Myth BUSTING ABOUT KRATOM ADDICTION
Myth 1: Kratom is harmless and/or has little potential downsides.
Truth: While kratom is related to the coffee plant, it is a powerful substance in which users can experience tolerance (needing more to get the same effect) and physical dependence (leading to significant withdrawal symptoms). Some kratom users consuming extracts, high doses and / or over a long period of time can experience such things as insomnia, depression, hair loss, digestive issues, and many other problems, etc. and can grapple with significant trouble in their relationships, work and finances as a result of their use.
Myth 2: Kratom users mostly consume the substance for recreational purposes.
Truth: Some people safely use kratom for pain relief, as a supplement to enhance performance or lift their mood, and/ or as a harm reduction alternative. However, many problematic users often also start kratom consumption for the same reasons, or to self-medicate a range of mental health or physical conditions. It is an easy substance to start consuming for health benefits to only have it turn on you.
Myth 3: Kratom abusers lack self-control and are responsible for giving kratom a bad name.
Truth: Addiction is a public health issue not a moral failing of an addict. Addiction affects people from all walks of life, across lines of income, race, education and intelligence. Both lazy and industrious people can be afflicted with addiction. While it is marketed as a harmless supplement, kratom comes with significant risks that are often downplayed.
Myth 4: Only people with previous addictive histories and/or extract users have kratom problems.
Truth: There is a lack of research about this, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that people with no previous substance abuse issues and/or those not using extracts can abuse or become addicted to kratom.
Myth 5: Since I personally safely use kratom, the problem of kratom addiction is overblown.
Truth: We don’t know the true rate of kratom addiction yet, but its prevalence is not trivial. For example, there are over 35K people on the Quitting Kratom subreddit alone.
Myth 6: Kratom addicts and abusers just need to take responsibility for their actions.
Truth: Thousands of problematic users are seeking help for kratom addiction, and many are implementing self-help solutions through internet forums, online meetings and mutual support without the aid of insurance companies, government or professionals. There is a lack of formal and accessible places for problematic kratom users to find effective help.