As previously explained in the section “Pharmacology and mode of action of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom” as well as in the “Potential applications and modern uses of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom” section, Mitragyna speciosa Kratom actually has a strong potential as a substance to help with the detoxification process and withdrawal symptoms of opiates and opioids addiction.
A specific quality induced by Mitragyna speciosa Kratom’s rather unique mode of action, which apparently only has a partial binding action on μ opioid receptors, as well as on the balance of the plant’s complex chemical makeup- which alleviates opioid addiction symptoms without replacing it with another full fledged addiction.
Yet if Mitragyna speciosa Kratom has even a partial action on opioid receptors, and induces a related pleasurable opiate like euphoria, can Kratom use be potentially addictive?
Let’s say that, to a certain extent, almost any psychoactive substance can be habit forming, and that Mitragyna speciosa Kratom is no exception. Unlike opiates, however, Mitragyna speciosa Kratom does not produce a strong physical addiction, especially at the doses and regimen of use of conscientious non-traditional users outside of South-East Asia.
Although a small number of people have apparently become dependent on Mitragyna speciosa Kratom (condition which is primarily described in material from the Thai studies already discussed, and therefore to be taken with a pinch of salt), one can reasonably say that Kratom is not habit forming when it is used responsibly, with moderation. A statement which is relative to both frequency of use as well as to doses.
We do have some elements on forms of “Kratom addiction”, which come from personal reports of non-traditional users who experimented with regular and high dosage use of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom- which again is clearly not recommended- and then stopped.
This kind of experimentation has already been done, and it is clear that this is neither recommendable nor the best way to enjoy Kratom. The symptoms of such “Kratom withdrawals”, after heavy frequent use were described as unpleasant, and somewhat comparable to a miniature / mild opiate (such as codeine) withdrawal, with much less craving or physical problems, yet still quite unpleasant.
Through heavy and regular use of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom, a form of stabilized tolerance can easily be built, implying that one needs to use more Kratom to feel its positive effects. Yet there does not seem to be any physical craving for Kratom, or for any of its active alkaloids, much unlike opiates.
After prolonged and intense daily use of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom for a year, some minor physical “withdrawals” symptoms will be felt upon stopping its use. Yet they are nowhere in the same league as opiates or opioids, such as heroin or methadone.
These mild Kratom “withdrawal” symptoms are also non systematic, not necessarily appearing, and last four to five days when they do. Some people have also mentioned mild depression following cessation of these physical symptoms.
The most significant Kratom “withdrawal” symptom, following a brutal cessation of heavy regular use, is probably a generalized, severe and overwhelming fatigue, which can get very intense, along with a form of contrasting inner agitation and restlessness (akathisia).
This is a very disagreeable state, especially due to the combination with fatigue, for one feels that it is unpleasant to sit still, while at the same time feeling too tired and lacking energy to move around. This state generally lasts around 4 days.
During these 4 days, some short-lasting, minor symptoms have been reported, such as chills, runny eyes and nose, diarrhea, fatigue, aggression, and slight muscle pains- but nothing comparable to the strength of opiates withdrawals or the physical degradation mentioned in the studies already discussed. At the end of these 4 days, a little depression might be felt in some Mitragyna speciosa Kratom users.
As explained in the “Guidelines for a safe and pleasant use of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom” section, it is important to keep Kratom use recreational, and NOT to get into the habit of using it every day, as a prolonged daily usage could become a hard to break habit (as with coffee or tobacco).
Addiction potential is also most likely to be dose related, for it seems probable that if used in doses high enough for stronger μ receptor crossover, addiction becomes a stronger possibility.
Animal studies (Matsumoto et al.) have demonstrated a Kratom cross-tolerance with morphine, and naloxone precipitated withdrawal from 7-hydroxymitragynine, data which could theoretically be used to demonstrate an addiction potential similar to opiates but again: pure alkaloids (7-hydroxymitragynine, not Mitragyna speciosa Kratom leaf products) were used, and these results were never confirmed by reports or studies of long term human use.
When experimenting with Mitragyna speciosa Kratom, one should be careful and responsible, and it is a good idea to set up usage guidelines, which one will follow, and to monitor frequency and quantities used.
One should really not use Mitragyna speciosa Kratom more than once a week.
Preferably, one should not use Mitragyna speciosa Kratom more than once or twice a month, in order to make sure that Kratom use stays a real occasional pleasure, and that use does not become problematic in any way.
In other words, Mitragyna speciosa Kratom should be reserved as a special, but OCCASIONAL treat. By using it infrequently, and keeping use within such defined guidelines, one will avoid habituation and genuinely get more pleasure from Kratom.
If one should EVER find that it becomes hard to stay within the set usage guidelines or to control one’s use, one should use common sense and stop using Mitragyna speciosa Kratom products immediately, either completely or for a minimum of 3 months.
A specific quality induced by Mitragyna speciosa Kratom’s rather unique mode of action, which apparently only has a partial binding action on μ opioid receptors, as well as on the balance of the plant’s complex chemical makeup- which alleviates opioid addiction symptoms without replacing it with another full fledged addiction.
Yet if Mitragyna speciosa Kratom has even a partial action on opioid receptors, and induces a related pleasurable opiate like euphoria, can Kratom use be potentially addictive?
Let’s say that, to a certain extent, almost any psychoactive substance can be habit forming, and that Mitragyna speciosa Kratom is no exception. Unlike opiates, however, Mitragyna speciosa Kratom does not produce a strong physical addiction, especially at the doses and regimen of use of conscientious non-traditional users outside of South-East Asia.
Although a small number of people have apparently become dependent on Mitragyna speciosa Kratom (condition which is primarily described in material from the Thai studies already discussed, and therefore to be taken with a pinch of salt), one can reasonably say that Kratom is not habit forming when it is used responsibly, with moderation. A statement which is relative to both frequency of use as well as to doses.
We do have some elements on forms of “Kratom addiction”, which come from personal reports of non-traditional users who experimented with regular and high dosage use of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom- which again is clearly not recommended- and then stopped.
This kind of experimentation has already been done, and it is clear that this is neither recommendable nor the best way to enjoy Kratom. The symptoms of such “Kratom withdrawals”, after heavy frequent use were described as unpleasant, and somewhat comparable to a miniature / mild opiate (such as codeine) withdrawal, with much less craving or physical problems, yet still quite unpleasant.
Through heavy and regular use of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom, a form of stabilized tolerance can easily be built, implying that one needs to use more Kratom to feel its positive effects. Yet there does not seem to be any physical craving for Kratom, or for any of its active alkaloids, much unlike opiates.
After prolonged and intense daily use of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom for a year, some minor physical “withdrawals” symptoms will be felt upon stopping its use. Yet they are nowhere in the same league as opiates or opioids, such as heroin or methadone.
These mild Kratom “withdrawal” symptoms are also non systematic, not necessarily appearing, and last four to five days when they do. Some people have also mentioned mild depression following cessation of these physical symptoms.
The most significant Kratom “withdrawal” symptom, following a brutal cessation of heavy regular use, is probably a generalized, severe and overwhelming fatigue, which can get very intense, along with a form of contrasting inner agitation and restlessness (akathisia).
This is a very disagreeable state, especially due to the combination with fatigue, for one feels that it is unpleasant to sit still, while at the same time feeling too tired and lacking energy to move around. This state generally lasts around 4 days.
During these 4 days, some short-lasting, minor symptoms have been reported, such as chills, runny eyes and nose, diarrhea, fatigue, aggression, and slight muscle pains- but nothing comparable to the strength of opiates withdrawals or the physical degradation mentioned in the studies already discussed. At the end of these 4 days, a little depression might be felt in some Mitragyna speciosa Kratom users.
As explained in the “Guidelines for a safe and pleasant use of Mitragyna speciosa Kratom” section, it is important to keep Kratom use recreational, and NOT to get into the habit of using it every day, as a prolonged daily usage could become a hard to break habit (as with coffee or tobacco).
Addiction potential is also most likely to be dose related, for it seems probable that if used in doses high enough for stronger μ receptor crossover, addiction becomes a stronger possibility.
Animal studies (Matsumoto et al.) have demonstrated a Kratom cross-tolerance with morphine, and naloxone precipitated withdrawal from 7-hydroxymitragynine, data which could theoretically be used to demonstrate an addiction potential similar to opiates but again: pure alkaloids (7-hydroxymitragynine, not Mitragyna speciosa Kratom leaf products) were used, and these results were never confirmed by reports or studies of long term human use.
When experimenting with Mitragyna speciosa Kratom, one should be careful and responsible, and it is a good idea to set up usage guidelines, which one will follow, and to monitor frequency and quantities used.
One should really not use Mitragyna speciosa Kratom more than once a week.
Preferably, one should not use Mitragyna speciosa Kratom more than once or twice a month, in order to make sure that Kratom use stays a real occasional pleasure, and that use does not become problematic in any way.
In other words, Mitragyna speciosa Kratom should be reserved as a special, but OCCASIONAL treat. By using it infrequently, and keeping use within such defined guidelines, one will avoid habituation and genuinely get more pleasure from Kratom.
If one should EVER find that it becomes hard to stay within the set usage guidelines or to control one’s use, one should use common sense and stop using Mitragyna speciosa Kratom products immediately, either completely or for a minimum of 3 months.
