Kratom addiction

[Sydneys]

Hey all

I keep reading about Kratom addiction but I never seem to have this problem.

Basically, it's not addictive is it. The reports just think they're talking about Kratom.

S

 

[nsauce]

I've taken it daily for weeks at a time, and never had a problem with just stopping without tapering or anything. I also have a significant real opiate history.
I have, however, heard of lots of people that have trouble coming off Kratom.

The reports just think they're talking about Kratom.

Not sure what you mean here

 

[ro4eva]

Somewhat recently, I did read about one man in his early 20's who admitted himself to his local hospital in a state of mental and physical distress. Upon examination, it was noted that he claimed to have consumed unknown quantities of kratom daily for some time (several weeks to a few months - I don't remember exactly which); and also that upon discontinuation of ingestion of kratom, he began to experience symptoms consistent with opiate withdrawal. As a result of the symptoms intensifying over the next 12-24 hours, he decided to seek medical attention.

I don't know if I would label what this man experienced as addiction or dependency (or both) because the article did not state anything relating to kratom cravings. What I do believe though, is that - since kratom has apparently been shown to agonize mu-opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system - it can probably cause some degree of addiction (possibly akin to someone with a codeine habit). Most likely not on the scale of potent opiates/opioids though.

 

[Hiltoniano]

^exactly. Kratom does cause mental craving and physical dependence, but to a much lesser degree than the traditional opiates. Also tolerance is easier to manage on kratom. I have never had issues with addiction to it, but that is because I intentionally watch out for subtle signs of habituation and take breaks often. The addiction is definitely real... I don't know what you are implying by saying the people claiming to be addicted "only think they are talking about kratom."

 

[Mental Kenny]

Hey all

I keep reading about Kratom addiction but I never seem to have this problem.

Basically, it's not addictive is it. The reports just think they're talking about Kratom.

S

I tried Kratom for the first time back in 2007 while living in England, for me the first couple of years I was doing it daily I never noticed any proper WDs, maybe just a running nose and some mood swings, it was after a few years of constant use that the problems appeared. You need a lot of time before you develop a serious physical dependence, but when you do coming off it is bad. I've done oxy, hydrocodone, MS Contin, to be honest Kratom WDs can easily be just as bad, just with extra depression and last more( more than a whole week, ten days even).

 

[ro4eva]

I tried Kratom for the first time back in 2007 while living in England, for me the first couple of years I was doing it daily I never noticed any proper WDs, maybe just a running nose and some mood swings, it was after a few years of constant use that the problems appeared. You need a lot of time before you develop a serious physical dependence, but when you do coming off it is bad. I've done oxy, hydrocodone, MS Contin, to be honest Kratom WDs can easily be just as bad, just with extra depression and last more( more than a whole week, ten days even).

I believe it. It's not like it has been shown to have a ceiling dose (afaik). Plus, given the apparent fact that it acts as a stimulant at lower dosages probably amplified the depression effect one usually experiences from opiate wd.

 

[Sydneys]

Sorry, that initial comment wasn't clear enough. What I meant by "reports just think they're talking about kratom" is that journalists and researchers may get told by, for example, a doctor at the local hospital, that they have seen x number of kratom addiction cases in the last month. I wouldn't mind betting that they don't often test these patients for other drugs. So someone who is addicted to something obtained illegally can rock up and say 'I'm addicted to kratom', therefore avoid confessing to an illegal activity. This could apply particularly to teenagers who fear parents may find out. The same could apply to the occasionally reported cases (particularly in the U.S.) where doctors report to journalists that people have turned up with all sorts of nasty symptoms and blamed it on kratom. Perhaps they 'forgot' to tell the doctor about the questionable quality illegal stuff that they took with it!