Kratom – a natural painkiller procured from a tree by the same name
and is tropical deciduous tree in the coffee family native to Southeast
Asia – is causing a new problem to the United States law enforcement
agencies. There is now evidence that this popular natural painkiller is
addictive, and is being widely abused in America as well.
Recovery of nearly 90,000 bottles of a dietary supplement called Relakzpro, which contains kratom, by the U.S. Marshals north of Rockford earlier this week, according to a Fox 32 report, has left the authorities concerned. Kratom has become popular in recent years among drug addicts undergoing treatment for their addiction, and getting addicted to this comparatively milder substance.
According to experts, addiction to kratom is considered less harmful compared to other substance addictions. Kratom is becoming popular since it is legal in most of the states of the U.S. Kratom leaves are also used for preparing tea, and its effect can be felt within 20 minutes.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, a low dose of kratom acts as a stimulant, while a high dose acts as a sedative with euphoric effects.
Dr. Edward W. Boyer, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and an author of several scientific articles on kratom, says, "It's a fascinating drug, but we need to know a lot more about it." But he warns, "Recreationally or to self-treat opioid dependence, beware - potentially you're at just as much risk as with an opiate."
The popularity of kratom is growing rapidly through the internet. Online sale, which is mostly undetected, is now picking up pace. People chew, brew, smoke, snort, ingest, and even inject kratom. Its craving has been growing over the last decade and Kratom is competing with salvia, bath salts, krokodil or synthetic marijuana. Facilities like the drug addiction treatment centers in Florida or elsewhere would surely have patients who'd have tried kratom at some point as a substitute for opioids.
Kratom has far-reaching effects akin to that of other opiates, impacting both mind and body.
Physical effects of kratom:
Banning kratom
Though there are no proven health risks and potential abuse of kratom, some states like Indiana, Tennessee, Vermont and Wyoming have banned it. But the Drug Enforcement Administration is yet to ban it as a controlled substance. It has just mentioned it as a "drug of concern". However, the army has prohibited its use among soldiers.
On the other hand, states like Florida and New Jersey have set aside bills and are keeping a close watch on the attached health risks of kratom. It has to be seen how a drug addiction rehab in Florida would take to its growing use among addicts. But most treatment centers say that kratom is a full-blown relapse and is no different from other opioids. Experts feel further investigation and extensive studies are needed to know the truth about kratom.
For more information on drug addiction and treatment, call our 24/7 helpline number 855-982-2401. The experts at Florida Drug Addiction Helpline will take you through the best treatment until you or your loved one recovers completely.
Recovery of nearly 90,000 bottles of a dietary supplement called Relakzpro, which contains kratom, by the U.S. Marshals north of Rockford earlier this week, according to a Fox 32 report, has left the authorities concerned. Kratom has become popular in recent years among drug addicts undergoing treatment for their addiction, and getting addicted to this comparatively milder substance.
According to experts, addiction to kratom is considered less harmful compared to other substance addictions. Kratom is becoming popular since it is legal in most of the states of the U.S. Kratom leaves are also used for preparing tea, and its effect can be felt within 20 minutes.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, a low dose of kratom acts as a stimulant, while a high dose acts as a sedative with euphoric effects.
Dr. Edward W. Boyer, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and an author of several scientific articles on kratom, says, "It's a fascinating drug, but we need to know a lot more about it." But he warns, "Recreationally or to self-treat opioid dependence, beware - potentially you're at just as much risk as with an opiate."
The popularity of kratom is growing rapidly through the internet. Online sale, which is mostly undetected, is now picking up pace. People chew, brew, smoke, snort, ingest, and even inject kratom. Its craving has been growing over the last decade and Kratom is competing with salvia, bath salts, krokodil or synthetic marijuana. Facilities like the drug addiction treatment centers in Florida or elsewhere would surely have patients who'd have tried kratom at some point as a substitute for opioids.
Physical effects of kratom:
- constriction of pupils
- elevated blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- constipation
- analgesia
- nausea
- hangover in overdose
- stimulation
- euphoria
- sedation
- feelings of warmth
- depression in certain cases
Banning kratom
Though there are no proven health risks and potential abuse of kratom, some states like Indiana, Tennessee, Vermont and Wyoming have banned it. But the Drug Enforcement Administration is yet to ban it as a controlled substance. It has just mentioned it as a "drug of concern". However, the army has prohibited its use among soldiers.
On the other hand, states like Florida and New Jersey have set aside bills and are keeping a close watch on the attached health risks of kratom. It has to be seen how a drug addiction rehab in Florida would take to its growing use among addicts. But most treatment centers say that kratom is a full-blown relapse and is no different from other opioids. Experts feel further investigation and extensive studies are needed to know the truth about kratom.
For more information on drug addiction and treatment, call our 24/7 helpline number 855-982-2401. The experts at Florida Drug Addiction Helpline will take you through the best treatment until you or your loved one recovers completely.