Are you curious about the supposed benefits and risks of smoking kratom? With conflicting information and opinions circulating online, it can be difficult to separate myths from realities. In this blog post, we will explore the truth behind kratom smoking – including its history, effects on the body, and potential dangers. So sit back, light up (or not), and let’s dive into this controversial topic!
What is kratom?
Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant that has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. The leaves and stem of the kratom tree are dried and crushed to create a powder that can be consumed as a tea, smoked, or used in capsules. Kratom has been reported to help treat chronic pain, improve energy levels, and reduce anxiety. However, there is limited research on the effects of kratom and it is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Kratom is illegal in many countries, including Thailand, where it is considered an addictive drug.
What are the benefits of kratom?
When it comes to kratom, many people have misconceptions about what the plant actually does and how it affects them. Some believe that kratom is a dangerous drug that can lead to addiction, while others think it has miraculous healing properties. The truth is, there are a few different benefits of kratom use that should be considered before making a decision about whether or not to try the herb.
Kratom has been used in Southeast Asia for centuries as an herbal remedy for pain relief and anxiety relief. In recent years, its popularity has grown among Americans due to its ability to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms and chronic pain. While some reports claim that kratom can be addictive and lead to dangerous side effects, these claims have not been substantiated by scientific studies. In fact, most research suggests that kratom is relatively safe when used in moderation – provided you don’t consume large amounts of the herb over time.
Some potential benefits of kratom use include:
1) Kratom relieves pain – Whether you suffer from chronic pain or are trying to overcome opioid withdrawal symptoms, kratom can provide effective relief.
2) Kratom reduces anxiety – Few things are as relaxing as taking a break from stress-related symptoms with a cup of chamomile tea, but often times people find it difficult to stick with regular treatments due to their limitations. Kratom can be a great solution for those who struggle with anxiety on a daily basis.
What are the risks of kratom?
There is much misinformation surrounding kratom and its effects, which can lead to serious risks. While kratom has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia for centuries, there is currently no scientific evidence that it has any therapeutic benefits. In fact, there are a number of potential risks associated with using kratom, including addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Kratom is addictive and can lead to psychological dependence. When usedregularly, users may develop a tolerance to the psychoactive effects of kratom, requiring higher doses in order to experience the same level of intoxication. This can lead to addiction and potentially fatal consequences if kratom is stopped abruptly after prolonged use.
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can be intense and include: restlessness, increased appetite, muscle aches, diarrhea, sweating, fever, seizures and chills. These symptoms can last for up to seven days and can be aggravated by alcohol or benzodiazepines. If left untreated, withdrawal symptoms could lead to relapse in users who have developed a dependency on kratom.
Kratom also poses a risk of toxicity. While the amount of alkaloids present in kratom varies depending on the cultivar studied, all forms of the plant are likely to contain high levels of opium-like compounds that could potentially cause toxicity. There have been reports of people consuming large amounts of kratom without being aware of the potential harm it could cause. In some cases, this has led to death due to liver failure or brain damage.
How does kratom work?
Kratom is an extract from the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the M. speciosa tree are used as a stimulant and pain reliever in traditional medicine throughout Southeast Asia.
Traditional uses for kratom include treating chronic fatigue syndrome, reducing inflammation, and relieving opioid withdrawal symptoms. Kratom has only been illegal in the United States since 2014, when it was classified as a Schedule I drug alongside substances like heroin and LSD.
So how does kratom work? Its active ingredient, mitragynine, binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, mimicking the effects of morphine and other opioids. This can lead to decreased pain perception, increased energy levels, and decreased cravings for opioids. However, there is limited scientific research on the long-term effects of kratom use, so it is unclear if these benefits are sustainable over time.
Is kratom addictive?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tree in the coffee family that is native to Southeast Asia. It is sometimes called Thai coffee, because many people believe that drinking kratom tea helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms from hard drug addiction. Kratom also has stimulant and opioid properties, which makes it an interesting plant to research for potential treatments of substance abuse and dependence.
Unfortunately, kratom has also been associated with addictive behavior. In a study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, researchers analyzed data from 818 kratom users who reported struggling with opiate addiction or dependency. They found that 47 percent of participants had developed an addiction to kratom, and 33 percent had developed a dependency on the substance. The most common reasons why participants became addicted to or dependent on kratom were because it helped them overcome withdrawal symptoms from other drugs, decreased their cravings for other substances, and made them feel more energetic.
While it is true that Kratom can be addictive, there is not enough evidence yet to support using it as a treatment for opioid addiction or dependence. For now, the best way for people to avoid developing an addiction to Kratom is by avoiding using the substance if they are struggling with opiate addiction or dependency.
Conclusion
Smoking kratom is a controversial topic that is surrounded by myths and realities. While some people believe that smoking kratom has miraculous healing properties, others believe it to be a dangerous drug that can lead to addiction. Kratom has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia for centuries, but its use has recently increased in the US due to its potential to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms and chronic pain.
However, there are a number of potential risks associated with using kratom, including addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and toxicity. While research on the long-term effects of kratom use is limited, it is clear that smoking kratom is not a safe or effective way to use this herb. As with any substance, it is important to do your research and consult with a healthcare professional before using kratom.
