Exploring the world of kratom, a plant renowned for its analgesic properties, is becoming a common interest for many seeking alternatives to conventional pain management methods. If you’re contemplating the use of kratom, particularly through unconventional methods such as smoking or snorting, it’s essential to be well-informed about the potential hazards that accompany this herb.
Despite kratom’s growing popularity across the U.S. as a sought-after herbal remedy, there are significant health concerns and warnings associated with its use. Before you consider consuming kratom in any form, recognizing and understanding the risks involved is vital.
This article aims to shed light on the concerning side effects and the possible long-term implications of snorting and smoking kratom.
What is Kratom?
Kratom, a perennial tree found in the tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia, is recognized for its leaves, which are frequently used in herbal supplement formulations. Traditionally, it served as an opioid alternative, with workers and farmers turning to kratom leaves for an energy increase or as a substitute for opium. Across Southeast Asia, this plant goes by various names including thang, kakuam, thom, ketum, and biak, reflecting its widespread use and cultural significance.
Smoking and Snorting Kratom
Smoking or snorting kratom can significantly hasten its entry into the bloodstream, heightening the possibility of dependency, overdosing, and even fatality. The act of smoking kratom facilitates its swift impact as the substance is directly absorbed with oxygen, quickly breaching the blood-brain barrier.
Engaging in these methods of consumption not only introduces immediate health risks but also contributes to prolonged harm to the nasal passages, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Additionally, the high temperatures involved in smoking kratom may degrade its crucial alkaloids, complicating dosage accuracy and elevating overdose risks due to uncertainty about the consumed amount.
Effects of Snorting Kratom
Snorting kratom presents several potential hazards and adverse effects. Its opioid-like properties can lead to both psychological and physical dependency with prolonged use. Some immediate consequences of snorting kratom include:
- Nosebleeds
- Damage to the nasal passages and throat
- Respiratory system harm
- Lung infections
- Blood clots in the lungs leading to pulmonary embolisms
- Hallucinations
- Constipation
- Digestive upset
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Aggressive behavior
- Seizures
- Itching
Moreover, long-term usage of kratom may cause enduring health issues such as anorexia, persistent constipation, and dry mouth, underlining the importance of considering the risks before engaging in its use.
Why Would Someone Snort Kratom?
Individuals might choose to snort kratom with the belief that this method leads to a quicker, more potent high. Snorting any substance can allow it to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly, offering a faster onset of effects compared to oral ingestion.
However, snorting kratom is relatively rare. Those who attempt it may have a history of opioid or central nervous system depressant abuse, searching for a similar high. Given kratom’s composition, which includes significant amounts of plant fiber and cellulose, snorting it is inefficient. Achieving any noticeable effect would require inhaling a large quantity of the substance, making this practice not only impractical but also risky.
The quick intoxication some seek from snorting kratom often doesn’t match the risks involved, especially considering the drug’s physical makeup and the potential for tolerance from previous substance abuse.
Effects of Smoking Kratom
Smoking kratom, akin to smoking other substances or tobacco, elevates the risk of severe health issues including:
- Cancer
- Lung diseases
Given kratom leaves contain a naturally high level of tar, inhaling them introduces harmful chemicals directly into the lungs.
Choosing to smoke or snort kratom is among the riskiest methods of consumption, leading not only to the standard effects of kratom but also to long-lasting detrimental health impacts. Moreover, these methods make it challenging to accurately gauge the amount consumed, further complicating its use.
Why Would Someone Snort Kratom?
People might resort to smoking kratom under the mistaken belief that it offers a swifter, more intense effect. Smoking any substance allows for immediate absorption into the bloodstream via the lungs, theoretically providing quicker effects than when consumed orally.
Yet, the practice of smoking kratom is not widespread. Those who explore this method might be seeking an alternative to previously abused substances, like opioids, expecting a comparable euphoria. Kratom, however, is composed of dense plant matter, which includes a high concentration of cellulose and other non-active materials. Consequently, smoking kratom to achieve its psychoactive effects would necessitate consuming it in large quantities, which is both inefficient and hazardous.
The anticipated rapid effects from smoking kratom are often overshadowed by the significant health risks this method poses. Given the composition of kratom and its potential for building tolerance among individuals with a history of substance abuse, the decision to smoke kratom is fraught with more dangers than benefits.
Can You Overdose By Snorting or Smoking Kratom?
While there haven’t been confirmed fatalities directly linked to snorting or smoking kratom, overdosing on the substance is still a possibility. Kratom can linger in the system for hours, and consuming too much can lead to accumulation and an increased risk of overdose.
Symptoms of a kratom overdose might include:
- Tremors
- Severe drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Breathing difficulties
In case of a suspected kratom overdose, immediate medical intervention is crucial to avert severe health complications. The potential for overdose underscores the importance of cautious use and awareness of the substance’s effects.
Dangers of Mixing Kratom with Other Substances
Combining kratom with other substances poses significant health risks, often leading to dangerous and unforeseen consequences. When kratom is mixed with medications, including opioids or sedatives, the risk of respiratory depression, characterized by breathing difficulties, markedly increases. This combination can be particularly perilous, potentially resulting in life-threatening conditions due to the synergistic effect of slowing down the central nervous system.
Additionally, the simultaneous use of kratom and alcohol can amplify adverse effects like nausea and dizziness, compounding the potential for harm. It’s also important to be aware that kratom may interact adversely with certain prescription drugs and herbal supplements, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of these medications or provoking hazardous bodily responses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding the risks associated with mixing kratom with other drugs, underlining the importance of exercising caution. Given kratom’s uncertain impact on metabolism and its unestablished safety profile, individuals are advised to avoid combining it with any other substances to prevent serious health complications.
Get Help For Kratom Addiction
If you or someone close to you is grappling with kratom addiction in Atlanta, GA, reaching out for assistance is a critical step towards healing and recovery. The intensity of the addiction can dictate the need for a structured rehab program to effectively break free from kratom dependency.
For detailed insights into the perils of kratom misuse and to explore available kratom addiction treatment in Atlanta, GA options, connect with our expert team today at 678-605-9725 or complete our online form.
