In 2023, 27.2 million Americans had a drug use disorder. That number is higher than the entire population of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado combined.
People with a kratom use disorder are only a very small sliver of that number, but their stories still matter. If that’s you or someone you love, your story still matters.
That story can have a happy ending, too. You can live a life free of kratom with Wolf Creek Recovery’s kratom addiction treatment.
What We Treat: Kratom Addiction
We’re still learning about how kratom addiction works and the impact it has on the body long-term.
What we do know is how it feels to have your life ruled by a substance. Our staff at Wolf Creek is in recovery, too, and while it may not be from kratom addiction – the experience is similar. The empathy is there.
Even though kratom use disorders are rare, we know what it takes to treat it and empower you to take your life back.
How We Treat: What To Expect from Kratom Addiction Rehab With Wolf Creek Recovery
The first step of kratom addiction treatment with Wolf Creek is our assessment. This is when we’ll build your individualized treatment plan, and confront any mental health conditions that might require you to receive dual-diagnosis treatment.
After that, you’ll get settled into housing. We take care of this part and make sure you end your day in an environment that promotes your recovery. You’ll come to our facility for treatment during the day, and then return to our on-site housing in the evening. This gives you the intensive benefit of inpatient treatment, while still giving you the freedom of living outside a recovery center.
What do days look like at Wolf Creek Recovery? We have a lot of therapeutic activities you can participate in. Some include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Family therapy
We firmly believe that spending time in nature is healing. Our location in Prescott, Arizona opens the door to enjoying the great outdoors, and we take advantage of it! We paddleboard, go camping, and canoe. We also love a good game of softball or tennis, and those are just two examples of sports we play at Wolf Creek. Recovery isn’t just about therapy – it’s about finding joy in life without kratom and other substances, and we never forget that here.
What Is Kratom? Why and How Is It Used?
Kratom is actually a tree from Southeast Asia. The substance known as kratom stems from the tree’s leaves, usually ground into a powder form. People typically take kratom via oral capsules, or by mixing the powder into food or drinks.
Kratom has been used in Southeast Asia for centuries, primarily to boost energy. At higher doses, it has opioid-like effects and can induce relaxation.
People have started using it more worldwide for pain relief, depression, and anxiety, and to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms related to other substances. However, kratom is not FDA-approved to treat anything, and the FDA actually recommends against using it. It’s had some adverse effects, but researchers are still learning more about what benefits and harm kratom really causes.
The Varying Physical and Behavioral Effects of Kratom
Kratom’s effects differ from person to person, and depending on the dose. At lower doses, kratom mimics a stimulant’s energy-boosting effects. At higher doses, kratom is more like an opioid, calming people down and offering pain relief. That makes some of its effects seem contradictory, and a little hard to pin down. Here’s what we’re aware of, though:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Socializing more
- Increased energy
- Increased libido
- Pain relief
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Psychosis
What We Know About the Dangers of Kratom Addiction
Kratom research is relatively new, so we don’t know that much about the long-term effects of chronic kratom use. Some research suggests taking kratom long-term in higher doses can cause liver damage.
That being said, there is a very small amount of deaths associated with kratom so far, especially without the involvement of other substances.
The FDA still discourages people from using kratom, because contaminants have been found in it, and adverse effects are highly unpredictable. Since it’s not a regulated substance, you can’t know exactly what you’re putting into your body. This exposes you to a world of other risks, too.
Signs You or a Loved One Need Treatment for Kratom Use
If you’re wondering if you have a kratom use disorder, you can ask yourself these questions:
- Are you taking more kratom than you intended to?
- Have you tried to stop taking kratom but been unsuccessful?
- Do you spend a lot of time getting, taking, and recovering from kratom?
- Are you still taking kratom even though it’s had a negative impact on your life?
If the answer to these questions – especially the last one – is yes, you might have a kratom use disorder and should consider getting treatment. If you’re concerned about someone you love, and these questions are relevant to them, now is a good time to talk to them about kratom.
Getting Help for Kratom Addiction in Arizona With Wolf Creek
Kratom doesn’t have to rule your life anymore. Treatment is available at Wolf Creek Recovery. We’re here to help whenever you’re ready to get started on your road to recovery.
Wolf Creek Recovery’s treatment for substance use disorders is built on honesty, integrity, respect, compassion, commitment, and courage. Our staff works to exemplify those traits in everything we do and inspire them in every person who comes through our doors. No matter where you’re coming from, you can build a life you love free of kratom addiction. Call us at 833-732-8202 today.
