Is Kratom Safe? Everything You Need To Know About This Popular Drink

But that is why we are here! We are here to help cut the confusing dirty work out of research for you and give you the most pertinent facts concerning the subjects you are interested in. Today, we unpack what kratom is and if it is safe. So, let us start with, “what is kratom?”

What is Kratom?

Seriously, to begin cultivating a general understanding of what kratom is, keep marijuana in mind. Like weed, kratom is a drug derived from the leaves of a plant–a tree in this case. The drug is typically used to help relieve pain but also has psychotropic (mind-altering) effects. But unlike marijuana, kratom is not as commonly known or used in the United States.

Still, just because kratom is not as popular as marijuana does not mean it is not used.

At this moment in time, kratom is not an illegal substance to use in the United States. In fact, it is entirely possible that if you are more into natural or holistic medicines and healing methods, that you have seen kratom or Mitragyna Speciosa in some online shops, farmers markets, and even stores.

Why? How?

Well, kratom is currently under research by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine whether or not the substance is dangerous or not. So currently, kratom is not an illegal substance in the United States, even though the FDA cannot vouch for the medicine’s positive benefits or adverse impact at the moment. So, what is kratom?

Kratom is a drug derived from the compounds found in the leaves of the Southeast Asian tree, Mitragyna Speciosa. The medicine has been used to help improve moods, relieve pain and is not a federally regulated or illegal substance. Still, kratom is a psychotropic drug, meaning it alters how the mind perceives information. Just like marijuana, kratom is potent and can have powerful effects, both beneficial and adverse in nature.

How Do People Consume or Use Kratom?

You see above in our title that we referred to kratom as a drink. So, if you are unfamiliar with the drug or struggle with using the substance, you may be confused and wondering if kratom is just a drink.

Well, no. Kratom is not just a drink.

Although, since the drug is made from the leaves of the Mitragyna Speciosa tree, many people consume kratom in the form of tea to drink. But, people have also been known to smoke, chew, eat, or even swallow kratom as a pill. Some of kratom’s other known names include:

• Biak
• Thom
• Kakuam
• Ketum
• Ithang

What is Kratom Used For and What Are Kratom’s Effects

So then, what is kratom used for exactly? Is kratom safe? Is it not safe? What are some of the side effects of kratom, and how does it affects the brain?

Excellent questions!

First, let us first tackle the question, “what is kratom used for?”

• There are a few known uses for kratom. First, the drug is most commonly known to be used as a stimulant for pain relief and mood improvement.
• But, it has been noted by scientists and researchers that kratom holds many similar compound properties and chemicals to opioids. And the drug has been known to have some psychotropic effects.
• Kratom is not illegal to use in the United States, and around 5 million Americans make use out of the medication as an alternative pain reliever. It is unknown how many people in the United States use kratom annually for “recreational” purposes. Still, the drug has been linked to several overdose cases within the nation. It has also been noted for abuse by individuals with mental illness in outside countries.

Second, let us talk about the question, “Is kratom safe?”

• It is important to remember that kratom is still in the process of being studied. Not much has been discovered about the drug, its side effects, long-term symptoms, abuse potential, and safety. More research must be completed before the FDA can give the public more sound answers on whether kratom is safe for medical use or not.
• For now, the drug remains unregulated by the federal government, meaning each State is free to choose whether kratom possession and use are legal or not.
• As for kratom’s safety, that is to be determined. It is known that the medication is used in low doses for pain relief and in high doses to act as a sedative in other countries. Some holistic healers choose to use kratom in their own homes, but whether the drug is 100% safe or not is still to be determined. At this moment, nothing is clinically proven.

Third, let us discuss “how does kratom affect the brain?”

• Kratom is a stimulant drug with similar compounds and characteristics to opioids. Limited research from outside sources tell us that low doses of the medication act as a pain reliever. Yet, in high doses, kratom can have similar effects to sedatives. The drug has also been noted to be a psychotropic (mind-altering) medication somewhat identical to marijuana.
• But, in the end, there have not been enough clinical trials in the United States to prove the validity of any of these claims concerning kratom.
• Holistic healers use the medication as an alternative pain reliever in some cases in the United States. Still, altogether, we do not know precisely how kratom interacts with the receptors in the brain.
• We know that kratom does interest in the opioid receptors in the brain. Still, no one knows the level of interaction that the drug has with the mind specifically yet. All we do know is that in lower doses, the drug acts as a stimulant. In higher cases, the drug helps to sedate people, all the while interacting with the opioid receptors and possibly other systems in the brain, producing side effects all the time.

Lastly, this brings us to the final question, “what are some of the side effects of kratom?”

• Since the government has no official clinical trials begun–that we know of–the knowledge on the side effects of kratom is somewhat limited. Even so, we have been able to piece together some of kratom’s side effects from global reports of the drug’s use and even in recreational or holistic medicinal uses within the United States. Our knowledge, for now, maybe limited, but at least we have a start.
• So, without further ado, here are some of the side effects of kratom use:
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Hallucinations
  • Sedation (in high doses)
  • Increased urination
  • Increased sociability (in low doses)
  • Increased energy levels (in low doses)
  • Increased focus and alertness (in low doses)
  • Sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Itching
  • Swift behavioral changes (strange behavior)
  • Increased aggression
  • Irritability
  • Weight loss
  • Mood changes
  • Muscle aches
  • Tremors
  • Psychosis
  • Increased anxiety
  • Darkening of the skin
  • Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
• There may not be much we know about kratom’s short and long-term side effects as of yet. Still, we can tell you that these symptoms can be highly uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous.
• And in some rare cases, individuals who use kratom and then stop abruptly may be subject to experiencing withdrawal-like symptoms.

Can You Overdose on Kratom?

Today, researchers are working diligently to uncover the secrets of many substances and their effects. Kratom has been around for several years and is used by millions of individuals in the United States. However, still, not much is known about it and its effects. We are still unsure if a person can become addicted to kratom.

But, we know that a person can develop a dependence on the drug. But you are wondering, “can you overdose on kratom?”

Unfortunately, at this time, there is no direct answer to that question. In years past, the FDA has reported that they have come across a small number of deaths related to kratom use. Of these deaths, most kratom uses were linked with other high-profile illicit substances like cocaine, fentanyl, and other opioids. Still, there were many overdose cases and deaths that medical professionals could only pick out kratom in the individual’s system.

So, can you overdose on kratom? It is possible that you can experience a kratom overdose. We do not know much about the drug, its side effects, how it affects the brain, what it will do in higher doses, or what happens when the substance is combined with other illicit drugs. We do know that people use kratom in conduction with other substances and that many have overdosed on these combinations in the past.

So, it is entirely possible to overdose on kratom. The best way to avoid an overdose is not to use illicit drugs or other substances like kratom in any recreational or unprofessional medical setting. It is safer not to use the medication altogether to avoid experiencing adverse side effects or overdose from the drug.

When it comes to substance use and abuse, abstinence is always the best policy to avoid dangerous and even life-threatening situations. But, in the event you or a loved one finds yourself suffering from any sort of addiction, know that there is help available to you. You can contact us here at St. John’s Recovery Place (SJRP) at 1-833-397-3422 to learn more about addiction, recovery, and what healing opportunities and options are within your reach. Do not wait to make the call. The decision could be positively life-changing.

References

• NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse: Advancing Addiction Science. Kratom Abuse in Southern Thailand. (2008). (2021, May 5).
• Healio. The Good, The Bad, and The Maybe, About Kratom. (2018, April 16). (2021, May 5).
• Sprout Health Group. Is Kratom Legal? Kratom Legality by State. (Accessed 2021, May 5).
• Healthline. Kratom: Is It Safe? (2020, June 3). (2021, May 5).
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA and Kratom. (2019, September 11). (2021, May 5).
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Kratom. (2018, November). (2021, May 5).
• NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse: Advancing Addiction Science. What We Know–and Don’t Know–About Kratom. (2016, August 30). (2021, May 5).
• NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse: Advancing Addiction Science. Drug Facts. Kratom Drug Facts. (2019, April). (2021, May 5).
• SJRP. St. John’s Recovery Place. Florida Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center. Home Page. (Accessed 2021, May 5).
• Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Medical School: Trusted Advice for A Healthier Life. Kratom: Fear-Worthy Foliage or Beneficial Botanical? (2019, September 26). (2021, May 5).