Kratom Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction
We have seen the following scenario play out repeatedly. One takes kratom for a while, but their body adjusts to the substance quickly. Thus, they increase their dosage to feel the same effects. Then, their body adjusts to that increased dosage and they increase consumption continuously to achieve the same effect they are looking for. It is a vicious cycle and one that brings several health risks.
When someone increases their dose because of kratom tolerance, any of these things can happen:
- Kratom dependence
- Kratom addiction
- Kratom overdose
That is why those who develop a tolerance for kratom should seek professional help before it is too late.
Here at Zinnia Health, we specialize in kratom treatment solutions that help individuals quit this substance for good. Although kratom is legal to purchase and use in the United States, the substance can be addictive and cause negative physiological and psychological effects.
Withdrawing from kratom is not an easy process, but we have a range of treatment programs that help users reduce or quit this substance so they can avoid dependency, addiction, and a potential overdose. We also help those who have become dependent or addicted to kratom, as well as their loved ones.
This guide explains the dangers of kratom tolerance and the benefits of reaching out for help with kratom addiction.
What is Kratom Tolerance?
Kratom tolerance happens when one’s body adjusts to the substance. That might occur if a person consumes kratom frequently or takes the same dose for a period of time.
“Kratom can cause effects similar to both opioids and stimulants,” says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Two compounds in kratom leaves, mitragynine and 7-α-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain, especially when users consume large amounts of the plant.”
Someone who experiences kratom tolerance might not feel the same effects as when they first took the substance. When that happens, the user might:
- Increase their dosage.
- Turn to other substances to achieve the same effects as kratom.
- Take a kratom ‘break,’ where they try to abstain from the substance to lower their tolerance levels.
All three scenarios often prove fruitless.
1. Increasing Dosage
Someone who increases their kratom dosage might experience the positive effects of the substance again, but their body will soon adapt to the new dose. Continuously increasing kratom dosage can be dangerous and result in dependence, addiction, or overdose.
2. Using Other Substances
Replacing kratom with another substance might provide users with the effects they desire. However, these people typically build a tolerance to the new substance and increase its dosage, resulting in dependence, addiction, or overdose.
3. Taking a Break
Taking a break from kratom and returning to the substance can also be dangerous. When one quits kratom abruptly, they increase the risk of overdose when they go back to it.
Related reading: Addiction Success Rates
What is Kratom Addiction?
Even though it is legal, kratom users can become dependent on the substance. Eventually, this dependency might cause an addiction.
Kratom changes the chemistry of the brain and central nervous system, causing a feeling of euphoria. When the effects of the substance wear off, users might experience anxiety or depression.
In those scenarios, someone might take more kratom to replicate the pleasurable feelings they experienced when they last took the drug or increase their dosage over time. When that happens, someone can develop an addiction.
We have experience with treating those with a potential kratom addiction. Our specialists can develop a custom treatment plan that identifies the root cause of client issues and help individuals manage the side effects associated with their kratom withdrawal process.
Over time, the individual will develop tools and techniques that prevent relapse and promote successful recovery; it is what we have done for years.
As one of the leading treatment centers for kratom withdrawal, Zinnia Health customizes treatment plans based on the individual’s circumstances.
These plans might include:
- Individual therapy, where someone discusses their kratom dependency or addiction with a counselor, support worker, psychologist, or another specialist.
- Group therapy, where someone talks about dependency or addiction with other substance users.
- Family therapy, where substance users and their loved ones work toward collaborative goals and explore how addiction impacts the family system.
- Medication-assisted treatment.
- Case management services, which includes (but is not limited to) sober living arrangements, connection to community resources, and ongoing support.
- Aftercare planning.
An individual might need one or several of these solutions to overcome kratom dependency or addiction for good. Call us at (855) 430-9349 to find out more.
Related reading: Drug Addiction Statistics 2021
Should You Take a Break From Kratom?
Taking a break from kratom will cause the user to withdraw from the substance.
One who abstains from kratom, for any period of time, can experience these withdrawal symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Bone pain
- Achy muscles
- Runny nose
- Involuntary arm and leg movements
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Weight loss
Abstaining from kratom use and then returning to the substance can confuse the body and increase the chances of overdose.
That is why we do not recommend that anyone suddenly stop taking kratom, especially if that person takes a high dose of the substance.
There is an alternative solution to taking a break from kratom.
Visiting a drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment center may sound intimidating, especially because kratom is a legal substance in the United States. However, it can reduce the risks associated with kratom withdrawal and can assist the individual in comfortably transitioning to a lifestyle without kratom.
It is effective for kratom users to work with a professional who understands kratom and its side effects. This professional can work collaboratively with clients to establish an individualized treatment plan. A specialist can help a kratom user gradually reduce their intake of the substance so they can return to a relatively safe level or quit entirely.
We have seen people of all ages and backgrounds walk through the doors of our treatment center with a kratom dependency; many of our addiction professionals have experienced substance use issues with substances like kratom in the past.
That is what makes us different from some other treatment centers.
Our team understands the pain and frustration of addiction, how addictions can destroy relationships, and how addiction can sabotage career prospects or individual aspirations. However, every one of them who are in recovery from addiction now lead a successful life free from any substance use.
You can too.
If you have developed a tolerance to kratom and want to quit this substance, Zinnia Health’s treatment solutions can help. Talk to a member of the team today. Email or call (855) 430-9349 for an assessment.
Get Help For Kratom Tolerance and Addiction Today
Our therapeutic approaches help those who want to quit kratom safely. We adopt a holistic, evidence-based approach to kratom treatment based on a patient’s unique circumstances, lifestyle, and schedule. Whether you take part in our outpatient program or stay at our off-site housing for our partial hospitalization program, you will receive the support and resources you deserve.
We also support loved ones of kratom users who have developed a tolerance to the substance. Our family therapy programming, for example, helps relatives understand the nature of their loved one’s addiction and explore aftercare options for the individual.
Here are some other benefits of working with our team of drug and alcohol treatment specialists:
- Our programs identify the issues underlying the addiction, whether that is childhood trauma, a recent negative event, or a mental health disorder.
- We judge no one who visits our treatment center and welcome patients from all walks of life.
- We provide the highest standards of patient care.
- We provide ongoing support and aftercare; patients can reduce their chances of relapse through collaborative planning.
- We work with major healthcare providers so kratom users and their loved ones can manage treatment costs.
Kratom tolerance can lead to addiction, dependency, and overdose. Working with our team can help you reduce or quit this substance. Send a message to Zinnia Health or call (855) 430-9349 for a 15-minute assessment.
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