When taken regularly, Kratom can have many long-term effects that can be unpleasant and potentially life-threatening. In 2019, the National Poison Data System reported 11 deaths between 2011 and 2017 that involved Kratom exposure. The effects of Kratom on individuals are primarily determined by the dosage consumed.

Because kratom is still relatively new to the United States and Western culture in general, we don’t have a broad sampling of data about the long-term effects it has on users. However, we can discuss some of the potential risks of using kratom and how they might affect people over an extended period of time. Here are four reasons why you should be concerned whether kratom is safe to use regularly. Some people take kratom to ease the symptoms of quitting opioids, called withdrawal. Depending on individual needs and pain levels, alternatives can include non-pharmaceutical options, like physical therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness practices, and over-the-counter medications.

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• Despite its “legal” status, there are still potential dangers of Kratom that need to be addressed in regards to long-term use.
• This medication is a full agonist opioid that can alleviate withdrawal symptoms during treatment.
• Some studies suggest that frequent Kratom use can lead to addiction.
• Since there isn’t much researched information on Kratom, this can be a scary experience.

Kratom, scientifically known an in-depth look at kratoms long-term side effects & how to avoid them as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of the kratom tree have been traditionally used for centuries by indigenous people in the region for their stimulant and opioid-like effects. By Michelle PugleMichelle Pugle writes health articles for award-winning websites, as seen in Healthline, Verywell, Everyday Health, and Psych Central.

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Even though some claim that professionals can use Kratom to treat withdrawal symptoms of opioid use disorder, there is not enough evidence to support this claim. Kratom carries negative, addictive side effects and risks. Instead, MedMark uses medication-assisted treatments (MAT) with FDA-approved medications such as methadone, buprenorphine and buprenorphine with naloxone.

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• Snorting and smoking kratom is considered the riskiest way to take the drug.
• It’s recommended to check for updates from reputable sources or healthcare authorities for the latest information on kratom and its potential effects on the cardiovascular system.
• This lack of regulation has also led to serious health risks, including kratom being linked to a 2018 outbreak of salmonella.
• Kratom is an herbal product made from the leaves of the kratom tree (Mitragyna speciosa), said to have opioid-like effects.

Poison control centers have reported an increase in calls due to Kratom misuse. Kratom’s effects are not yet widely understood, making it a potentially dangerous drug. Kratom use can result in addiction and withdrawal symptoms that are just as dangerous as those caused by opioid use.

Is Kratom Powder an Opioid?

Kratom’s reported benefits include helping people cope with withdrawal symptoms and drug-related cravings, pain, fatigue, and mental health challenges. For more than 50 years, Methadone has been utilized to treat opioid use disorder, proving to be effective when paired with additional supportive treatments such as substance use counseling. This medication is a full agonist opioid that can alleviate withdrawal symptoms during treatment. By activating the receptors in the brain, it can satisfy the body’s need for opioids, without the risks of misusing opioids.

For some people, such irritation can lead to insomnia or disturbed sleep. Taking Kratom regularly can cause significant weight-loss and even lead to eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa. With highly restricted calorie intake, the body can experience severe and dangerous weight loss that can negatively affect internal organs.

Snorting and smoking kratom is considered the riskiest way to take the drug. Often, these methods add more long-term effects on top of Kratom’s usual effects. Even if you have failed previously and relapsed, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life call us.

As kratom use has become increasingly common, the FDA has expressed concerns about its safety, mainly due to an uptick in kratom users being hospitalized with symptoms of poisoning. Forget about the long-term effects of using kratom for a moment — there’s evidence that suggests kratom can be dangerous even before it causes issues with addiction and withdrawal. But federal agencies are taking action to fight false claims about kratom.

What scientists are finding out about the substance isn’t all positive. This article has been reviewed for accuracy by our peer review team which includes clinicians and medical professionals. Kratom products have been found to have heavy metals, such as lead, and harmful germs, such as salmonella, in them. The FDA has linked more than 35 deaths to salmonella-tainted kratom. People who use kratom to relax or to be more social most likely think that kratom is natural and safe because it comes from a plant. But the amount of the active part in kratom leaves can vary greatly.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Kratom Use?

Some of this concern stems from the fact that kratom is an unregulated herbal remedy. The naturally occurring chemical compounds in kratom also bind to receptors affecting various aspects of mental health, including serotonin receptors and dopamine receptors. These plant compounds or kratom alkaloids and receptors are linked to kratom’s stimulating or arousing effects. Websites selling Kratom are making false claims about its ability to help with opioid addiction, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. People who have used Kratom to deal with their opioid addiction have instead become addicted to Kratom. Kratom should not be used as a substitute for proper drug treatment, especially for opioids.

People who already have a high tolerance for opioids who take Kratom run the risk of overdose because they are not able to dose Kratom properly. Due to its leaf nature, those who buy powdered Kratom have no way of verifying whether the substance has been laced with other drugs to exaggerate effects. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.