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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

Kratom Reduction Capsules vs Washing Powder

Asparagus_Prince

Asparagus_Prince

Bluelighter
Joined
Jan 19, 2021
Messages
340
Location
'merica
I'm a Kratom user and I'm in this routine of using it most days for a 2 month period followed by a 1-month detox/break from it. And when I approach my break I come up with a reduction plan for a week or two and I typically do a pretty good job of sticking to the plan.

And during my reduction periods I've noticed I am MUCH more disciplined if I use the capsules as opposed to powder/washing it down (which is what I usually do). If I'm washing during a reduction period I am WAY more likely to behave like an addict... I'll tell myself "Just one more dose won't hurt" or "I'll start being good tomorrow". You fellow junkies know the score.

But for whatever reason discipline is easier when I'm taking the capsules. Almost downright easy, actually. I stick to my reduction plan without much temptation.

WHY is this? This completely fucks with me because I don't have Guess 1 and I'm a gotta-know-the-reason control freak.

I don't think this is related to some sort of psychological addiction. For example, snorting a line (which I like to call "breathing in the magic"). Or that satisfaction of a needle's plunge. In fact I consider the flavor of Kratom to be slightly disagreeable and I don't exactly look forward to the actual process of washing it down.

It's also not a brand thing. No matter the brand I use it's the same thing. And I always use white vein maeng-da.

Does anyone else relate to this? And/or... does anyone have any theories as to why this is? I'm wallowing in mad curiosity here!
 
It definitely seems easier with the capsules as they give a small amount of standardization in a drug that almost always gives a different effect based on various factors, especially with different strains having different levels of MIT and Actives in general, it's almost impossible to get the exact same dose twice even with the capsules, but it's a lot easier to cut down in general with them ive found too.
 
I have never tried buying or filling my own capsules but I can see how standardization by weight would be good. For me the problem is that when washing, some measured spoons "accidentally" end up a little bit more heaping or well-packed. A little more of a mound on top can be a lot. My preference would be to fill my own capsules though. Guess I need to get a scale and capsule filler as scooped volume is so inconsistent.
Nice that you can be disciplined enough to take those one month breaks. My approach is to try not to do it more than 2 or 3 times a week, with a occasional week long breaks. But this has started leaving me kind of dissatisfied on clean days, though not withdrawing. Maybe I should cut back a bit. Something isn't working right and capsules might be the trick.
 
chippermonk said:
some measured spoons "accidentally" end up a little bit more heaping or well-packed. A little more of a mound on top can be a lot.
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This is a different issue but, yes, I've noticed this is a problem. There have been times I take, say, a level tablespoon but it just seemed like I was swallowing a lot more than the previous time. Due to the accidental packing you mentioned.

chippermonk said:
Nice that you can be disciplined enough to take those one month breaks.
Click to expand...
Well, it's not like I'm happy with my routine. Taking it on 90% of days during my use-phase isn't anything to brag about. And my use typically keeps edging up and up until I decide it's time to prepare for a break. I guess I AM glad that I'm able to do that. But I think the more ideal approach is what you mentioned... perhaps twice per week. And/or giving myself multi-day breaks every week. I have NOT been disciplined enough to do that.

Maybe I could be disciplined like that if I went to the capsules. I'm cheap I guess. It's so much more cost effective buying the powder. But this is something I'll have to consider now that you've accidentally given me the idea.
 
The other thing I'm thinking about is the size of my dose size when I do take it. I'm starting to realize that a smaller dose actually can be enough to improve my mood. It may not be as big of a high but it can be enough to simply feel better, and there is little less of a come-down hangover with lower doses. I'm thinking capsules might help me with that. But I admit it's tough to stick to those smaller doses, I'm trying.
Yeah, I'm cheap re capsules too. Bulk powder is cheaper. Plus my preferred online supplier doesn't sell in capsules. But I know I can buy the empty capsules bulk for fairly cheap and get a capsule filler to hopefully be exact about it.
 
Ok, I think I've figured this out!

I've been HIGHLY underestimating the "well-packed" issue, as chippermonk mentioned. For years I've actually been taking smaller doses than I assumed. When I'm washing, that is.

See, a few days ago I bought the same brand and strain of Kratom in both capsules and powder so I could test this. I emptied out the capsules into a tablespoon spoon without packing it. And geez, I realized I'd been WAY off in my dosing estimates. I always assumed my level or slightly heaping tablespoons were about a 7 gram dose when it's actually been more like 4!!!! That ain't no small difference! So no wonder I've thought it's way easier when I start my reduction plan on capsules. I've actually been starting off with way higher doses without realizing it!

This is somewhat relieving because recently I thought I had been washing around 30 grams per day on average. I track my use and I knew this was way too high of an average. But looking back it was actually more like 15-20 grams per day on average. Still too high. But at least now I have a better handle on the accuracy of my doses.
 
I wanted to make this clear because now I don't want anyone to read my first post and assume it's good advice to use the capsules vs washing the powder. They're not better for some unknown reason. It turns out that unknown reason was dumbass Asparagus Prince miscalculating his doses all this time.

If you're like me and you scoop out some Kratom with a tablespoon, then gently sift the spoon back and forth until it looks like an even tablespoon, and you assume that's 6 grams, then you might want to think again.
 
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I'll also add that this all started a couple days ago when I could tell I was near an overdose after taking some capsules. I was getting borderline sick and I could tell that one more gram of Kratom would have me barfing. And at the time I was perplexed because I thought I had only taken a slightly larger doses than usual (over the course of 2 doses over a few hours). Well, as it turns out the slightly larger dose PLUS my dosing underestimations = I had taken more like double my usual dose by that time of the day.

I'm hoping all this makes sense
 
Ha, that's interesting! For me, I decided that the "level teaspoon" approach actually tends to give me more than simple scoop measuring. When I try to make an exact level spoonful, I I scrape the top of the mound off on the edge of the bag. But in that process, the scraping also packs it in, increasing the condensed quantity.
Really I should just weigh it, I think
 
chippermonk said:
Really I should just weigh it, I think
Click to expand...
I'm definitely going to start weighing when/if I return to washing. I bought a digital scale that measures ounces/grams and I'm delighted by how accurate it is.

I always assumed that my dosing estimates might be inaccurate by a gram either way. In which case, no big deal. But being 3 or 4 grams off is a massively big deal, as I'm sure you know. I never realized they pack as much into one capsule as they do.
 
I'm pretty small. More like 3 g max, usually more like 2.5. I tried 4 once and got really nauseous. But lately I've been playing around with less than 2. I prefer green over other colors
 
chippermonk said:
I'm pretty small. More like 3 g max, usually more like 2.5. I tried 4 once and got really nauseous. But lately I've been playing around with less than 2. I prefer green over other colors
Click to expand...
It's odd to me when people mention colors in terms of effects, because I get huge variations bag to bag. I've never had one that feels, to me, the way its described. It's almost funny because I can look at another description of a different bag, and that be a spot on description, but the way they say it'll feel for that bag just never is how it feels personally.
 
daturetard said:
It's odd to me when people mention colors in terms of effects, because I get huge variations bag to bag. I've never had one that feels, to me, the way its described. It's almost funny because I can look at another description of a different bag, and that be a spot on description, but the way they say it'll feel for that bag just never is how it feels personally.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm honestly not persuaded this vein color thing means anything. I guess mostly I'm going on the fact that I simultaneously bought big batches of white and green last year from the same vendor, along with some red, and those particular bags are all I've been doing for the past 12 months. This batch of green I like more than any other kraton I've bought, so I've decided green is best, but who knows.
I do know that I like kratom best when it energizes me some. I guess that's why smaller doses work best for me. Bigger doses just don't feel good to me.
 
I think it really comes down to what someone needs. Kratom reduction capsules are usually taken by people who want an easier, more controlled way to use smaller amounts, while washing powder is totally different and meant for cleaning. They shouldn’t be compared as the same thing. Just make sure to use each product only for its proper purpose and follow the instructions on the label to stay safe.
 
Hey @Asparagus_Prince :)

This is definitely a cool topic and a useful one at that. I could probably shift it to our revovery forums, but I think it´s important enough to stay here in the HR forums.

This is 100% a real phenomenon. People often look at their addictions as these huge, incredibly prfound, existential issues that can only be solved by some complete miracle or something. Sometimes, we forget how important seemingly mundane things like dosage forms can be.

Getting clean or even tapering does require discipline. Discipline is just one part though. You also have to set yourself up for success. By having a clearly established dosing form, you can counteract your addictive, compulsive tendenceies. If you have powder, this means weighing it, measuring it or whatever and having clearly established doses ready to go. Do not dedcide how much you´re going to take at the time of dosing. It is absolutely the tendency of an addict to say ¨oh just a little it more, just this one time¨.

Sure, even if you have establisehd dosage forms, you can cheat, but you set yourself up for success by taking the amiguity out of the whole thing.
 
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