What’s the Problem?
Like a lot of substances people put into their bodies, some of the chemicals in Kratom have addictive properties. In order to understand why we need to understand the effects Kratom has inside the brain. We also need to understand how addiction works and why people become addicted to things.
What Causes Kratom Tolerance?
Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been used by people of this region for a long time for the management of pain and opium withdrawal. In the West, Kratom is increasingly being used by individuals for the self-management of pain or withdrawal from opioid drugs such as heroin and prescription painkillers. – American Osteopathic Association, December 2012, Vol. 112, 792-799.
Among over 20 active ingredients found in Kratom, two are responsible for most of the effects as well as the tolerance and addiction potential. These are Mitragynine and Hydroxymitragynine. These chemicals have over a dozen studied effects on the body. The most notable effects are the binding of the μ-opioid receptor. “Main activity on μ-opioid creating opiate and analgesic effects and physical dependence.” – Source
Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom withdrawal symptoms are very similar to opiate withdrawal symptoms, though typically lesser in intensity. Some of the most common issues are:
- Irritability
- Dysphoria – feeling uneasy and unsatisfied with life
- Nausea
- Hypertension – high blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Yawning
- Rhinorrhea – runny nose
- Myalgia – muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Arthralgias – joint pain
If you do a little research on opiate withdrawals, you will see they are almost exactly the same. For this reason, treating these substances similarly is a good idea. A lot of Kratom promoters will argue this, but the facts tell an obvious tale. Even though kratom is not technically an opiate, its effects on the brain are similar as are the withdrawal symptoms.
The Only Real Solution to the Problem is Quitting Kratom
The Myth that Changing Strains Reduces Tolerance
A lot of Kratom dealers will spout a bunch of bs about how switching strains allows people to use Kratom every day without building up a tolerance. Well, I’m here to tell you that that is bullshit. They only say that so you will buy more Kratom from them.
But, why is it bullshit? Well, as you read above, there are two main chemicals in Kratom that are psychoactive. The main one, mitragynine, accounts for 60% of the alkaloids found in Kratom while the secondary chemical, hydroxymitragynine accounts for 2%. These are the chemicals that produce the effects people like. All Kratom has these two chemicals no matter which strain.
So, while it’s true that each strain will have different levels of these chemicals, these two chemicals are what people develop a tolerance to, so no matter what strain you take, you’re getting almost the same effect.
I have tested this on myself and can say with certainty that switching strains did nothing to mitigate tolerance, so don’t fall for this lie.
Treating the Withdrawal Symptoms
Looks, if you are experiencing withdrawals, you need to figure out a solution to the real problem, which is taking Kratom every single day. But, if stopping is not an option for you, there are remedies that can help. I have a whole list of them in this article. Here you will find a list of supplements and remedies that can help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms.
These are very helpful when you’re trying to quit, as that’s when you will feel the most symptoms.
When Withdrawals Lead to Addiction
Seeking Help
Addiction is a very common problem for Americans which has led to there being many places to turn when you need help. Here is a list of resources for you if you think you want to talk to someone or seek professional help. There’s nothing wrong with seeking out some more information and considering your options, so take a look and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. These people don’t know you personally, they are just there to help you out.
- National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Helpline
- Addiction Support Groups through addictioncenter.com
- A list of options from addictionandrecovery.org