonalcoholic “sober” bars that serve and sell Kratom in South Florida. It is also available at “head shops”. The recreational use of kratom leads to habitual use, which ultimately can lead to addiction to kratom. Harmless? We think not. Keep reading…

Stimulant Side Effects of Kratom Usage:

Depressive / Opiate Side Effects of Kratom Usage:

Withdrawal Symptoms and Effects from Kratom

Long-term use of kratom has been shown to produce anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, skin darkening, dry mouth, frequent urination, and constipation. The kratom withdrawal syndrome may include symptoms of hostility, aggression, emotional labilitly, wet nose, achy muscles and bones, and jerky movement of the limbs. Some kratom addicts also exhibit psychotic symptoms that included hallucinations, delusion and confusion.

What is in Kratom?

Over 25 alkaloids have been identified in kratom leaves.

Active Chemicals in Kratom: