The Dangers of Smoking Kratom: Side Effects and Risks

You’re curious about kratom, a plant that’s gaining buzz for its pain-relieving qualities. Like many, you might be considering it as an alternative to traditional medications. But before lighting up or reaching for a spoonful of that green powder, it’s important to know what risks lie in those kratom leaves—especially when smoked or snorted.

Kratom has swept across the United States as a popular herbal product despite health warnings about its potential dangers. In your search for relief or perhaps a new experience, understanding these risks is crucial.

This article will guide you through the unsettling side effects and long-term consequences of using kratom in ways not intended by nature. Ready? Let’s discover how to navigate these waters safely.

Key Takeaways

• Smoking or snorting kratom can damage your lungs, heart, and brain. It might make you feel sick right away and lead to long-term health problems like addiction.
• Kratom has effects that are like opioids and stimulants. Using a lot of it could make you very sleepy or even cause a coma. If used often, it can become addictive with hard withdrawal symptoms.
• Drinking kratom tea seems safer than smoking or snorting it but still has risks. Too much tea can hook you on kratom too.
• Mixing kratom with other drugs or alcohol is dangerous because we don’t know how they work together. This mix could be deadly.
• If you’re hooked on kratom and need help, there are experts who can support your recovery journey toward better health.

Understanding Kratom

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree named Mitragyna speciosa found in Southeast Asia. People there have used it for years as medicine. The leaves are special because they can act like stimulants and pain relievers.

Kratom has stuff called alkaloids in it, which affect your brain like opioids do.

Some folks use kratom to try to stop the bad feelings that come when stopping opioids. But be careful, kratom can also hook you just like other drugs. It’s sold as leaves, powder, or tea but is often smoked or snorted by some people looking for quick effects.

This isn’t safe and can cause real harm to your body and mind if you’re not careful.

Methods of Consuming Kratom

There are several methods of consuming kratom, including smoking and snorting kratom or drinking it as a tea. Each method has its own set of risks and effects on the body and brain.

Let’s take a closer look at each one to understand their implications.

Smoking and Snorting Kratom

You might see kratom powder and think about smoking or snorting it. This is a bad idea. Smoke goes into your lungs and can hurt them, making breathing hard. Your airways could get swollen and you might cough a lot.

This can lead to lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Snorting isn’t safe either. It irritates your nose and throat, causing pain and damage.

Kratom has stuff in it that works on the same parts of your brain as opioid drugs do. If you smoke or snort it, these effects can hit you too fast and be very strong. You could feel sick with vomiting or have trouble thinking clearly.

Sometimes people even see things that aren’t there (hallucinations). These ways of using kratom are not only dangerous but also unpredictable—each time could be different, putting you at high risk each time.

Drinking Kratom Tea

Moving from the risks of smoking and snorting kratom, let’s talk about drinking kratom tea. This way of using kratom is common in Southeast Asia, where the plant comes from. People there have been making tea with kratom leaves for a long time because they believe it can help them feel better or stay awake.

In the US, some folks are starting to drink kratom tea too. They use it hoping to get relief from pain or avoid feeling sick from not having opioids. But even as a tea, taking too much can be risky.

It might make you feel like you’re on drugs that come from poppies (like heroin). If someone drinks it a lot over time, they could get addicted and have withdrawal symptoms later on if they try to quit.

So while drinking this herbal tea may seem safer than other ways of taking kratom, it still has big dangers that shouldn’t be ignored.

How to Make Kratom Tea

To make kratom tea, follow these steps:

1. Boil 2 – 4 cups of water in a pot.
2. Add the desired amount of kratom powder to the boiling water.
3. Stir the mixture consistently for 10 – 15 minutes to ensure proper infusion.
4. After simmering, turn off the heat and let the tea sit for at least 5 minutes.
5. Use a fine strainer or cheesecloth to filter out the solid particles from the liquid.
6. Pour the strained tea into a mug and let it cool before consumption.
7. You may add sweeteners or flavorings if desired, but avoid alcohol or stimulants when consuming kratom tea.

Effects of Kratom on the Brain

Kratom can affect the brain by binding to opioid receptors, leading to pain relief and euphoria. It can also produce stimulant-like effects by increasing energy and alertness. However, smoking or snorting kratom can cause harmful outcomes such as increased heart rate, agitation, and hallucinations.

Using kratom in high doses may lead to sedation and even coma due to its opioid-like properties. The substance has been reported to have addictive potential, similar to other opioids, which raises concerns about dependency and misuse when using kratom for its psychoactive effects.

Consuming kratom leaves in low doses may result in stimulant effects like increased sociability and motivation. Additionally, some users believe it improves mood and focus. However, despite these perceived benefits, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with using kratom for recreational purposes due to its impact on brain function and potential adverse effects on overall health.

The Dangers of Smoking Kratom

Smoking Kratom can have both short-term and long-term effects on your health, including respiratory problems, lung damage, and an increased risk of addiction. It’s important to understand the risks associated with smoking Kratom before consuming it in this manner.

Short-Term Effects

Smoking kratom can lead to immediate and harmful effects on your body. Here are the short-term dangers you should be aware of:

1. Increased heart rate: Smoking kratom can cause your heart rate to rise, leading to palpitations and discomfort.
2. Agitation and irritability: The stimulant-like effects of kratom may make you feel restless, anxious, or on edge.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Consuming kratom through smoking can result in stomach upset, leading to nausea and vomiting.
4. Hallucinations: Some users may experience visual or auditory hallucinations after smoking kratom, causing disorientation and confusion.
5. Dizziness and lightheadedness: Smoking kratom can lead to a feeling of unsteadiness or dizziness, affecting your balance and coordination.

Long-Term Effects

Long-term effects of smoking or snorting kratom can be harmful and may include:

• Increased risk of addiction, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms that can be severe.
• Heightened potential for respiratory problems and lung damage due to inhaling the substance over an extended period.
• Development of tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of overdose.
• Impact on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings, as a result of prolonged kratom use.
• Potential liver damage and hepatotoxicity, which can lead to serious health complications.

The Risks of Snorting Kratom

Snorting kratom can lead to immediate side effects such as irritation of the nasal passages and throat, as well as potential long-term risks including damage to the respiratory system and addiction.

It is important to be aware of these dangers before considering this method of consuming kratom.

Immediate Side Effects

Smoking or snorting Kratom can lead to immediate side effects that can be harmful. Here are some of the immediate side effects of smoking or snorting Kratom:

1. Increased heart rate: Smoking or snorting Kratom can cause your heart rate to increase rapidly, which may lead to palpitations and discomfort.
2. Agitation: Use of Kratom through smoking or snorting can result in feelings of restlessness and agitation, making it difficult to relax or stay calm.
3. Hallucinations: Smoking or snorting Kratom may lead to hallucinations, where you see, hear, feel, smell, or taste things that aren’t real.
4. Dizziness: Using Kratom in this manner may cause dizziness and lightheadedness, affecting your balance and coordination.
5. Nausea and vomiting: Immediate ingestion of Kratom through smoking or snorting may induce feelings of nausea and lead to vomiting.
6. Sweating: The use of Kratom by smoking or snorting could result in excessive sweating even with minimal physical activity.
7. Insomnia: Smoking or snorting Kratom can disrupt sleep patterns and make it difficult for you to fall asleep or stay asleep.
8. Anxiety: It may also cause heightened levels of anxiety and unease, leading to a sense of nervousness and fear.

Long-Term Risks

Smoking and snorting kratom for a long time can lead to serious health risks for you. Here are some possible long-term dangers of using kratom:

1. Increased Risk of Addiction: Continued use of kratom, especially through smoking or snorting, can lead to developing a strong dependence on the substance, increasing the risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
2. Respiratory Problems: Prolonged inhalation of kratom smoke or powder can cause respiratory issues such as chronic cough, difficulty breathing, and lung damage.
3. Liver Damage: Long-term use may also have adverse effects on your liver, potentially leading to liver damage and other related health complications.
4. Cognitive Impairment: Chronic smoking or snorting of kratom may impair cognitive function over time, affecting memory, concentration, and overall mental sharpness.
5. Emotional Instability: Extended use of kratom in this manner can lead to emotional instability, mood swings, and potential worsening of any existing mental health conditions.
6. Social and Occupational Impairment: Long-term use carries the risk of impacting your social relationships and occupational performance due to addiction-related behaviors and health issues.
7. Overall Physical Health Decline: Smoking or snorting kratom for a prolonged period may have other negative impacts on your overall physical well-being, including compromised immune function and increased susceptibility to illnesses.

Consequences of Long-Term Kratom Use

Long-term use of kratom can lead to dependence and addiction. This means your body becomes reliant on the substance, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.

The addictive nature of kratom can make it challenging to quit, leading to continued use despite negative consequences. Additionally, long-term use may also result in physical health issues such as liver damage or respiratory problems.

It’s important to be aware of these potential consequences before considering prolonged kratom use.

Moreover, chronic kratom consumption has been associated with adverse psychological effects including anxiety, depression, and even psychosis in some cases. These mental health impacts can significantly affect your overall well-being and quality of life over time.

Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved with long-term kratom usage and seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with kratom dependence or addiction.

Dangers of Mixing Kratom with Other Substances

Mixing kratom with other substances can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Kratom’s effects on the body can change when combined with other drugs. For example, combining kratom with opioids or sedatives might lead to respiratory depression – making it hard to breathe.

This could even be fatal as both substances slow down the central nervous system. Moreover, using kratom with alcohol may increase the risk of harmful side effects such as nausea and dizziness.

It’s essential to remember that some medications and herbal supplements may also interact negatively with kratom, leading to serious health risks. These interactions might reduce the effectiveness of medications or cause unexpected reactions in your body.

The U.S FDA has warned about these potential dangers, emphasizing the need for caution when mixing kratom with any other substances due to its unknown effects on metabolism and safety profile.

Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal

Kratom withdrawal can lead to various physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms may include:

1. Muscle aches and joint pain: You might experience discomfort and soreness in your muscles and joints as your body adjusts to the absence of kratom.
2. Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep can occur during withdrawal, leading to fatigue and irritability.
3. Increased anxiety: Feelings of nervousness and unease may intensify as a result of kratom withdrawal.
4. Irritability and mood swings: You might find yourself easily agitated or experiencing sudden changes in mood.
5. Intense cravings for kratom: Your body may strongly desire the effects of kratom, leading to persistent cravings.
6. Nausea and vomiting: Gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and vomiting, can be common during withdrawal.
7. Runny nose and watery eyes: Similar to opioid withdrawal, you might experience flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose and teary eyes.
8. Diarrhea: Digestive issues like diarrhea are possible during the withdrawal period.
9. Restlessness: Feeling restless or unable to sit still is another potential symptom of kratom withdrawal.
10. Depressed mood: A sense of sadness or depression might arise during this time, making it crucial to seek appropriate support if needed.

Kratom Dependence and Addiction Treatment

If you find yourself dependent on kratom or struggling with addiction, seeking professional help is crucial. Counseling with a licensed professional can provide guidance and support in managing dependence and addressing addictive behaviors.

Additionally, reaching out to a drug counselor who specializes in substance use disorder can offer valuable assistance in navigating the challenges of overcoming kratom addiction. It’s essential to acknowledge that overcoming addiction takes time and effort, but with the right support system and treatment plan tailored to your needs, recovery is possible.

Moreover, considering a comprehensive approach involving therapy, counseling, and possibly medication-assisted treatment under medical supervision can significantly improve your chances of successful recovery.

Understanding that there are professionals ready to assist you through this journey is an important step towards reclaiming control over your well-being. Don’t hesitate to seek help as you navigate through the process of treating kratom dependence and addiction.

Is Kratom a Controlled Substance?

When it comes to purchasing kratom, you might want to know if it’s a controlled substance. In the United States, kratom is not currently classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

However, some states and municipalities have their own regulations regarding the legality of kratom. For example, in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, kratom is illegal.

It’s essential to understand your local laws regarding kratom before purchasing or using it to avoid legal repercussions.

Kratom is also not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medicinal use. This means that its safety and effectiveness are not evaluated or approved by this regulatory authority.

Therefore, there may be variations in purity and quality among different vendors selling kratom products online. Additionally, due to its unregulated status at the federal level and varying local laws within different states or cities concerning its legality; you should always research and stay informed about current regulations before buying or consuming kratom products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s crucial to recognize the serious risks associated with smoking or snorting kratom. The potential for harmful side effects and addiction should not be underestimated.

As a consumer, being aware of these dangers is essential for making informed decisions about kratom use. Take caution and prioritize your well-being when considering the consumption of kratom in any form.

Ultimately, staying informed empowers you to make safer choices regarding your health and substance use.

FAQs

1. What is Kratom and can it be dangerous?

Kratom comes from a leaf called Mitragynine, and people use it for pain or to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms. But smoking kratom can harm your health, like causing high blood pressure or heart failure.

2. Can Kratom become addictive like other drugs?

Yes, if you use kratom a lot, your body might want more of it which leads to physical dependence. This means you could get addicted just like with opioids such as morphine or codeine.

3. Are there side effects from using Kratom?

Using kratom can lead to bad side effects like feeling sick in the stomach, hypertension (which means very high blood pressure), and even psychological dependence where your mind craves for it.

4. Should someone trying to stop opioid addiction use Kratom?

Kratom might seem helpful at first because it can make opioid withdrawal symptoms less severe. However, since kratom itself is risky and could cause addiction, talking to a professional counselor or doctor about safer options is better.

5. Is smoking the only way people use Kratom?

No, besides smoking kratom leaves people also mix them into drinks but using them this way still has risks including the chance of overdosing.

6. What should I do if I need help with substance abuse disorder?

It’s important to talk to experts who know about drug problems—like licensed counselors or social workers—if you’re struggling with substance abuse disorder instead of trying self-treatment methods that could be unsafe.