Kratom is an herbal supplement that has recently been discussed as a natural substitute for prescription pain medications. If you or someone you love is managing chronic pain or withdrawal symptoms, or looking for something that seems less risky than prescription drugs, kratom can appear appealing. But how effective of a substitute is it? And, most importantly, how safe is the supplement?
Understanding the differences and similarities between kratom and prescription pain pills is vital for anyone thinking about substituting one for the other. Supplements are not always a safe alternative, as you’ll soon discover.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is derived from a tropical tree in Southeast Asia (Mitragyna speciosa) that people have utilized for centuries. The leaves of this tree contain two potent alkaloids: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, both of which bind to opioid receptors in the brain. In the U.S, you’ll most often discover kratom in the form of a capsule, powder, or extract.
Even though it’s considered a natural substance, kratom has long lived in an ethical gray area. It’s not FDA-regulated, yet it’s legal on a federal level, which means possessing and selling it does not violate federal law. That being said, the DEA classifies kratom as a “drug and chemical of concern,” and several states have banned it.
What Are Prescription Painkillers?
Prescription painkillers are typically opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, or fentanyl. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain to combat average to extreme pain.
Unlike kratom, prescribed medications undergo strict medical screening, controlled dosing, and stringent quality control processes from beginning to end. Prescription pain medications are also managed by health professionals, who calibrate their usage to the individual’s requirements.
The Same Mechanism of Action
Many people fail to realize that kratom and prescription pain relievers are similar in how they work. Given that both bind to opioid receptors in the brain, you can encounter pain-relieving, sedative, euphoria-creating, and energetic effects from both. When taken in smaller doses, kratom is often described as being far more energetic and stimulant-like, whereas bigger doses are inclined to be more sedating and opioid-like (similar to prescription pain medication).
Because they have the same mechanism of action, kratom may be habit-forming as well as result in the same withdrawal symptoms as prescribed pain relievers, although it’s generally offered and advertised as a natural supplement.
Key Differences Between Kratom and Prescription Painkillers
Regulation and Quality
All prescription pain relievers are manufactured under strict pharmaceutical standards, with reliable dosing and quality assurance in each batch. Kratom, on the other hand, is unregulated, meaning that the quality and potency of the supplement can differ significantly depending on the brand, formulation, and dosage. Therefore, you don’t know what you’re in for each time, as it’s impossible to know what you’re taking and how your body will respond to it..
Medical Supervision
When you use prescription painkillers, a medical expert supervises your intake and adjusts dosages as necessary. With kratom, it’s pretty much as-is self-use or from unverified sources, with zero supervision to regulate your dosage or to verify whether or not you are at risk.
Legal and Purity Issues
The FDA does not control kratom so purity is always a concern. Some kratom items have been adulterated with synthetic drugs and potent alkaloids, including high doses of 7-OHM, which is much stronger compared to plain leaf or conventional kratom.
Perceived Safety
Both prescription pain pills and kratom are drugs that can be abused. However, painkillers come with visible warnings, medical guidance, and a cultural awareness of their risks. In contrast, since kratom is a plant, numerous perceive it to be safe and harmless. The concern here – and it’s a large one – is how easily some can overlook the genuine risks of kratom abuse.
Can Kratom Cause Dependence?
Given that kratom works on the same opioid receptors in the brain as prescription pain medicine, normal usage can bring about withdrawal in an equal way, consisting of muscle aches, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, nausea, and acute cravings for the drug.
The individuals who begin using the herbal supplement to handle pain or reduce opioid withdrawal are more likely to see their dependence shift to kratom, effectively switching one compound for another. This is one of those points that people need to be aware of: a person switching from a regulated substance to an unregulated one doesn’t eliminate the risk of dependence. It just changes form.
Can Kratom Be Used to Manage Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms?
Some people will start taking kratom specifically to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms from opioids. At first, the herbal supplement may appear to ease certain withdrawal effects since its properties affect opioid receptors. However, without proper medical oversight, safe dosing, and a clear tapering plan, kratom can become its own dependency. Medically supervised detox and evidence-based treatment is the safer, more effective way to treat opioid addiction.
Get Support From a Team Who Cares
At Wolf Creek Recovery, our qualified health professionals understand all too well that a dependency doesn’t always start where we expect it to. Kratom dependency should be regarded just as severely as other forms of substance use and also deserves an equivalent level of treatment and care from experts. Our clinical staff members work with local detox centers for medically supervised detox and provide a full continuum of care that includes dual diagnosis treatment and holistic therapies.
If kratom, or another substance, has come to control more of your life than you’d like, then the following step toward a healthier life starts today. Get in touch with Wolf Creek Recovery for more information about our treatment process.
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
