Kratom, a plant-based substance found in South East Asia, has become increasingly popular for its medicinal benefits. It is used for many health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Despite the potential benefits of kratom, it can be addictive and lead to withdrawal symptoms when discontinued abruptly. This blog post will explore the potential symptoms of kratom withdrawal and possible treatments.
What is Kratom Withdrawal?
Kratom withdrawal is a natural reaction that occurs when an individual stops consuming kratom, an herbal substance derived from the kava plant native to Southeast Asia. While it derives its medicinal value from kavalactones and other alkaloids in kava, kratom has psychoactive properties, which can lead to dependency.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
The most common symptom of kratom withdrawal is intense cravings for the substance. Other symptoms may include sweating, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, muscle aches, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Some people also experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
Related Link: Kratom: A Dangerous or Beneficial Plant?
Timeline for Kratom Withdrawal
The period of withdrawal may be connected to the extent of kratom reliance, which is likely influenced by several factors. The biology, genetics, and history of addiction, as well as the way, amount, and length of time misusing the drug, all play a part in the extent of drug dependency.
Other physical or mental health disorders, polysubstance misuse, and environmental factors such as trauma or chronic stress may all impact the intensity of drug dependence and hence the timescale for withdrawal.
According to research, kratom withdrawal symptoms often emerge within 12 to 48 hours following ceasing kratom use. The symptoms usually last 1 to 3 days. However, in certain cases, people have endured withdrawal symptoms for longer.
Treatment Options
If you're experiencing kratom withdrawal symptoms it's important to seek medical help from a healthcare professional who is experienced in treating addiction. There are multiple treatment options available depending on your individual needs.
One option is to seek professional counseling which can help you cope with the psychological aspects of addiction as well as provide support while transitioning back into your daily life without kratom use.
It may also be beneficial to join a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous, which provides peer support as well as access to resources that can help with recovery from addiction. Additionally, there are medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that may be prescribed if necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms.
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Tapering and Kratom Detox
Toxins are removed from the body during detoxification. With many psychoactive and addictive medications, dosages can be gradually reduced over time to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This is referred to as tapering or weaning off the substance. The idea is to gradually work on normalizing brain chemistry over time rather than shocking it by abruptly discontinuing the medicine.
When a drug such as kratom is abruptly discontinued after a person has acquired a habit, the brain may have a rebound reaction in which it attempts to restore equilibrium quickly, resulting in acute withdrawal symptoms.
As the medicine remains active in the brain for longer, giving the brain's chemistry a chance to slowly reestablish its natural equilibrium, gradually tapering the dosage down can smooth out the potential withdrawal negative effects.
Related Link: How Long Does It Take for Kava to Kick In?
Should You Do a Home Detox?
Some people might be tempted to quit using kratom cold turkey or by taking over-the-counter painkillers or sleep aids. While some of the symptoms of withdrawal may be lessened by these drugs, especially if the withdrawal is mild, ceasing kratom use under medical supervision is the most efficient method.
The most significant issues when detoxing at home are relapse and any negative medical or psychological effects. The need to reintroduce the substance to ease the symptoms can become intolerable when withdrawal symptoms start to hurt or feel uncomfortable.
The likelihood of relapse is significantly decreased, if not completely avoided, in a rehabilitation program where healthcare professionals can treat the physical and mental health problems linked to kratom withdrawal.
The Advantages of Medical Detoxification for Kratom
Medical detox is performed at a specialist facility that can give 24-hour supervision and access to medical and mental health professionals. It rids the body of kratom (and any other substances) while keeping the user safe and as comfortable as possible.
Medications for Kratom Withdrawal
In the United States, no medicinal therapy for kratom withdrawal is currently approved. In Europe, however, inpatient detoxification may include a combination of dihydrocodeine (a medication used to treat moderate to severe pain) and lofexidine, as well as antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and anxiolytics.
To minimize difficulties or unfavorable drug interactions, medications may need to be changed if other substances are also being abused. Kratom isn't a controlled substance, therefore it's frequently excluded from standard toxicology checks that might be done when someone enters a detox program.
Therefore, it's critical to tell your healthcare providers whether you use kratom or any other drugs or substances so that the safe and efficient use of pharmaceuticals during medical detox is ensured
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Dealing with Kratom Withdrawals
Kratom can be an effective way to treat various health issues. However, it must be used responsibly due to its potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly or abused. If you're struggling with kratom use or are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it's vital to seek professional help from a healthcare provider trained in addiction medicine and treatment options.
With the right help, you can safely manage your kratom use and transition back into daily life without dependence on this substance. Check out our site to learn more about how kratom works, the different strains available, and where you can buy kratom online.
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