The True Impact of Kratom, Often Referred to as 'Street Heroin,' on the Human Body Unveiled
Kratom, a supplement derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant, and its derivative 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), have been gaining attention due to their potential health benefits and associated risks.
Health Benefits
Kratom has been reported to help relieve pain, improve mood, and aid in managing symptoms of substance use disorders (SUD), including opioid withdrawal. Many users turn to it as an accessible alternative when prescription treatments are unavailable or unaffordable.
7-hydroxymitragynine, a potent active metabolite of kratom, is responsible for some of its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. It is believed to be more potent than mitragynine itself.
Some small studies suggest that regular kratom use does not significantly alter key health measures like blood chemistry and organ function over time.
Health Risks
Despite these potential benefits, kratom and 7-OH carry significant risks.
Addiction and Dependence
Kratom has addictive potential due to its action on opioid receptors. Users can develop tolerance, dependence, cravings, and symptoms consistent with SUD such as withdrawal and increased use despite harm.
Side Effects
Common side effects include constipation, nausea, dizziness, sweating, dry mouth, itching, and drowsiness. More serious adverse effects include erectile dysfunction, difficulty sleeping, darkened skin patches, and hair thinning.
Overdose and Death
Overdose deaths involving kratom have increased but remain relatively low and typically involve other substances. 7-hydroxymitragynine appears to pose a higher risk of overdose compared to kratom itself.
Contamination and Quality Concerns
Because kratom is unregulated as a dietary supplement, products can be contaminated or adulterated. Some kratom products have been found to contain other drugs (e.g., tramadol) or harmful substances (e.g., heavy metals, Salmonella), causing serious illness and death.
Drug Interactions
Kratom can interact dangerously with other medications, increasing the risk of liver damage, seizures, and death. The exact interactions are not well-characterized yet.
Unpredictable Dosage
Kratom’s unregulated status means product strength varies widely, making dosing unpredictable and potentially risky, especially for people attempting to self-treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
Regulatory and Medical Perspectives
The FDA warns against kratom use due to risks including liver toxicity, seizures, and SUD, and highlights concerns over contaminated products. FDA-approved medications for pain and OUD (like methadone and buprenorphine) offer regulated, consistent dosing and monitored treatment, unlike kratom.
While some advocacy groups highlight kratom's potential benefits, medical experts emphasize that evidence is largely anecdotal and that clinical studies on safety and efficacy are still needed.
In summary, while kratom and its derivative 7-hydroxymitragynine may offer some benefits for pain relief and opioid withdrawal management, their use carries significant risks including addiction, potential toxicity, contamination, and fatal overdose—especially when used in higher doses or combined with other substances. Caution and medical supervision are strongly advised due to the current lack of regulation and comprehensive safety data.
One user claims that kratom effects (and God) helped them stay clean from opiates for 21 years. It is important to note that individual experiences may vary.
The main alkaloid in Kratom is mitragynine, which functions like an opioid. This provides a glimpse into the complex nature of Kratom and its effects on the body. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
- Some users turn to kratom as a manual alternative for prescription treatments due to its reported ability to help manage symptoms of substance use disorders.
- In the realm of fashion and wellness, kratom supplements have gained attention, but their long-term effects on health-and-wellness measures like blood chemistry and organ function remain unclear.
- Despite potential benefits in pain relief and opioid withdrawal management, the mental-health risks associated with kratom use, such as addiction and dependence, are significant and warrant attention.
- While it's believed that regular kratom use does not significantly alter key health measures, it's essential to be aware of the risks, including contamination and interactions with other medications, as the product's quality can be unpredictable.
- Nutrition experts stress that clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of kratom are still needed, and its use should be approached with caution, especially when combined with other substances, due to the unregulated nature of the supplement.
