The Risks of Smoking Kratom

Is Smoking Kratom Effective?

The kratom tree is found mainly in Southeast Asia and is known for its medicinal properties. Lately, there has been a growing trend of smoking kratom, which has become popular among those seeking an alternative to traditional cigarettes.

This tropical tree is native to Southeast Asia and is most commonly found in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its long list of purported benefits includes relief from pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Many people believe that an effective alternative to traditional methods of using this drug is to smoke kratom, as this can be a faster and more intense way to experience the effects of kratom. However, smoking kratom increases the users’ risk of experiencing adverse effects as well.

Keep reading to learn more about the potential dangers of smoking kratom, and how the Find Addiction Rehabs team can help you stop using this drug if it has become a problem!

Why Do People Use Kratom?

People use kratom for a variety of reasons. Many people find that its stimulant-like effects can help with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It can also be used to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and to help with opiate addiction due to its interaction with the same opioid receptors as these drugs.

Others use kratom recreationally, as it can produce a mild high. It has become popular in the West as a legal alternative to using opioids and other drugs for pain alleviation.

Kratom products have also been used as a dietary supplement to help increase energy and focus. It is used as an ingredient by many kratom users in traditional folk medicines and is sometimes brewed into tea.

Although kratom is generally considered to be safe, it is important to buy it from a reputable source and to follow the directions carefully. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, and it can interact with certain medications.

Many kratom users report experiences that vary from mild to intense. Consuming kratom in larger doses can have adverse side effects for many users. It is also important to note that the long-term effects of kratom use are not well understood, so it is best to use it in moderation, if at all.

The Difference Between Kratom Tea and Kratom Powder

While there are many different forms of kratom available, two of the most popular are kratom tea and kratom powder. Though both forms of kratom are derived from the same plant, Mitragyna speciosa, there are distinct differences between the two that should be considered when deciding which is right for you.

There are also differences in the types of kratom, with maeng da kratom and extracts made from this variety being considered among the most potent forms of the drug. Other varietals include green leaf kratom, red leaf kratom, and white leaf kratom: each is ascribed to different properties and purported benefits.

Kratom tea is a brewed beverage made from dried or fresh kratom leaves. It is prepared by boiling kratom leaves in water, and then straining the liquid to remove the leaves. Kratom tea is often described as having an earthy, bitter taste, which can be counteracted with the addition of honey, sugar, or other sweeteners.

Kratom tea is often seen as the more convenient option for those who are new to kratom and are looking for an easy way to consume it. It is also a popular choice for those who don’t like the taste of kratom powder.

Kratom powder is made from dried kratom leaves, which are then crushed. It is a fine, light-green powder that is usually sold in small packets. Kratom powder can be dissolved in water and consumed as a beverage, or it can be added to food or drinks. Kratom powder is generally more potent than kratom tea and can be more cost-effective due to its higher concentration.

Kratom Users and the Dangers of Smoking

While kratom can produce opiate-like effects, the active alkaloids responsible for these effects can also lead to various physical and mental health problems. Kratom’s effects vary based on its method of use, and when smoking its powder form, there are some dangers associated with its use that should be considered.

Like other psychoactive drugs, kratom directly affects the central nervous system and serotonin receptors in the brain and can cause a variety of side effects including nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and vomiting. It is also known to cause liver toxicity and even death.

Smoking kratom is particularly dangerous due to the fact that it can be more easily absorbed into the body than other methods of ingestion. This means that the user is more likely to experience more severe side effects than if they were to take the substance orally. The same goes for those wondering about the answer to the question: can you snort kratom?

Additionally, there is a risk of the kratom being mixed with other substances, such as synthetic opioids. Mixing kratom with other drugs can further increase the risk of adverse effects.

What are the Health Risks of Inhaling Kratom Smoke?

The smoke from a kratom product can also contain active components that are carcinogenic, and this can increase the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, smoking kratom may also lead to respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.

Last but far from least, there is also the potential for addiction when using kratom. Many people have reported feeling an intense euphoric effect when using the drug, which can make kratom addictive. This can lead to psychological dependence, and in some cases, physical dependence as well.

In conclusion, while kratom may have some potential benefits, it is important to be aware of the dangers associated with its use, especially when smoked. It is important to speak with a medical professional before using kratom, as it can have serious side effects.

The Risks of Unsafe Kratom Vendors

Kratom does not have an FDA-approved medical use, meaning its production is largely unregulated. This means that it is important to be aware of the risks associated with buying kratom from unsafe vendors. Unfortunately, there are many vendors who sell low-quality, contaminated, or counterfeit kratom.

These vendors are often found online, and they can be difficult to identify. In order to ensure the safety of kratom, it is important to purchase from a reputable vendor and always consume this substance in low doses.

When choosing a vendor, it is important to make sure they offer lab-tested, high-quality pure kratom leaves. Many vendors may sell kratom capsules that have been laced with heavy metals or other substances, exposed to excessive heat, or otherwise unsafely handled. The vendor should also provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that verifies the kratom’s purity and safety.

It is also important to make sure the vendor has customer service that is willing to answer questions and provide assistance. Taking the time to research and purchase from a reputable vendor can help ensure the safety and quality of the kratom being consumed.

How Does Smoking Kratom Affect the Body?

Despite its potential uses for pain relief and relaxation, smoking kratom exposes users to various unpleasant side effects and risks.

With that being said, it is important to be aware of these before using kratom.

What are the Short-Term Side Effects of Kratom?

In the short term, smoking kratom leads to nausea, dizziness, constipation, and dry mouth. These effects are mild and usually go away after a few days of regular use. In some cases, however, they may persist and become more severe.

Additionally, some people have reported experiencing headaches, confusion, irritability, and insomnia after taking kratom. When using in higher doses or mixing kratom with other substances, overdose is also possible. This will be primarily characterized by respiratory depression and loss of consciousness.

In a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 152 of the 27,338 overdose deaths that occurred in July 2016-December 2017 involved the use of kratom. Most of these individuals had a long history of substance abuse -, particularly opioid addiction – and were not receiving treatment.

Long-Term Side Effects

Long-term kratom use, especially when combusting kratom, can also have serious effects. For starters, this has been linked to an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder, in which a normal daily dose will no longer be enough to satisfy the user’s cravings.

Additionally, with these long-term effects, kratom can also lead to damage to the upper respiratory system and mucous membranes in the throat, lung disease, high blood pressure, liver damage, and kidney failure.

It is important to note that kratom is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and it has not been extensively studied. Therefore, the long-term effects of using kratom are not fully understood. As such, it is important to use caution when taking kratom and to consult a doctor before using it.

Kratom Addiction Treatment Options

If you or someone you know is struggling with a kratom addiction, it’s important to seek treatment. Here are some of the treatment options available for kratom addiction.

• Medical Detox: After using this drug for a long period of time, kratom suspension can cause users to experience withdrawal symptoms. Kratom withdrawal can be a difficult and dangerous experience, and medical detox programs can provide constant clinical supervision and support during this period.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that is used to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. It can help people with kratom addiction better understand their triggers and how to cope with them in a healthy way.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT is a form of treatment that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. It is used to treat addiction to alcohol, opioids, and other drugs, and can also be used to treat kratom addiction.
• Group Therapy: Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves a small group of people with similar struggles working together to share their experiences and support one another in recovery.
• Residential/Inpatient Treatment: Residential and inpatient treatment programs offer 24-hour care and supervision as well as a range of therapies, such as CBT and group therapy. This level of care can be beneficial for individuals who are struggling with more severe kratom addictions.

Find Help to Stop Using Kratom Today!

If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom abuse and are ready to start looking for treatment, the Find Addiction Rehabs team has got you covered. We work with an extensive network of rehab facilities that are equipped to handle many different addiction situations, including yours.

Call our 24/7 hotline now, and we will help you get started on your path to recovery and find a treatment program that is right for you, today!

FAQs on Smoking Kratom

Is There a Safe Way to Use Kratom?

The safety of kratom is still largely unknown and its use is controversial. That said, there are potential risks associated with kratom use. Short-term use of kratom can have several unpleasant side effects, and long-term use of kratom has been linked to an increased risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Taking kratom in large doses, as well as combining it with other drugs or alcohol, can be particularly dangerous. Kratom is not regulated by the FDA, so there is also no way to know what is in the supplement you are taking, or how potent it is.

The best way to use kratom safely is to only take it in recommended doses and to avoid taking it with other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs. It is also important to buy kratom from a reputable source and to speak to your doctor about whether they think using this drug is safe for you.

Is Smoking Kratom Legal?

It is important to note that smoking kratom is not legal in most places. Kratom is best consumed in the form of tea, capsules, or powder. Smoking kratom is not recommended due to the potential health risks associated with it. It can cause respiratory problems, and it can also contain toxic chemicals.

Medically Reviewed By