What Are the Myths About Kratom?

Kratom, often marketed as a natural remedy, is a dangerous substance with significant risks, including addiction, severe withdrawal symptoms, and serious health complications like liver damage and psychosis. Many pervasive myths surround kratom, such as its non-addictive nature or its safety as an opioid alternative, but the FDA warns against its use due to these dangers and a lack of regulation. It is crucial for individuals using kratom to understand these realities and seek professional help for addiction.

Kratom, derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, has been marketed as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and even opioid withdrawal. However, beneath the veneer of natural wellness lies a darker truth. The myths surrounding kratom are dangerous, often masking the very real kratom dangers associated with its use. If you’re using kratom for pain management or struggling with kratom addiction, it’s crucial to understand the facts. Read on to explore the common misconceptions about kratom, revealing why the FDA warns against using kratom and highlighting the serious kratom risks you need to know.

Myth #1: Kratom is Not Addictive

One of the most pervasive and dangerous kratom myths is that it’s not addictive. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Kratom’s effect on the brain’s opioid receptors makes it a substance with significant kratom dependency potential. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, the active compounds in kratom, act as partial agonists at the same receptors as opioids, leading to similar addictive properties.

The reality is that kratom addiction is a growing concern. Users develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. This escalating use quickly spirals into physical and psychological dependence. The allure of kratom as a “safe” alternative is shattered when users find themselves trapped in the cycle of addiction.

Myth #2: Kratom is a Safe Alternative to Opioids

The idea that kratom is a safe alternative to opioids is a dangerous oversimplification. While some promote it as a natural way to manage pain or ease opioid withdrawal, the reality is far more complex. Kratom interacts with the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like heroin and morphine. Although it may offer some pain relief, it comes with its own set of serious kratom side effects and the potential for kratom addiction.

Moreover, using kratom to self-treat opioid withdrawal can be risky. While it might alleviate some symptoms, it doesn’t address the underlying addiction and can lead to a new dependence on kratom itself. This is a dangerous substitution, not a solution.

Myth #3: Kratom Withdrawal is Mild

Another harmful misconception is that kratom withdrawal is mild or non-existent. Does kratom cause withdrawal symptoms like opioids? The answer is a resounding yes. Kratom withdrawal can be a harrowing experience, with symptoms mirroring those of opioid withdrawal. Users report experiencing muscle aches, insomnia, anxiety, runny nose, sweating, diarrhea, and intense cravings.

Is kratom withdrawal severe? For many, it is. The severity can vary depending on the duration and dosage of kratom use, but it’s often intense enough to require medical intervention. The false belief that kratom withdrawal is easy to manage often prevents people from seeking the help they need to break free from kratom addiction.

Myth #4: Kratom is Legal and Therefore Safe

The kratom legality debate often leads to the false assumption that if a substance is legal, it must be safe. This is a dangerous fallacy. The legal status of kratom varies widely, with some states and cities banning it altogether, while others allow its sale with minimal regulation. The lack of consistent regulation means that the quality and purity of kratom products can vary significantly.

Furthermore, even in places where kratom is legal, there’s no guarantee of its safety. The FDA has issued warnings about kratom products due to contamination with heavy metals and Salmonella. The kratom risks are compounded by the fact that many products are not accurately labeled, making it difficult for users to know exactly what they’re consuming.

Myth #5: Kratom Only Has Positive Side Effects

The selective presentation of kratom’s “benefits” often overshadows the numerous negative kratom side effects. While proponents tout its pain-relieving and mood-boosting properties, they often ignore or downplay the potential for serious health problems.

What are the dangers of long-term kratom use? The list is extensive and alarming. Chronic kratom use has been linked to liver damage, respiratory depression, seizures, psychosis, and even death. Can kratom cause liver damage? Yes, numerous case reports have documented kratom-induced liver injury. What are the psychological effects of kratom? These can include hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and depression.

The Alarming Reality of Kratom Use

Beyond these specific myths, the broader picture of kratom use is deeply concerning. Poison control centers have received thousands of reports related to kratom exposure, including reports of death. Kratom and polysubstance use risks are especially high, as combining kratom with other drugs or alcohol can amplify its effects and increase the risk of overdose.

• Is kratom overdose possible? Kratom overdose is a real and present danger. Symptoms can include slowed breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness. The lack of regulation and standardization of kratom products further increases the risk of accidental overdose.
• Is kratom as bad as other drugs? While the debate continues, the evidence suggests that kratom poses significant risks, especially with long-term or high-dose use. Kratom addiction stories are filled with tales of lives disrupted, health compromised, and families torn apart.
• Can kratom use lead to psychosis? Tragically, yes. There are documented cases of kratom-induced psychosis, where users experience hallucinations, delusions, and a detachment from reality. This is a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly benign plant.

Breaking Free from Kratom: Seeking Help and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Recognizing the kratom dangers is the first step towards recovery. Talk to your doctor, a therapist, or an addiction specialist. There are treatment options available, including therapy, medication, and support groups.

Kratom is not a harmless herb. It’s a substance with significant risks, including addiction, withdrawal, and serious health complications. Don’t fall for the kratom myths. Educate yourself about the kratom dangers and make informed decisions about your health. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom use, Mountainside can help. We offer a virtual support group as well as comprehensive treatment plans to help with withdrawal and recovery. Speak with an admissions specialist today.