The Side Effects of Taking Kraken Kratom And its Addictive Risks
The purpose of this page is to answer some very specific questions: what is Kraken Kratom and is it addictive?
You may be on this page because you have heard a loved one, perhaps a child, talking about this product and you are worried about their health and future.
We’ll dive into the subject so you can come away with a clear understanding and an idea of what to do next.
If you reach a point where you or a loved one needs to enter formal treatment for an addiction, South Shores Detox is a great place to start. We can help you confront kratom addiction successfully, along with any issues you may have with other drugs. Our phone lines are always open, so call us now to learn more.
What Exactly is Kraken Kratom?
Kraken Kratom is a branded form of kratom that has become popular in recent years. Kratom, if you are not familiar, is an herbal substance that is derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia, called the Mitragyna speciosa. It has traditionally been used for mild stimulant effects, but when taken in stronger concentrations, it can cause more powerful results.
The brand “Kraken Kratom” is a family-owned company that has been operating since 2014 in Portland, Oregon. After more than a decade in business, Kraken Kratom has become a major player in the industry, distributing products through a number of channels. Available products under this brand include powders, capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and more.
It should be noted that unlike brands like Opia, Kraken Kratom has stated that it has never sold 7-OH kratom products, which are more powerful formulations that have recently been banned throughout the United States.
Is Kraken Kratom Easy to Find?
Part of the problem with the growing issues of kratom addiction is the ease with which this substance can be obtained. It is widely available online, in smoke shops, and in other places. So, anyone interested in trying it, or using it regularly, will have little trouble.
While it might be labeled as a supplement by the manufacturer, it is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration or targeted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This means purity and potency can vary from batch to batch, and many people wind up underestimating kratom’s addictive potential.
How Does Kraken Kratom Affect the Body?
Kratom affects the body by interacting with the opioid receptors in the brain. When used, it can lead to sensations of pain relief and mild euphoria. When it is used in low doses, it will often cause a stimulating effect, whereas at higher doses, it can actually act more like a sedative.
Unfortunately, the dual nature of kratom, acting as both a stimulant and sedative depending on dose, can lead to it becoming quite addictive.
Users will continue to consume more and more of the substance, similar to an opioid addiction. Kratom users often report some of the experiences listed below.
Boosted Mood
One of the things that some people like about using kratom powder is the temporary lift in mood that it can provide. For some people, this helps in dealing with social situations, or other settings where they would like to have a bit of a “pick up”.
Of course, this effect doesn’t last long and it isn’t worth the risks that come along with it, but understanding kratom use involves understanding why people would start to reach for it in the first place.
Reduced Pain Perception
If someone is dealing with chronic pain, the main kratom compounds that work in the body when it is used can help to alleviate that pain.
Of course, the use of kratom isn’t actually doing anything to treat the pain, it’s only covering up the underlying cause of it. Kratom should not be seen as an effective treatment to relieve pain, and this is a risky path as more and more kratom will be needed in the future to achieve the same effect.
Drowsiness or Sedation
As you get into higher doses with this substance use disorder, it’s likely that you will run into problems with drowsiness or feelings of sedation. This is one of the reasons that medical professionals worry about the recreational use of this drug.
Emerging evidence points to it being more dangerous than previously believed, and taking it in such high doses that it leads to sedation is certainly concerning.
Loss of Appetite
Some people won’t feel like eating much while using kratom. Because of its known addictive properties, this can lead to a pattern where the individual enters compulsive substance abuse and defaults to kratom rather than making sure their dietary needs are met.
This is true for Kraken as well as other kratom based products, and it can eventually lead to outcomes that are along the same lines as opioid use.
Irritability and Insomnia During Withdrawal
If you only use a minor amount of kratom for a short time, moderate withdrawal symptoms will likely result. However, as the doses increase, along with the duration of your use of the drug, so too will the withdrawal symptoms get worse.
The symptoms might not rise all the way to the severity of traditional opioid withdrawal, but they can be serious. Also, when you try to stop using kratom, it can be hard to sleep, which might drive you right back toward the substance once again.
Is Kraken Kratom Addictive?
Yes, any form of kratom can cause dependence for some users. This is one of the biggest problems with products that are sold as “herbal supplements”. Many people assume that because they are easy to find and purchase, they aren’t dangerous or habit-forming. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Regular use of kratom can absolutely lead to physical dependence and a form of drug abuse similar to an opioid use disorder. You might get muscle pain or other uncomfortable symptoms when you go a period of time without using kratom, which will leave you reaching for more kratom derived products as soon as possible.
That’s exactly what dependence looks like, whether it’s kratom products, opioids, or any other addictive substance.
How South Shores Detox Can Help You Recover from Kratom Addiction
Getting help with this addiction is the first step. Whether it is yourself or a loved one who has fallen into the kratom trap, now is the time to work on recovery.
The first step is going to be a detox process to get all traces of the substance out of your system. The experience of kratom detox will depend entirely on how you have been using kratom to this point. It could be an intense, difficult process, or it could be rather mild. Either way, that needs to happen first before any further progress can be made.
From there, you will enter treatment that addresses any mental health conditions that might be in place. There has to be some reason you felt compelled to try, and continue using, kratom. Getting to the bottom of any relevant mental disorders is what will allow you to finally move forward and not be called back to kratom use.
Get Help for Kratom Abuse at South Shores Detox Today
Yes, Kraken Kratom, while not as potent as 7-oH products, can cause kratom abuse. But there are effective approaches for treatment.
You can connect with the South Shores Detox team to deal with any substance abuse issues that may be impacting you or a loved one.
Reach out now to talk about the situation and to get our confidential support today!