lets just set the record straight about kratom. Yes people react differently to different substances. So when statements are made about any substance its safe to assume that this may VARY ...as you can never predict all factors for any particular situation. However we can discuss what the facts are about kratom and then adjust accordingly. Using your own intuition and intellegince to factor in issues. The following is in regards to PLAIN LEAF anadulterated kratom as an herb. Not head shop bullshit or extracts or what have you. Much in the same way the coca plant can be medicinal but when processed, well, you know.
1.) Kratom withdrawals are far less severe than opiate withdrawals. Often times when you see someone complaining about kratom withdrawal they have zero experience with other opiods. But in comparison it is far less severe. Also I have seen people complain about kratom withdrawal when they have only been on kratom for a week or less JUMPING FROM A HEROIN IV ADDICITION. Now basically they end up having to consume a horrendous amount of leaf and they end up withdrawing from heroin but only delaying it with high doses of kratom. The idea is to stay on kratom and taper down.
2) There is FAR LESS euphoria and compulsivenss to redose with kratom. Making it less recreational/habitual and individuals find it easier to use it for what ails them.
3) Tapering. I found tapering kratom a BREEZE. Its got a short half life so its easy to taper 1 gram per every few days until you jump off with little to no discomfort. I find opiates cause withdrawal to be felt very severly when trying to taper.
4) Ceiling effect. When I was using kratom daily my tolerance barely rose but I finally got up to 16 grams a day and remained that way for nearly two years. I found it easy to taper down or move up . If I try to does too much higher any euphoria achieved quickly turned to dysphoric sickness. This kept me from dosing too high.
5) the lack of complusivenss helps people to actually stay clean and not use kratom once they are done with it. I have personally quit several times because I had too. And only started using again three months later out of boredome and didnt want to resume my alcoholism as I found myself to be extremely functional on kratom. This is another aspect that makes kratom a wiser choice; its not socially destructive. It doesnt cause crime or poverty. This is why many SE asian countries use the leaf alternativley to opiates, especially for people detoxing from real opiates. Further, when if I ever have cravings its for REAL opiates. Sometimes I give in to that craving and take some kratom. My cravings are gone and guess what? I cant dose uncontrolably, Im not likely to nod out or OD.
Look Kratom may be habit forming. It may cause some people side effects, but not everyones chemistry will vibe with everything. But for people with previous opiate addictions or people wanting an herbal remedy for pain, insomnia and many other ailmenst THIS IS BY FAR THE LESSER OF THE EVILS. I feel when people having anything negative to say about kratom its because they personally didnt like the effects, its too novel of a substance for them, or they are dogmatically against anything that potentially may alter consciousness
Now if you have no substances to compare to , then yes kratom withdrawal can suck. But when you know how much worse opiod withdrawal can be....KRATOM IS A GODSEND. Take my mother, for example...who was hooked pharms. Shes clean bc of kratom. She uses it now once or twice a month sparingly for pain.
I HATE CANNABIS.....more accuratly, I hate the way it makes me feel, and the side effects I get from it. I get paranoid, anxious, sick, lethargic and cardiovascular disturbances....I dont go around saying its a shitty dangerous plant even though it potentially may be dangerous for me. My heartrate and blood pressure gets scary sometimes when I smoke pot. So I just dont do it and let peiople that enjoy it have it for themselves...I dont infringe upon it. Certain drugs are prohibited because they are a poison to society....well KRATOM AND CANNABIS ARE FAR FROM THAT. THERES NO COMPARISON BETWEEN KRATOM AND OPIATES in regards to destructive power.
SEATTLE STRANGER: I couldn't quote you for some odd reason.
I just wanted to point out that this is how it is FOR YOU but I've read many accounts on here saying otherwise.
I personally am a noob to Kratom, having only done it on 7 seperate days, but others in this thread have referred to Kratom withdrawal as "a living hell with joint pain, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, naseau, hot and cold flashes" and other symptoms.
I'm sure you know more about Kratom than me, but I wouldn't want someone inexperienced reading this to assume that Kratom withdrawals are easy and no big deal to go through.
I personally am going to assume that they are terrible so I don't ever have to go through them because if they are as bad as SOME posters have said they are FOR THEM...that's more than I want to have to go through.
It sounds like your personal brain and body chemistry makes Kratom withdrawal easy for you, but just from what I've read I don't believe that Kraotm is 90% psychologically addictive only, as it's an opioid and opioid's have serious physical withdrawal symptoms.