In the United States, there are many herbal preparations that can produce psychoactive effects on whoever consumes them. One lesser-known herbal drug is called Kratom. While the drug itself is often promoted as a legal psychoactive substance, there’s little to no evidence to justify those claims. Since Kratom’s introduction into the country’s drug market, there have been many misconceptions about it and a general lack of knowledge about it. In this guide, we’ll talk about what Kratom is, its effects on the body, and how long it can stay in your system.
How Long Does a Kratom High Last
The high that someone experiences after taking Kratom is generally very mild. There are times when the high is so mild that it’s hard to notice. However, there are also times when the high is more noticeable and can be accompanied by feelings of euphoria, happiness, and relaxation.
The duration of the high depends on the dose that a person takes. The higher the dose, the more intense the high. On average, the high that you experience from Kratom can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours. The duration can vary based on your dosage and your body’s response to the drug.
It’s possible to overdose on Kratom. If you take a high dose of Kratom, the high can be so intense that you’ll feel disoriented and unable to function.
Kratom’s Half-life and Metabolism
Kratom is a unique drug in the sense that it isn’t water-soluble. That means that your body won’t be able to flush it out of your system as efficiently as it would if the drug were water-soluble. Furthermore, the half-life of Kratom is approximately 6 hours. That means that if you take a drug test and are tested for Kratom, it will show up in your system even if you haven’t taken any in a while.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
There’s a certain amount of time that Kratom will remain in your system, even if you’ve taken a small dose. If you’ve used the drug, it can remain in your system for a period of up to four days. If you take the drug on a daily basis, the drug can remain in your system for nine days.
If you’ve only used the drug once, the drug can remain in your system for up to three days. You’ll test positive for the drug for a longer period of time if you’ve taken it multiple times.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree that grows in South Asian countries such as Thailand and Malaysia. The reason why it’s called a tree is because that’s what it resembles, and it grows naturally with little to no human interference. The first time the drug was ever used as a substitute for opium was in Thailand in the country’s formative years when it was a part of the country’s culture.
The Rise of Kratom as a Recreational Drug
The origin of the drug can be traced to Southeast Asia, where laborers and farmers primarily consume it. Kratom, which is a tree native to the area, was first used in Thailand almost a century ago to combat opium addiction. Today, Kratom is also used to treat anxiety, arthritis, and depression.
The use of Kratom kept on growing in the area, and it eventually became a staple of the culture. People began to take advantage of the drug’s psychoactive potential, and soon enough, it began to be smuggled into the country. Since then, drug laws have been tightened, and the drug is now illegal in neighboring countries like Malaysia, Australia, and Myanmar.
Kratom Use in the U.S.
In the United States, it’s most commonly sold in the form of capsules (which can be bought online) or in a powdered form, which can also be purchased from many online retailers. The most common way to take Kratom is by taking the powder and forming it into tea.
Though the drug itself is legal in the U.S., there are still some states that have already banned the use of the drug. For example, Arkansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington have all banned the use of the drug.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the United States notes that while not illegal, the drug is still considered a drug of concern. They note that the drug has no proven medical benefit and that it can pose a threat to the health of its users.
As a result, the DEA is continuing to monitor the drug to ensure that its regulations are followed.
Kratom’s Effect on the Body
Kratom produces both mental effects as well as physical effects. The mental effects of the drug include a feeling of euphoria, contentment, and relaxation. The physical effects include a decrease in blood pressure, dry mouth, and constipation.
The drug is known to produce its effects by triggering a series of receptors in the brain. Receptors are essentially proteins that communicate with cells to give them instructions. When Kratom enters the body, it attaches to the receptors that are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain.
The drug also binds to receptors that regulate the body’s response to an opiate. For example, the more Kratom you take, the less addicted you’ll become to an actual opiate. This is why some people use it to reduce their addiction to heroin.
Known Side Effects of Kratom
Much like the drug itself, the effects of the drug are unknown too. That doesn’t mean it can’t cause harm because it can. The drug has a stimulating effect that can keep you up for long periods. If used in high doses, it can produce side effects like:
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Panic attacks
The drug also has a sedative effect that can keep you drowsy. When the drug is used in large amounts, it can cause you to have hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.
Since there are side effects to the drug, it’s important that you use it responsibly.
Is Kratom Detectable in a Drug Test?
Yes, Kratom is a drug that’s detectable in a drug test. If you’re tested for Kratom, it’s possible that you’ll test positive for up to nine days after you’ve taken the drug.
That’s because the drug doesn’t get flushed out of your system as quickly as other drugs. It’s also possible that you’ll test positive for the drug even if you haven’t taken it in a while.
If you’re going to undergo a drug test and you’ve taken Kratom, it’s a good idea to stop taking the drug. It’s also a good idea to stay away from marijuana and other drugs while you’re taking the test.
Kratom Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms
Because the drug has so many addictive properties, some people actually become addicted to Kratom. The drug has also been known to cause withdrawal symptoms in users. The specific symptoms of withdrawal from the drug are very similar to those that are caused by opiates.
Just like any drug, Kratom has its fair share of withdrawal symptoms. Since it’s related to opiates, it can produce withdrawal symptoms like shakiness, dehydration, and insomnia. While the withdrawal symptoms are generally mild, they can still be problematic and can increase the risk of relapsing.
The duration of Kratom’s withdrawal symptoms will depend on a number of different factors, including the length of time that you’ve been taking the drug. The higher the dosage that you take, the worse the withdrawal symptoms will be.
Conclusion
Kratom has been around for a while, and there’s still a lot that isn’t known about it. However, there is hope for the drug to be fully studied. Currently, there is no known cure for Kratom addiction. While there are many different treatment options for addiction, it’s still best to avoid taking the drug altogether.