Kratom Detox Centers

When is Kratom Detox Recommended?

Kratom detox centers should be the first place you should turn to when confronted with an addiction or dependency on kratom. While the clinical research done on kratom detox isn’t as vast or robust as it is with other drugs, kratom detox centers have the experience and knowledge to bridge the gap between what may be known publicly, and what has been experienced in detoxification settings. Some reports have indicated that detox from kratom can be very similar to that of heroin or other opioid drugs, but the exact symptoms can vary based on a variety of factors including frequency of use, amount used, and the length of time kratom has been in someone’s body. Additionally, there may be very specific circumstances when kratom detox is recommended, such as people who may have:

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

The variabilities in how kratom effects and detox symptoms create a situation in which a wide range of health concerns can be impacted. Those with kidney or liver functioning disorders, diabetes, heart or cardiac disorders, epilepsy, and diabetes may be especially at risk. While evidence suggests that kratom detox can affect these body systems there remain many unknowns as it relates to detox. The staff at kratom detox centers will have the education and expertise of medical and clinical staff on hand to address any health-related needs that should arise as a result of kratom detox.

A History of Mental Illness or Psychosis

Anyone with a history of mental illness or past episodes of psychosis should take kratom detox very seriously. Kratom detox can affect mental health in pretty drastic ways. Depending on the amount of kratom used, the duration of time kratom has been used and other factors including the health of the person in detox, kratom withdrawal can result in wild mood swings, anxiety, agitation/irritability, psychosis/psychotic events, hallucinations, and impulsive or destructive behavior. While this can be an uncomfortable experience to undertake, the experts at kratom detox centers have the medical and therapeutic know-how to treat kratom detox through the lens of mental health imperatives.

A History of Kratom or Opioid Relapse

Kratom, especially at heavy doses or prolonged use, interacts with the brain and body in similar ways heroin and other opioids will. In short, using kratom can literally rewire the brain, making it very difficult to stop using. This is typically related to the symptoms of detox which can be miserable. For anyone who has previously attempted detox of kratom or any opiate, kratom detox centers would be highly recommended. Properly managing kratom detox will help to address the underlying reasons for relapse. This includes the medical approach to addressing the symptoms of detox, as well as the approach of using forms of talk therapy to address the key behavioral elements that lead to addiction and relapse.

Complete detox from kratom can take a week or longer depending on the person, and their associated health concerns. Additionally, the symptoms of detox from kratom can change over time. Kratom detox centers can completely address the entire detox process from the physical detox symptoms during early detox and the psychological effects of late detox. One thing is for sure: no one should have to go through this alone.

Intake: Kratom Detox At A Glance

Entering a kratom detox center is a brave step towards a happy life in recovery! The admission process for kratom will be very similar to the process for other drugs, which will include an interview to determine the scope of the addiction and all relevant medical history. The questions during this initial interview will vary, but will be centered around these basic concepts:

• Understanding the exact nature of the kratom addiction
• Exploring any co-occurring substance abuse
• Any co-occurring mental health disorders or mental illness
• The basic health history of the patient

Upon entering the detox facility, staff will also take the time to gather preliminary medical information that could inform future care. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Vital sign check (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.)
• Routine blood work (for liver function, blood glucose, etc.)

While these intake processes represent the norm, you may experience differences based on the situation. The overall goal in any case would be the same: to gather as much information as possible to provide the most accurate and supportive care possible.

Medical Monitoring of Kratom Detox Related Dangers

Medical monitoring during kratom detox will be an important aspect of successful recovery. Depending on the amount of kratom in someone’s system, and other physiological factors, kratom detox can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience, sometimes mirroring the detox symptoms of much more powerful drugs like heroin, although manifesting in less intense ways. Kratom detox centers will have medical professionals on staff to take action and treat the patient when necessary. Since the first phase of detox can be the most painful, both physically and mentally, close medical monitoring and visits from the staff psychiatrist will be prevalent. Specifically, the medical staff at kratom detox centers will be watching for and treating these common kratom detox symptoms:

• Extreme changes in mood (anger, depression, anxiety, etc.)
• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Body tremors or other neurological symptoms

While these symptoms can be distressing and painful, they can be treated. Entrusting the medical staff at a kratom detox center will provide the best possibility of complete recovery from kratom addiction.

Medications Used by Kratom Detox Centers

There are currently no drugs approved by the FDA to treat kratom addiction/dependence directly, however, the medical staff at kratom detox centers can prescribe medications that can alleviate the many symptoms of kratom detox. Some examples include:

• Opioid Antagonists: Opioid antagonists can work to decrease cravings by effectively blocking the opioid receptors in the brain. By blocking the opioid receptors in the brain, opioid antagonists basically “cancel out” the “feel good” effects of kratom and opiate-like drugs.
• Antidepressants: Depression is a common disorder wherein the brain’s chemistry may be out of balance, resulting in a depressed mood, feelings of uselessness, and loss of hope. By addressing these abnormalities in brain chemistry, antidepressants can alleviate the many symptoms associated with depression.
• Antidiarrheal Medications: Chronic use of kratom – much like heroin – can create increasing tolerance levels of the drug. As tolerance increases, the body’s natural, functional responses lessen over time. This doesn’t just affect the brain, but the stomach as well. Medical staff may prescribe medications to address these gastrointestinal problems.
• Anti-Anxiety Medications: Sometimes called anxiolytics, anti-anxiety medications range from those designed to treat symptoms of anxiety when they present themselves, such as raised heart rate or hypertension, to those designed to correct lapses in brain chemistry that can lead to chronic anxiety
• Mood Stabilizers: Mood stabilizers may be prescribed to prevent extreme mood swings or psychosis-related events. Mood stabilizers work by regulating brain function; this can help reduce the number of severe “lows” whilst regulating the number of manic episodes “highs”.
• Sleep Aids: When sleep patterns are disrupted due to kratom detox, sleep aid medications can be of great use. Getting enough quality sleep is an underappreciated aspect of one’s overall health and helps to improve mood and alleviate other symptoms.
• GABA Agents: Kratom use can result in sometimes dramatic changes to the brain, and detox can cause even further disruptions. GABA agents are prescribed in a variety of medical situations to address and correct “misfirings” or neurological hyperactivity in the brain.
• Blood Pressure Medications: Especially β-blockers, these medications can be used off-label to reduce the anxiety caused by kratom detox.

Therapy During Kratom Detox

There is no single path towards successful recovery, but one thing is certain: a well-rounded plan that incorporates medical therapy, support groups, and other forms of therapy will dramatically improve the chances of recovery. Kratom detox centers will offer a variety of therapeutic options that seek to address the underlying causes of addiction. In fact, studies have shown that talk therapy and other forms of non-medical therapy are just as effective as medical therapy when treating addiction.

Here are some of the forms of therapy that have proven successful:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a widely used form of cognitive therapy that has successfully addressed issues ranging from suicidal ideation, mood disorders, and substance abuse disorders. DBT focuses on skills such as mindfulness and situational acceptance. As its name suggests, this form of therapy addresses the ability to separate internal feelings from external observation. Being able to see the same situation from two points of view can create a habit of positive choices while reserving judgment on poor choices.

Group Therapy

Group Therapy is a powerful tool in overcoming addiction! These therapy sessions will be led by a licensed professional and can follow a distinct structure or format, or be informal discussions. What makes group therapy so useful is the shared knowledge, experience and hope gained through working with people who suffer a common affliction – and common goals. It’s not uncommon to forge unique bonds in group therapy, and when used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, chances of successful recovery improve.

Family-Focused Therapy

Addiction never affects just one person, and family-focused therapy seeks to improve the condition of the family unit together. This form of therapy can be intensive and more detailed as it involves more than just one person, however, if the family dynamic or certain aspects of the family relationship are major or significant factors in someone’s drug abuse, family-focused therapy will be invaluable.

Continuing Kratom Addiction Treatment

The time spent immediately after leaving the kratom detox center will be critical in helping to establish a sober life built upon newly-formed foundations. By the time someone leaves a kratom detox center, they will have effectively removed the drug from their system and will have an established plan to address additional symptoms as they arise. Through various forms of therapy, they will have gained new tools and perspectives that can be immediately applied to real-world situations. They will hold the keys to a new future!

Anything worth wanting is worth working for, and a life of sobriety is no different. Recovery is possible but only through work and diligence moving forward. Ongoing care from a general practitioner and continued work with clinical therapists – whether individually, or in group/family settings, will be part of a new “normal”. But ask anyone who has succeeded in recovery, and they will tell you, “it’s worth it”!