Kratom Rehab in Orange County
at Able to Change Recovery
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Amanda Stevens
Medical
Content Writer
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Amanda Stevens
Medical Content Writer
Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.
Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in recent years as an herbal supplement. However, its use can lead to addiction, with sometimes devastating consequences.
While research on kratom addiction is still emerging, treatment approaches often mirror those used for opioid addiction. Able to Change Recovery offers comprehensive support for individuals struggling with kratom dependency, utilizing a combination of therapy, education, and community resources to promote lasting recovery.
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What is Kratom?
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.[1] Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa, and it belongs to the coffee family. The leaves of the kratom tree have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices in its native regions, primarily for their stimulant and pain-relieving properties.
The active compounds in kratom leaves are alkaloids, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain.[2] At low doses, kratom typically acts as a stimulant, potentially increasing energy, alertness, and sociability. At higher doses, it may have sedative and pain-relieving effects similar to other opioids.
Kratom has gained popularity in recent years and is often consumed as a powder, capsule, or tea. Proponents claim it can help with pain management, anxiety, depression, and opioid withdrawal symptoms.
However, its use remains controversial due to concerns about its safety, potential for severe withdrawal symptoms and addiction, and lack of regulation. Some countries have banned or restricted kratom, while others are actively debating its legal status.
Kratom Addiction and Abuse
Kratom has the potential for addiction and abuse due to its opioid-like effects and its impact on the brain’s reward system.[3] The primary alkaloids in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors, which can lead to physical dependence and psychological addiction over time.
Kratom addiction affects the body similarly to opioid addiction. Regular use can lead to changes in brain chemistry, particularly in the areas responsible for mood regulation and reward. These alterations can result in kratom withdrawal symptoms when usage is reduced or stopped, including muscle aches, irritability, aggression, emotional changes, runny nose, and jerky movements.
The prevalence of kratom addiction is not as well-documented as that of other substances, partly due to its relatively recent popularity in Western countries and limited long-term studies. However, reports of kratom dependence have increased in recent years. An estimated 1.7 million Americans used kratom in 2021, with an unknown number of these users developing problematic use.[4]
Kratom Quick Reference Chart
Drug Category
Stimulant
Commercial
& Street Names
Biak, kakuam, ketum, thang, thom
DEA Schedule
Currently none
Administration
Orally ingested
Where is Kratom Restricted?
Kratom’s legal status varies significantly across different jurisdictions, with some areas imposing outright bans while others regulate its sale and use. In the United States, kratom’s legal landscape is particularly complex, with restrictions differing at federal, state, and sometimes even local levels.
Kratom is not currently scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, several states have implemented their own restrictions:[5]
- Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have banned mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the primary active alkaloids in kratom, under state-law analogues of the CSA. This effectively prohibits kratom in these states.
- Tennessee initially banned these alkaloids in 2013 but later amended its law. Currently, Tennessee regulates the sale of natural kratom while maintaining a ban on synthetic kratom alkaloids.
- Other states have implemented age restrictions or labeling requirements for kratom products rather than outright bans.
Even in states where kratom is legal at the state level, some local governments have enacted their own bans or restrictions as well.
Internationally, kratom’s legal status also varies:
- It is illegal in several countries, including Australia, Japan, Russia, and most European Union nations.
- In Southeast Asia, where kratom is native, its legal status is mixed. Thailand decriminalized kratom in 2021, while it remains illegal in Malaysia.
- Some countries, like Canada and the United Kingdom, regulate kratom as a controlled substance, restricting its sale and distribution without a proper license.
What Treatments Are Available for Kratom Addiction?
Treating kratom addiction, like other substance use disorders, can significantly impact an individual’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. As awareness of kratom’s potential for addiction grows, so does the need for effective treatment options. Fortunately, various evidence-based approaches are available to help individuals overcome kratom addiction (and co-occurring mental health disorders) to achieve lasting recovery – and Able to Change Recovery is a leading provider of comprehensive addiction treatment services for Orange County, offering a range of modalities to address kratom addiction:
- 12-Step Facilitation Therapy: Introduces individuals to the principles of 12-step programs, supporting engagement with peer support groups for ongoing kratom addiction and substance abuse recovery.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with kratom use and developing coping strategies to prevent relapse.
- Contingency Management: Employs positive reinforcement techniques to encourage kratom abstinence, often using tangible rewards to motivate continued recovery efforts.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines cognitive and behavioral therapies with unique relational interventions to enhance emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness in managing kratom addiction and drug dependence.
- Family Therapy: Involves family members in the treatment process to improve communication, address relationship dynamics, and create a supportive environment for kratom recovery.
- Group Therapy: Provides peer support and shared experiences in overcoming kratom addiction, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding.
- Holistic Therapy: Incorporates alternative approaches such as yoga, meditation, or acupuncture to address the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of kratom addiction recovery.
- Individual Therapy: Offers one-on-one sessions to explore personal issues related to kratom use, tailoring treatment to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Teaches present-moment awareness techniques to manage kratom cravings and reduce stress, promoting overall well-being in recovery.
- Motivational Interviewing: Enhances an individual’s motivation to change kratom use behaviors through collaborative, goal-oriented conversations.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizes the impact of trauma on kratom addiction and recovery, providing sensitive and appropriate care that avoids re-traumatization.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Rehab in Orange County
Yes, it is possible to develop an addiction to kratom, particularly with prolonged use or high doses. Kratom contains alkaloids that can interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects similar to those of opioids. While many users report that kratom can help with pain relief or anxiety, the risk of developing a dependency should not be underestimated. If someone begins to rely on kratom to manage daily activities or emotional states, it may indicate a problematic pattern of use.
The timeline for developing an addiction from using kratom can vary widely. Some users may become dependent within a few weeks of regular use, while others may take months. Factors such as dosage, frequency of use, individual body chemistry, and personal history with substances can all influence how quickly someone might develop an addiction. It’s crucial to approach kratom with caution and to monitor your use to minimize the risk of addiction.
Signs of kratom addiction can include increased tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects, and withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance. Other signs may involve neglecting responsibilities or relationships in favor of kratom use, preoccupation with obtaining it, and using it despite adverse consequences. If you notice these kratom addiction signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to seek help or consider reducing usage to prevent further issues.
Long-term kratom use raises several concerns, including the potential for developing addiction (as well as kratom withdrawal and kratom withdrawal symptoms). Regular users may also experience negative side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, changes in mood, or cognitive impairments. Given the varying effects on different individuals, what might be safe for one person could lead to dependency for another. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you love is experiencing issues.
[1] Kratom. (2022, March 25). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom on September 23, 2024
[2] Hanapi, N. A., Chear, N. J.-Y., Azizi, J., & Yusof, S. R. (2021). Kratom Alkaloids: Interactions With Enzymes, Receptors, and Cellular Barriers. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8637859/ on September 23, 2024
[3] Kratom: Unsafe and ineffective. (2024). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/kratom/art-20402171 on September 23, 2024
[4] Office of the Commissioner. (2019). FDA and Kratom. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom on September 23, 2024
[5] Kratom Regulation: Federal status and state approaches. (n.d.). https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB11082 on September 23, 2024