There is an outcry among the kratom users due to DEA’s recent notification stating that it will add the natural plant to the banned list. People using the herb, a natural plant found extensively in the Southeast nations, argue that it helps them with the pain, offers relief, and sets the mood in the relaxation phase.
People using opiate medications are the highest among those who are preferring to use kratom. They state that the plant helps them overcome the withdrawal symptoms experienced by stopping the usage of opiate medicines. Additionally, pain management was the primary reason why they are arguing with the DEA to remove it from the list.
The Basics of Kratom
According to DEA, kratom is natural to Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. There are different variants available and depends on the growing environment. The tree, called Mitragynaspeciosa, consists of psychoactive properties, and it is possible to use the leaves either in crushed form or brew it and add it to a tea. You will also find them as pills, which are a comfortable way of consuming kratom.
Consumption of Kratom
Kratom users often argue that consuming the natural herb helped them manage pain with small doses compared to opiate medicines. There are publications from several universities that studied the reason behind kratom’s use and its increasing popularity.
The primary finding in all the cases turned out to be for pain management. The psychoactive properties of the leaves acted as a painkiller or analgesic. The same studies also showed that many people consumed it to reduce and stop dependency on other drugs.
The studies further stated that people started using kratom because of the side effects they faced using opiates. Using kratom helped them overcome the withdrawal symptoms, and many indicated that they had success in discontinuing the opiate drugs. These studies supported previously researched publications that kratom may be a useful therapeutic drug and can become an opiate substitute.
One particular by Mr. Swogger reported that people started to consume kratom extract to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Although there is no scientific proof, results show otherwise. Consuming the herb in small quantities is enough to treat the withdrawal symptoms and PTSD. Any excessive consumption leads to euphoria, a state where the kratom users feel relaxed and in the sense of well-being.
People are not consuming kratom to get high but to manage their pain, anxiety, PTSD, and withdrawal symptoms from opiates. The study further stated that the herb is available in different forms and sold as “legal high” across various states in the United States.
The reaction of Kratom on the Body
With no scientific evidence backing up kratom’s use, it is hard to portray how it works on the body. Nonetheless, based on the argument, researchers state that there is a binding element that bonds with the opiate receptor. Several people assume that it is the Mitragynine compound, the active ingredient of kratom, helping them with pain management and other aspects.
Opiates have a sedative effect, which over prolonged use can show side effects. However, kratom contains properties that stimulate the mind and keep active at low doses. The sedative effect is only present when consumed in high amounts. People using it for pain management stated that they found relief by consuming low doses, and it never knocked them as an opiate medicine does!
Risks Associated with Kratom
The known side effects of excessive consumption of kratom are like that of opiates. One will experience an upset stomach, vomiting, headaches, and mild sedation. Fortunately, the risks are moderate than those that develop due to the use of opiates.
Is Kratom Addictive?
While DEA states that Kratom has addictive properties, it is still unsure. A few people experienced withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing kratom. Although a more extensive study is necessary to arrive at a conclusive decision, developing tolerance is possible when consumption is in excessive doses. Researchers stated that developing tolerance and withdrawal symptoms are not uniform and relatively mild to opiates.
Mr. Swogger’s study stated that at least one person among ten kratom users showed withdrawal symptoms after using heavy doses. The symptoms appeared immediately, followed by a single day of break. Therefore, it is essential to educate people about the consumption quantity and how it can affect when consumed in heavy doses. Providing the details will help them choose it and consume it in the right amount to manage pain, overcome anxiety, and other aspects.
The study further states that people who used drugs previously should carefully consider consuming kratom, for it can react and cause symptoms. Weighing the pros and cons will benefit, which is in addition to consulting a physician, who will guide in the right direction about the use of kratom in the appropriate quantity.
Conclusion
Today, kratom is available as powder and pills. It is legally available, and one can order from an online store. As there are different variants available, such as green, white, and red, which impact differently, learn deeply about the strains, and choose a vendor who sells all the variants. Consume in the right quantities, manage pain, and let go of the opiates for good!
