Kratom High: Meaning, Effects, and More.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Kratom misuse and dependence require a comprehensive psychiatric and physical evaluation by a qualified clinician. So, always refer to a licensed mental health specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Kratom may be getting all the fame (or infamy) today, but its story goes way back - all the way to the ancient cultures of Southeast Asia, where farmers and laborers of countries like Malaysia and Thailand used it for its energy-boosting effects to combat pain and fatigue. In recent years, kratom has taken on a new role. So, the question here is, can kratom get you high? Kratom can produce psychoactive effects - depending on the dose, a person experiences euphoria, relaxation, and even a sense of detachment.

Kratom comes from a tree native to Southeast Asia, especially regions like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. In these regions, it is also known as biak, kakaum, ketum, thang, and thom.

Kratom leaves contain two major psychoactive ingredients, namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Kratom leaves are dried, powdered, or brewed as tea. Its leaves may also be chewed. It is also available as a capsule and tablet.

Kratom is used recreationally because it can give rise to a sense of euphoria or a high - a rush of pleasurable sensations and feelings.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that kratom can give rise to both stimulant and sedative effects. At low doses, it produces a sense of high and increases energy, focus, and talkativeness. At high doses, it gives rise to sedative effects.

Kratom can initially seem pleasing and relaxing, but the DEA warns of unwanted side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Increased urination
• Itching
• Sweating
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Heart arrhythmias.

It can also lead to serious effects, such as:

• Anorexia
• Psychosis
• Sleeplessness
• Seizure.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these side effects, reach out to your doctor immediately. You can also call emergency providers, like 9-1-1 if you are in the U.S. If you are outside of the U.S., you can call your local emergency providers.

Kratom can be addictive given its opioid-like qualities. In fact, one study published in reputable journals said that 12.3% of the respondents who used kratom met the criteria for a substance use disorder.

Some signs of kratom misuse and dependence, as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), are:

• Persistent and strong cravings or urges to use kratom.
• Using kratom more frequently and in larger doses than intended.
• Tried to quit kratom, but have been unsuccessful.
• Prioritizing kratom use over everything else in life, like education, job, family, and other activities.
• Spending a lot of time on acquiring, using, and recovering from kratom use.
• Using kratom despite its adverse impact on physical, psychological, and social health.
• Developing tolerance for kratom - which means using kratom in larger quantities to experience the desired effect.
• Developing withdrawal symptoms upon abruptly reducing or quitting kratom.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Someone who is addicted to or dependent on kratom may experience discomforting withdrawal symptoms upon abruptly reducing or quitting kratom use. These can be both physical and psychological, such as:

• Restlessness
• Anger
• Low mood
• Fever
• Pain
• Spasms
• Watery eyes and a runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Sleeplessness.

Chronic kratom use can lead to pronounced physical and mental health complications, which is why treating it is central to a healthier, fulfilling life.

Kratom misuse and dependence are mainly treated with behavioral therapies, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-Step facilitation therapy. These are meant to get to the bottom of underlying patterns leading to kratom use and equip you with healthier coping skills to deal with life’s challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom use, NuView Treatment Center provides a full continuum of personalized outpatient care that is built around your life for flexibility and focused recovery.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (323) 307-7997 to connect with our expert team today!

How long does a kratom high last?

Kratom begins to show effect in a few minutes, and the high lasts for a few hours.

Why is kratom addictive?

Kratom is addictive because it can give rise to pleasing effects, such as euphoric and relaxing effects.

Does kratom have any medical uses?

Kratom is used to treat pain and opioid withdrawal symptoms, but these are just anecdotal experiences. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom to treat any medical condition.

Is kratom legal in the U.S.?

The DEA reports that kratom is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act; however, some states may impose regulations and prohibitions against kratom possession, sale, and use.

Can kratom addiction or dependence be treated?

Kratom addiction or dependence can be effectively treated with behavioral therapies. Presently, there are no FDA-approved medications for kratom misuse.