Can You Overdose on Kratom?

Kratom is an herb tree known to have opium-like medicinal properties, and it’s possible to overdose it. Its leaves have been used as an herbal supplement to treat health issues like cough, muscle pain, intestinal problems, and diarrhea.

However, it has no accepted medical use and is considered illegal in at least six states. Because it’s similar to opioids, Kratom can be addictive. Therefore, Kratom products should be taken with caution.

How Much Kratom Can Cause an Overdose?

Kratom isn’t approved for medical use, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to regulate its distribution.

Because of this, not much is known about Kratom’s dosage and overdose risk. Additionally, Kratom doses vary depending on the drug’s strain and method of ingestion.

But, generally, 5 to 15 grams of powdered Kratom might be classified as a high dose. Anything above 15 can put you at risk of an overdose.

What Are the Dangers of a Kratom Overdose? 

Abusing or taking high doses of Kratom can affect a person’s mental stability, causing delusions, hallucinations, and confusion. Other risks that can happen include:

• Brain swelling
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Increased urination
• Hypertension
• Constipation
• Coma
• Seizures
• Sweating
• Liver damage
• Death

Because of its high narcotic effects, Kratom has been associated with severe health issues like seizures, liver problems, and psychosis.

If you, or someone you know, overdosed on Kratom, call for help immediately. These side effects are dangerous and potentially fatal, so quick medical intervention is crucial.

Is Kratom Misuse and Overdose Common?

While Kratom misuse isn’t as common as opioid or alcohol misuse, it’s becoming more common among certain demographics.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Toxicology found that poison control centers received 1,807 cases of Kratom exposure between 2011 and 2017.

Also, a report made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that Kratom overdoses caused 91 deaths between 2016 and 2017 across 27 states in the U.S.

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What are the Signs of Kratom Addiction?

A major sign of Kratom addiction is having a physical dependence on the substance. Other signs of Kratom addiction include:

• The urge to use Kratom regularly 
• Taking Kratom for longer than intended
• Prioritizing Kratom and placing it above other needs
• Buying Kratom frequently despite not being able to afford it
• Continuous use of kratom despite the negative consequences
• Inability to stop using Kratom
• Experiencing withdrawal after quitting substance use

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Treatment Options for Kratom Addiction

Like any form of addiction, Kratom addiction requires medical assistance. In most cases, you’ll need a medical detox to flush the drug out of your system with minimal withdrawal symptoms and complications.

However, your treatment plan will depend on your needs. 

• Support groups & aftercare: Provides a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment.
• Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision.
• Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where people are allowed to leave the rehab facility.
• Medication-assisted treatment: Involves using medication, counseling, and therapy to treat addiction.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction.

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