Just like alcohol, Kratom can become a physical addiction. I have been overdue in writing this blog on the drug Kratom. Kratom, as well as 7OH, are like an opiate addiction. Just because we sell it at every corner store, does not mean it is not addictive. Alcohol is physically addictive and we sell that in stores. There seems to be a myth out there that Kratom and 7OH are okay to use and carry no ill effects.

I cannot tell you all the clients that have called or come into treatment believing that Kratom was okay to use, including those after treatment. I have had sober clients who have left treatment and started using Kratom and believed that it was not physically addictive.

For the sake of brevity and staying focused on this topic, I will briefly note the drugs that do not carry a physical addiction. Drugs like THC, Hallucinogens, amphetamines, and methamphetamines are psychologically addictive and do not require detoxification off a physical addictive substance. This is not to say you all can use these drugs safely. It just means they do not require physical addiction detoxification.

Alcohol has been legal for most of our existence, yet it carries a physical addiction that detoxing from can literally kill you if not done correctly and under medical supervision. There have been many people who have died attempting to detox themselves off alcohol. So, the moral of this blog is simple. Do not think because a substance is sold over the counter that it is safe!

Now, just a refresher for those who are not sure what the difference is between a physical and psychological addiction.

A physical addiction when stopping a drug (including alcohol) will cause a physiological reaction when you suddenly stop or significantly reduce the use of a substance. It occurs because your body has adapted to function with the substance.

A psychological addiction is just that, a craving for a substance without physical withdrawal. You will not experience the body going through withdrawal. You will experience a strong psychological craving for the drug.

Some common symptoms of physical withdrawal include sweating, nausea, tremors, muscle aches, headaches, and a rapid heart rate. The severity and duration of these symptoms depend heavily on the specific substance used and how long you have been using it. Kratom has a very potent and short acting life, but it does not last long, so you have to use it repeatedly.

Now, just to be clear, there is really no way to determine when a substance becomes a physical addiction. So, just because you may drink alcohol or do a drug, does not mean you will develop a physical addiction. No one really knows what it takes to become physically addicted to a

substance (including alcohol). What we do know is when you stop that drug or drink and experience physiological symptoms, you are addicted.

I think the next sentence must be said. Most people who drink alcohol are not physically addicted to it. This also applies to physically addictive drugs. However, excessive use, or if the alcohol and drugs impair you lives and your functioning, it is safe to say you have a problem.

To clarify some of the points I have raised in this blog, let me just say if you believe you have become physically addicted to alcohol or a drug, seek professional help. Do not attempt to stop without checking with a medical practitioner. It could be the difference between life or death.

Getting back to the topic of Kratom. If you have been using Kratom for an extended period, you may have developed a physical addiction. Please seek professional help before abruptly stopping.

There are all forms of new over-the-counter drinks that are flooding the market. Please do not think all these drinks are safe. Do the research before getting hooked on one of these physically addicting ingredients. Unfortunately, there are very few guidelines protecting consumers from these drinks.

On a positive note, states are beginning to implement guidelines and laws addressing some of these addicting ingredients. But that will be a “a day late and dollar short” for those already addicted to Kratom or 7OH.

Eight U.S states currently have a full ban on Kratom. Those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Tennessee. Hopefully more will follow suit as they recognize the addicting quality of this drug.

There are nine states that have outright bans on 7OH. They are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Vermont, and Wisconsin, and several others that regulate or cap its concentration.

So, to sum up this blog with a simple statement about Kratom and 7OH, they are physically addictive! They are not safe to use, regardless of how easy it is to purchase. For those of you who have stopped using Kratom or 7OH and were wondering why you were suddenly experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it is because you are. Seek help!

Mind, Body, Spirit…Balance!

Vinnie Strumolo, CEO, LMFT