A Kratom addiction can be tough being it is a legal substance derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Typically purchased in powder form, kratom is water-soluble so it is often mixed into drinks or taken as an oral supplement.  Many take it for managing pain, treating opioid withdrawal symptoms, or for recreational purposes. recently, the Food and Drug Administration has stated that there is no evidence that kratom is safe or effective for treating these conditions, and there is no approved clinical use for kratom.

In the past couple of years, there has been rising concern about kratom addictions and it being a possible threat to public health. Due to this growing concern, the United States has been seriously considering classifying kratom as a Schedule I drug, although that has yet to be done. 

Although kratom remains legal in the United States, the drug can have significant physical and psychological effects when taken either in excess or when used alongside other drugs or medications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. poison centers received 660 calls about reported exposure to kratom between the years 2010-2015. The number of calls increased tenfold from 26 in 2010 to 263 in 2015. 

The Kratom High

Kratom leaves can be chewed or the drug can also be orally consumed as a powder or pill supplement. The onset of side effects typically begins within five to ten minutes and lasts for up to five hours. The substance produces a high in which the user experiences: 

Pain relief 

Relaxation 

Sense of calm

Euphoria 

DIzziness

Signs of Kratom Addiction 

A long-term kratom addiction can cause long-lasting effects and irreversible damage. Like most drugs, both legal and illegal, there are indicators that an individual is abusing Kratom. These signs include:

Hair loss

Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Respiratory depression 

Erectile dysfunction 

Seizures

Psychosis 

Liver toxicity

Kratom Addiction Treatment

Kratom has yet to be thoroughly studied, therefore it is important to seek professional help if you believe you or a loved one may be abusing this substance. At Asheville Recovery Center, treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation. 

Addiction Treatment Services at The Asheville Rehab Center Include:

Partial Hospitalization Program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction. Our day program is full-time, offering all of the clinical hours provided in residential treatment (from 9 am to 5 pm) with the benefit of allowing clients to return home to a structured sober living environment at night. This gives individuals the opportunity to build a community of peers and practice life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and self-care, while still participating in immersive and intensive clinical addiction and trauma treatment.

Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment, clients live at home or in a sober living residence which can help keep them accountable for their recovery commitment. Our staff coordinates with local, reputable sober living homes to ensure that our clients are living in a safe place and that their needs are being met, even when they are not at clinical sessions. During this time, clients are also encouraged to become involved in local twelve-step fellowships, to find sponsors, and to begin working the steps of recovery through participation in these groups. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.

Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with a kratom addiction, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call (828)518-6996 and speak with an addiction expert today.