Kratom use can lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and ongoing challenges that affect your health and daily life. Our Athens kratom addiction treatment program provides individualized, evidence-based care to help you safely begin recovery and address the physical, emotional, and behavioral effects of kratom use. Following a comprehensive clinical assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan that supports long-term recovery through counseling, education, behavioral therapies, and ongoing clinical support.
Misinformation and misconceptions about drug use can be one of the biggest perpetrators of addiction. Naturally derived drugs are particularly susceptible to misinformation, as people assume they are better for you because they exist in nature. However, this is often not the case, and these misconceptions can lead to the popularization of addictive and harmful substances. Kratom addiction has risen in prevalence in recent years as a result of misinformation like this.
Derived from the leaves of the kratom tree of Southeast Asia, kratom is an herbal substance that has recently become popular for recreational use in the United States. Because it is naturally derived, the drug has been used by the indigenous populations of Southeast Asia for centuries. However, kratom only rose to widespread use in the US in 2015. As a result, little research has been done to understand the drug and its effects.
Misconceptions about kratom are part of what drove it to popularity in recent years. Many believed that kratom was not addictive and that it was a safe pain-relieving alternative to opioids. While it is unknown how the effects of kratom use compare to prescription or illicit opioids, it is clear that kratom is an addictive substance. Consuming the drug, especially in high doses, can lead to tolerance, dependence, and substance use disorder (SUD), according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Kratom comes naturally in the form of leaves, which are often chewed or dried to be brewed into tea. The drug can also be extracted from the plant and ingested orally through drops, tablets, or capsules. In low doses, kratom produces a stimulant-like effect. Users may experience increased alertness, energy, and talkativeness. In higher doses, the effects are similar to those of morphine or other opioid drugs. Users tend to feel sedated, with low energy and disoriented thoughts. Some have reported instances of psychotic episodes accompanied by hallucinations and delusions as a result of taking the drug.
While there is some evidence that suggests kratom is less addictive than synthetic opioids, it is still an addictive substance. Using kratom in high doses, concentrated formulations, or in high frequency increases the chance of dependence. Kratom addiction can produce the following effects:
The misconceptions around kratom addiction may lead you to believe that it doesn’t exist or that it isn’t that serious. However, SUD comes in many forms, and when addiction affects your health and your life, it requires professional attention. Kratom addiction is a serious form of SUD that should be approached with informed care from a network of medical professionals. Our team at Athens Area Commencement Center wants to help you feel empowered to get the help you need.
Like the research surrounding kratom addiction and SUD, our understanding of addiction is always growing and changing. We like to approach each case of SUD with an open mind so that we can identify what makes you and your circumstances unique. From that, we can create an equally unique treatment plan that puts your needs at the center of everything.
Treatment for kratom addiction at AACC will include a mix of evidence-based approaches and holistic practices. We recognize that SUD has many facets and causes. Oftentimes, there are underlying issues such as trauma and mental health disorders that bring a person to the point of addiction. Addressing these underlying causes is crucial for a lasting and sustainable recovery. Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help to break down unhealthy thought patterns using logic tactics. At the same time, holistic approaches such as mindfulness and meditation can help you process difficult emotions and discover a place of inner peace. It is the combination of these approaches that makes our treatment strategy effective for people struggling to overcome SUD.
Treatment for SUD can be difficult, but going back to your everyday life after your initial treatment is completed can present new challenges. That’s why AACC has a robust aftercare program to support clients as their recovery journey continues.
One of the biggest obstacles to sobriety post-treatment is the possibility of relapses. While relapses are common, they should be avoided if possible. During treatment and as part of your aftercare program, you’ll learn about relapse prevention strategies. These are techniques you can use in real life to avoid triggering situations that might tempt you to relapse or deal with triggers when you encounter them.
You’ll also be given access to community resources such as support groups and counseling that will support your journey and connect you with people who relate to your situation. These are valuable tools that can make all the difference through the highs and lows of early recovery. It’s important to take advantage of the resources provided by the aftercare program for your best chance at sustained sobriety and wellness.
The first step, of course, is recognizing that you need professional help. It can be a scary experience to admit to yourself that you are struggling with addiction, but once you do, it can also be freeing. Getting help for SUD doesn’t have to be hard. Athens Area Commencement Center is here to be your safe haven and place of healing. We provide individualized care for those with SUD, whether in the form of kratom addiction or another substance.
Don’t let substance use disorder stand in the way of the life you deserve. Call Athens Area Commencement Center at (706) 546-7355.