KRATOM DETOX PROGRAM

Kratom is being marketed as a harmless recreational, pleasurable medicinal weed. It is leading users to dependency and addiction. For people that are in recovery from drug dependency, some are being lead back to the use of other addictive drugs.

Kratom is a gateway drug - a milder drug that leads to other more harmful and addictive drugs.  This seemingly harmless "natural" weed is just another way open the door to harder opiates. Continual kratom use will induce opioid-like tissue dependence resulting in a significant withdrawal syndrome.  This occurs when it is used at higher doses on a daily and chronic basis. Longer-term use of kratom has been shown to produce many significant opioid like withdrawal symptoms.  The side effects and the withdrawal symptoms are similar to cocaine and opiates depending on the amount used. 

What is the treatment for kratom dependency?

NBRC utilizes various treatment protocols to treat Acute Symptoms, and other medications to treat Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) and Cravings.

There are two main areas we focus on in our Kratom Detox Program:

[1] Pharmacological Intervention - NBRC utilizes various medications to treat all symptoms associated with kratom withdrawal.  Since kratom produces very similar symptoms to other full agonist opiates, patients respond quite well to various medications used in managing opiate withdrawal.  Kratom withdrawal is easily managed and this type of detox is relatively brief. Treatment at NBRC is highly individualized and each patient's specific needs are addressed and medications are prescribed and dosed accordingly.

[2] Substance Abuse Counseling - Optional Individual and Group Therapy is recommended.  Getting connected into a  Program of Recovery is the best way to sustain long term sobriety.  Support counseling is always included as a part of every detox program at NBRC, but some of our patients choose to supplement treatment with additional therapy.

The Facts About Kratom   

Drug Name

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)

Street Names

Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketum, Biak

Category

An interesting mix - on once a psycho stimulant on the other hand it is a sedative, euphoric and analgesic.

Drug Type / Action

At low doses, it produces stimulant effects, with users reporting increased alertness, physical energy, talkativeness and sociable behavior. At high doses, it produces sedative and euphoric effects, and possibly an aphrodisiac effect. Effects occur within 5 to 10 minutes after ingestion and last for 2 to 5 hours.

Legal Status

It is legal in the US.

DEA Status

Kratom is listed on the DEA "Drugs and Chemicals of Concern" list.  It is also currently on the DEA "Watch List".  Added in August of 2007, there is no legitimate medical use for kratom in the U. S.

Sources of Legal Distribution

Kratom is widely available on the Internet. There are numerous vendors within and outside of the U.S. selling kratom, many of which sell other uncontrolled psychoactive products. Forms of kratom available through the Internet, includes leaves (whole or crushed), powder, extract, encapsulated powder and extract resin "pies" (pellets or bars made from reduced extract).

Local Sources Of Kratom

There are several nonalcoholic "sober" bars that serve and sell Kratom in South Florida.  It is also available at "head shops".  The recreational use of kratom leads to habitual use, which ultimately can lead to addiction to kratom.   Harmless?    We think not.   Keep reading...

Stimulant SIDE EFFECTS OF Kratom Usage

Withdrawal Symptoms and Effects from Kratom

Long-term use of kratom has been shown to produced anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, skin darkening, dry mouth, frequent urination, and constipation. The kratom withdrawal syndrome may include symptoms of hostility, aggression, emotional labilitly, wet nose, achy muscles and bones, and jerky movement of the limbs. Some kratom addicts also exhibit psychotic symptoms that included hallucinations, delusion and confusion.

What is in Kratom?

Over 25 alkaloids have been identified in kratom leaves

Active Chemicals in Kratom

Pictures of Kratom and It's Derivatives

Tell me More About the NBRC Kratom Detox Program:

Intake Interview and Psychosocial Assessment

A preliminary assessment is conducted and the patient is evaluated to determine if they are eligible for the Out-Patient Program.  The NBRC Program requirements, the various treatment options, length of treatment, and the fee structure are all discussed.  A confidential interview and intake and orientation is conducted.  Afterward, a psychosocial assessment is performed by a member of our clinical staff. 

Pre-Procedure Medical Evaluation

The detoxification process begins with all NBRC patients receiving a complete medical history and physical examination. This may include a laboratory analysis and urine toxicology screen. Our clinicians remain a part of the multi-disciplinary team that cares for the patient throughout detoxification. 

Induction Phase - Beginning the Process of Detoxification

The Induction Phase is the medically monitored start up of therapy.  Medications may be prescribed at this time to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, assist with sleep and reduce anxiety.

Stabilization Phase – Controlling the Cravings

The Stabilization Phase has begun when the patient no longer has cravings and withdrawal symptoms have disappeared.

Taper Phase – Getting Free

The Taper Phase is reached when the patient is doing well on prescribed medications and cravings have been minimized.  The patient is then stepped-down from the medications until they are drug-free. 

FACT:

There is significant research that reveals the fact the medical detoxification without a rigorous program of recovery that includes Psycho-Therapy and/or Substance Abuse Group Therapy, may have little lasting effect. The rate of recidivism (relapse) is extremely high with those that choose to fore-go therapy in conjunction with medical detoxification.

OPTIONAL OUT-PATIENT COUNSELING THERAPY

Although support counseling is included in the cost of the detox, patients have the option to attend an optional outpatient counseling program while in detox run by a team of experienced licensed Certified Addiction Professionals. We offer several group therapy options that will fit any schedule.

Psychiatric Evaluation Included

NBRC offers a variety of Psychiatric Services from Evaluation and Follow Up Treatment. Psychiatric Services are utilized to treat patients with Dual Diagnosis Disorder, or Co-Occurring Disorder. Frequently mental health disorders can lie underneath and in some cases fuel substance dependency. Some of the therapies utilized include Psychotherapy, Bio-Feedback Therapy, Hypnosis Therapy and Medication Management

All patients enrolled in our programs, have the option for a no cost Psychiatric Evaluation performed by a Board Certified Psychiatric staff member in addition to the basic services of each program.  Ongoing Psychiatric Services are also an option for our patients.

So now those that have struggled with depression, anxiety or any other co-occurring disorder, have the opportunity to get the substance dependency and the underlying psychiatric issues treated concurrently.