Kratom is a legal substance that is widely available for purchase over the Internet. The Mayo Clinic explains, “Kratom is an herbal extract that comes from the leaves of an evergreen tree (Mitragyna speciosa) grown in Southeast Asia.” Kratom can be taken as a pill, capsule, or extract. Some people chew kratom leaves, some dry the leaves and brew them into tea, bake them into food, or smoke them. When ingested, kratom can elicit similar effects to both stimulants and opioids. Kratom is a psychoactive substance that changes the brain’s natural chemistry. Kratom works by interacting with the opioid receptors in one’s brain, producing sedation, decreased pain, and pleasure. Although kratom is legal, akin to other substances with opioid-like effects, habitual use can lead to dependence. Hence, it is possible to become addicted to kratom. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) does not classify kratom as a controlled substance, it has, however, been recognized by the DEA as a substance of concern.
Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment options available for individuals struggling with substance abuse and/ or addiction. The initial step of treatment from substance abuse/ and or addiction is undergoing detox. Detox is the process that rids one’s body of all foreign substances. After detox has been successfully completed, an individual struggling with substance abuse and/ or addiction is recommended to participate in a formal treatment program. Treatment programs are generally divided between two options: inpatient substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment and outpatient substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment programs enable individuals to be fully immersed in the recovery process, as they will require individuals to reside at the treatment facility for the duration of the program. Outpatient treatment programs do not offer a residential component, instead individuals will reside at home and be required to attend a certain number of program hours, daily.
Each person is unique and will have nuanced needs when it comes to recovering from substance abuse and/ or addiction. Regardless of the structure of treatment program selected (inpatient or outpatient) most treatment programs create tailored treatment plans for each of its participants. Customized treatment plans can include a combination of different therapeutic modalities (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, creative arts therapies, group therapy, etc.), so as to ensure the individual’s distinct needs are accommodated. The duration of substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs (both inpatient and outpatient) can range from twenty-one days long to three months long, and in some cases longer.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcome to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
