Kratom has become a widely available substance, often found in vape shops and gas stations across the United States. Though its legal status and ease of access make it seem harmless, growing concerns about its addictive potential and health risks are now emerging.
For individuals struggling with substance use or their concerned loved ones, understanding the dangers of kratom is essential to recognize why this “legal” drug might be more dangerous than it seems.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) states that kratom leaves contain psychoactive ingredients mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. They produce stimulant effects like increased energy at lower doses and sedative effects at higher doses.1
Traditionally, kratom has been used in its native regions for centuries to help with fatigue, pain, and opioid withdrawal. Today, it is processed into powders, capsules, and liquids and sold commercially.
Despite its historical uses, kratom has become a controversial substance in the West due to its potential for misuse and addiction. While some people use kratom to self-treat pain or opioid dependence, its unregulated status in the U.S. means that users might be unaware of its risks or may not understand how to use it safely.
Why Is Kratom Sold in Vape Shops?
Kratom’s presence in vape shops can be partly explained by its strong association with tobacco and nicotine use. Research shows that individuals who use nicotine, particularly through vaping, are more likely to use kratom as well. A study revealed that three-quarters of U.S. adults who reported using kratom in the past year also used tobacco at least monthly.2
Furthermore, people who vape nicotine have more than three times the odds of using kratom compared to non-vapers. This trend extends to adolescents, with those who smoke cigarettes being more likely to have tried kratom.2
Kratom’s availability in vape shops can also be attributed to a lack of regulation. While restrictions on flavored tobacco products have been increasing, there are few laws governing the sale of kratom in most areas. This makes it easy for vape shops to stock kratom alongside other non-nicotine products like CBD or delta-8-THC.
Additionally, kratom’s legal status allows it to be sold in smoke shops, where people often buy tobacco or cannabis-related items. These shops may promote kratom as an alternative or complementary product, especially to customers already purchasing nicotine products.
Growing Concerns About Kratom’s Addictive Potential
While kratom is legal in most states, it is far from being a risk-free substance. One of the biggest concerns surrounding kratom is its potential for addiction. Kratom interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to how prescription opioids or heroin do. This means that frequent or high-dose kratom use can lead to physical dependence and addiction, much like other opioids.1
Many users who start taking kratom for pain relief or mood enhancement can develop tolerance over time. This means they need higher doses to achieve the same effects, putting them at an increased risk of addiction. As tolerance builds, individuals may find themselves using kratom more frequently, making it harder to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, irritability, or muscle aches.
Unfortunately, because kratom is sold in legal, accessible locations like vape shops, its addictive potential is often downplayed or misunderstood. Users may not realize the danger of becoming dependent on the substance until they are already struggling with addiction.
The Health Risks of Kratom Use
Beyond its addictive potential, kratom use comes with a range of health risks that consumers may not be fully aware of. Though often marketed as a natural remedy, kratom’s effects on the body can be severe, particularly when used long-term or in high doses. Some of the most concerning health risks and side effects include:3
- Liver damage
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Trouble breathing
- Tremors and seizures
- Weight loss
Legal Availability and the False Sense of Security
One of the most misleading aspects of kratom use is the false sense of security that comes from its legal availability. Because it can be found in vape shops and other retail outlets, many people assume kratom is safe and effective.
However, kratom has been linked to a small number of deaths, though these fatalities are far fewer compared to those caused by other drugs. It’s important to note that almost all of these deaths involved the use of other substances, such as opioids, alcohol, or prescription medications, which may have played a significant role in the outcomes.3
This combination of legal availability and the perception that kratom is a “natural” remedy contributes to users underestimating the risks. People might believe that because kratom is easy to purchase and sold in everyday retail environments, it carries no serious health risks.
In reality, the unregulated nature of kratom products means that users are not always aware of the quality or potency they are consuming, increasing the potential for safety issues. This makes it critical for individuals to understand that legal does not always mean safe, and professional guidance is essential when dealing with substances like kratom.
How to Get Help for Kratom Addiction
If you or someone you care about is struggling with kratom addiction, it’s crucial to seek professional support. Treatment options include inpatient and outpatient programs that offer medically assisted detox, therapy, and support to manage withdrawal symptoms and address the underlying causes of addiction.
A personalized care plan ensures that individuals receive the right treatment tailored to their needs, whether it’s counseling, group therapy, or medication-assisted treatment. Early intervention can prevent further health risks, so reach out to a trusted recovery center to begin the path to recovery.
Get Help for Kratom Addiction With Lumina Recovery
Kratom’s growing presence in vape shops across the U.S. reflects a larger issue: the misconception that legality equals safety. While kratom may be legal in many states, its health risks and addictive potential are becoming increasingly clear. For individuals struggling with substance use or for their loved ones, understanding the dangers of kratom is vital to making informed decisions about treatment and recovery.
Lumina Recovery offers inpatient and outpatient services designed to support individuals struggling with kratom addiction, providing personalized care and evidence-based treatment plans.
If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom addiction, reach out to Lumina Recovery for the support you need.
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