Posted by Dependence and addiction (also called substance abuse disorder) go hand-in-hand. First comes tolerance, then dependence and addiction. If you can stop at the tolerance stage, then you can avoid substance abuse.
Kratom and 7-OH are pretty popular these days for pain relief and other effects. There’s no denying that they are powerful remedies many people rely on to get them through hard times. Unfortunately, they are also highly addictive, especially 7-OH. Kratom has the potential to be addictive, particularly for people who are using it to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms.
If you are new to kratom or 7-OH or already take either or both, it’s important to educate yourself and use responsibly. Following are some tips on how to avoid becoming dependent and addicted to kratom or 7-OH.
The First Stage: Tolerance
Let’s say someone started taking kratom or 7-OH for whatever reason, beginning with a low dose. If they keep taking it every day – making a habit out of it – or decide to suddenly up the dose, they’ll eventually get to a point where they’ll have to take more of it to feel the same effects as before. The usual dose feels week to them; this is what’s known as tolerance. In other words, they tolerate more kratom than normal.
The Second Stage: Dependence
Next is dependence. It’s the physical aspect of substance abuse disorder where the user feels tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. The body reacts badly when it’s without the substance. In the case of kratom or 7-OH, since they’re both opioids, they share similar withdrawal symptoms.
The Third Stage: Addiction
Addiction is different from dependence because it is neurological. It involves compulsive behaviors where cravings lead the user to keep seeking the substance and using it regularly, even often. Personality and lifestyle changes happen at this point, since the user focuses totally on getting more of the substance.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Using Kratom or 7-OH
Addiction to kratom or 7-OH is indeed an opioid addiction, so there are going to be short- and long-term effects, especially in high doses or when taken every day. Consider that the short- and long-term effects of kratom and 7-OH are similar, with those of 7-OH being more severe:
Short-term effects
- Constipation: Either substance backs up the bowels and can lead to bloating and abdominal pain, up to the point of needing laxatives or other means of treatment. Constipation also adds to feelings of sluggishness.
- Drowsiness: True at higher doses, drowsiness comes from the sedating effects of large amounts of mitragynine or any amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine.
- Confusion and cognitive impairment: Besides drowsiness, appearing incoherent is another reason why inexperienced kratom or 7-OH users should not drive or operate heavy machinery.
- Nausea and vomiting: Partly because of the slowing-down of the gut, taking kratom or 7-OH can cause queasiness to the point of vomiting, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
- Respiratory depression: Slow or weak breathing happens from depression of the central nervous system.
Long-term effects
- Liver damage, especially when in combination with acetaminophen
- Kidney damage
- Endocrine disruption
- Weakened immune system
- Heart problems
- Respiratory infections
- Brain changes, particularly in the reward system
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Craving more
- Runny nose, sneezing, or watery eyes
- Nausea and lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Yawning and broken sleep
- Shaking
- Sweating, hot and cold flushes, and goosebumps
They could mean dependence or addiction. It’s possible to taper off kratom or 7-OH slowly, especially with the help of a doctor.
Taking Kratom or 7-OH? Don’t Get Hooked
Anyone who is seeking to use kratom or 7-OH on a regular basis can take precautions to avoid becoming dependent or addicted to either of them. For kratom users, it is best to avoid taking kratom for more than 2 days straight but if they are taking it for opioid withdrawal and want to take it more often, they should stick to as low a dosage as possible for pain relief. 7-OH users should take 7-OH for pain or opioid wthdrawal only when necessary and as low an amount as possible, while other users should avoid taking it for more than 2 days straight.
Kratom and 7-OH Without Overkill
Kratom and 7-OH usage is becoming more common, but some people are becoming dependent and addicted to either of them. Knowing the side effects, risks, and symptoms of dependence, addiction, and withdrawal will help you be aware and use either substance responsibly and as safely as possibly. You also need an extremely trustworthy vendor that is self-regulating to give you the effectiveness and precise dosing you’re looking for. Real Botanicals is a vendor that is manufacturer-direct, so there is no middleman, and their processing is thorough and conscientious. You can rely on their kratom and 7-OH products to be backed by their complete control and commitment to purity, consistency, and potency.
Check out “How to Taper Off Kratom Safely.”
You might be interested in Real Botanical’s Kratom Alternatives. Here is a review of the best Kratom Alternatives.