Kratom
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Teenagers are always finding new ways to get high. Although well-known threats such as marijuana and alcohol remain popular, a new generation of “designer drug” or so-called "herbal drugs" has made it easier for teens to access a cheap (and legal) high.
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A Legal High
One of the newest drugs of choice among teens is kratom, an herbal compound used in other countries for a variety of medicinal purposes. Within five to 10 minutes after use, teens experience a sense of increased strength and well-being, giving them the energy and alertness they often seek to be competitive at school. The drug’s effects typically last two to five hours. ] Known on the street by such names as Ketum, Thom, Biak, Kakuam and Thang, kratom is listed on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s watch list but remains legal. Most teens buy kratom in head shops or on the Internet in the form of leaves, powder, extract or capsules. Although the drug is often taken orally, some teens have been reported to snort kratom.
Effects of Kratom Abuse
Because kratom is relatively new on the teen drug scene, few teens or parents understand the dangers. The side effects of kratom abuse range from stimulating to depressive, depending on the dose. In small doses, the side effects of kratom include:
• Insomnia
• Increased sexual desire
• Alertness and focus
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Sociability and talkativeness
• Increased energy
• Delusions or hallucinations
In larger doses, the side effects of kratom abuse include:
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Constipation
• Reduced sensitivity to pain
• Darkening of the skin
• Constricted pupils
• Itchiness
• Nausea or vomiting
Kratom Abuse Leads to Kratom Addiction
Even though the “high” from kratom is relatively mild, experts believe that kratom is a gateway drug. What starts as recreational use becomes dependence and eventually an addiction to kratom.
When stopping use of kratom, users may experience withdrawal symptoms similar to opiates. These include diarrhea, insomnia, restlessness, cold-like symptoms and depression. To combat kratom withdrawal symptoms, some users will turn to oxycodone or harder opiates.
Kratom Rehab
Although kratom is fairly new on the teen drug scene, drug rehab centers are receiving a worrisome number of calls about teen kratom abuse. Treatment for kratom addiction is similar to addictions to opiates, including a period of detox if necessary, followed by intensive therapy, 12-step meetings and education about the disease of addiction.
Kratom rehab centers can help teens overcome the denial that often goes along with kratom addiction, since the drug is legal, herbal and readily available. They also help teens develop relapse prevention plans and set up ongoing supports needed for long-term recovery.
Studies increasingly show that teen brains are particularly vulnerable to drugs. Drug use during adolescence may contribute to significant problems later in life, in addition to social, academic and personal challenges during the critical teen years. If your teen is struggling with kratom addiction or other forms of drug abuse, get help before irreversible damage is done.
