The Dangers Of Snorting And Smoking Kratom. Kratom Misuse.

How Is Kratom Usually Taken?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of this tree have a long history in traditional medicine and have been employed by Thai and Malaysian workers to boost energy and stamina. In Southeast Asia, Kratom goes by various names like thang, kakuam, thom, ketum, and biak. The most common method of consuming Kratom in this region is by brewing it into tea.

In the US, Kratom is sold as an herbal supplement either in capsule, tablet, or powdered form.

How Is Kratom Misused?

• High Dosages: Some misuse kratom by taking excessively high doses to enhance the effects felt. This increases the risk of more severe side effects, like overdose.
• Combining with Other Substances: Kratom is sometimes combined with alcohol or other drugs. Combining kratom with other substances can lead to unpredictable interactions and heightened health risks.
• Dependency and Addiction: Regular and prolonged use of kratom can lead to dependency, wherein individuals feel the need to continue taking kratom to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Self-Medication: Kratom is used to self-medicate and manage pain or to enhance mood. However, using it without proper medical supervision can lead to unintended side effects.
• Inconsistent Product Quality: Kratom products vary in quality, and some may be adulterated or contaminated. Misuse can occur when individuals unknowingly consume impure or contaminated kratom products.
• Lack of Regulation: The lack of standardized regulations for kratom products contributes to misuse. Inconsistent labeling, varying potency, and the presence of contaminants can pose risks to individuals using kratom.

Snorting Kratom

Snorting kratom is said to increase the speed it reaches the bloodstream, increasing its onset of effect. Snorting kratom powder can cause irritation and damage to the nasal passages, as it is not designed for this type of absorption. Moreover, the effectiveness of snorting kratom is debated, with limited scientific evidence on its benefits.

Effects Of Snorting Kratom:

Short-term use:

• Nosebleeds.
• Trouble breathing.
• Nose and throat irritation.
• Nasal blockage.

Long-term use:

• Nasal inflammation.
• Damage to mucous membranes.
• Damage to the nasal cavity.
• Sinus infections.
• Respiratory tract infection.
• Blood clots in the lungs.

Smoking Kratom

Smoking Kratom powder is another unconventional way to take kratom. Misusing kratom in this way also speeds up the onset of the effect. However, the heat used to smoke kratom affects the efficacy of the alkaloids that cause the therapeutic effects of Kratom. The heat destroys these compounds, thereby decreasing their effectiveness. Some may compensate by increasing the dosage smoked. This, however, also increases the risk of an overdose and other harmful effects.

Effects Of Smoking Kratom:

Smoking kratom, like other drugs or tobacco, raises the risk of cancer and lung disease. Kratom leaves have a naturally high tar content, and smoking them releases harmful chemicals into the lungs.

Both smoking and snorting kratom are considered the riskiest ways to use the drug. These methods cause additional long-term effects on top of Kratom’s usual effects.

Learn More:

• Is Kratom Legal? Kratom Legality And Where It Is Legal.
• Is Kratom Safe? Benefits And Risks Of Using Kratom.
• Kratom Side Effects Long-Term And Short-Term Side Effects.
• How Long Does Kratom Last In Your System? Kratom Half Life.
• Is Kratom An Opioid? Can You Use Kratom For Opioid Withdrawal?
• Risks And Effects Of Kratom Addiction. Is Kratom Addictive?
• Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, Dangers, And Detox
• Kratom Overdose Symptoms, Factors, And Treatment.
• Kratom And Alcohol. Can You Mix Kratom And Alcohol?

Dangers Of Kratom Misuse

The misuse of kratom poses several dangers and health risks.

• Consuming high doses of kratom can lead to adverse outcomes such as nausea, drowsiness, and even respiratory depression.
• Prolonged and frequent use results in dependence, increasing the risk for addiction. Kratom’s psychoactive properties can contribute to a misleading perception of safety.
• Mixing kratom with other substances, especially central nervous system depressants like alcohol, amplifies the risk of severe respiratory and cognitive effects.
• Additionally, inconsistent product quality, contamination, and the lack of standardized regulations contribute to the uncertainty surrounding kratom use.

Can You Get Withdrawals From Kratom?

Regular consumers of Kratom who suddenly discontinue use can find themselves experiencing withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration but commonly include irritability, anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, and mood swings. These symptoms can make it challenging for individuals to cease kratom use.

The severity of withdrawal symptoms often depends on the person’s patterns of use as well as their general health at the time they stopped using.