Here's Why You Shouldn't Use Kratom to Self-Manage an Opioid Addiction

Trying to manage an opioid addiction on your own can create further chaos in your life, especially if you use kratom or other substances that are just as addictive.

At Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment, we specialize in the detox and addiction management services you need to achieve a successful recovery. 

Board-certified psychiatrist Richard E. Repass, MD, uses highly effective therapies like BR+NAD® infusions to restore brain function, so you can make the necessary changes to remain free of addiction for a lifetime.

Why people are using kratom

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tropical Southeast Asian tree. The plant’s leaves contain active ingredients that activate opioid receptors in your brain, much like the use of opioid medications does.

Access to kratom is widespread and unregulated. The plant materials are sold as herbal supplements and may be combined with unsafe and uncertain ingredients.

In low doses, kratom produces a stimulating effect. Some individuals use it recreationally or to relieve pain or anxiety. In higher doses, kratom provides morphine-like results, and people use it to manage their addiction to opioids.

Unfortunately, because kratom is similarly addictive, self-treatment doesn’t work, and the addiction becomes more complex.

How kratom affects your brain

Kratom activates receptors in your brain and, over time, changes the chemistry of your brain. The more often you use kratom, the higher the dose you need to get the same results.

Your brain’s reward system ultimately requires more of the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms like nausea, shaking, muscle spasms, and pain. Cravings for kratom can also lead to legal troubles, relationship conflicts, and other personal problems.

Because addiction to kratom leads down the same path as opioid addiction, your life can quickly spiral out of control when you try to use one drug to recover from the other.

Better option for overcoming kratom and opioid addiction

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an essential biochemical that your body uses to repair DNA, increase energy production, and regulate the neurotransmitters in your brain. NAD not only reduces cravings for both kratom and opioids, but it can also support the healing of your brain to make long-term recovery possible.

Dr. Repass provides infusions of specially formulated BR+NAD™, which go directly into your bloodstream to help your body and mind detox from kratom and opioid addiction. Treatment also eliminates cravings and minimizes your risk for uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

As your body and brain become more regulated and stable, Dr. Repass can provide the psychiatric counseling you need to identify the root causes of addiction. He provides therapeutic tools you can use to get your life back on track, mend your relationships, and enjoy better physical, mental, and emotional health.

We offer outpatient detox and recovery services in a comfortable, safe environment. Our patients typically need daily infusions for 10-15 days to ease cravings and jumpstart their recovery. 

Dr. Repass supervises your treatment carefully and can address your specific recovery challenges, so you have the support and guidance you need to be successful.

Call us today at Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment in Mercer Island, Washington, to schedule a consultation.