Using Kratom to Quit Opiates: A Personal Journey

I was never a hardcore opiate user. When I experienced significant pain, I rarely turned to opiates. One day, I heard of kratom and decided to give it a try. It worked, alleviating the pain.

After a while, I wanted to come off kratom so I took a break. There was a period when I started using kratom again, this time to boost my energy levels. I’ve now been using it consistently for almost a year, but not on a daily basis. So, to address the original question: I didn’t use kratom to get off of opiates. Instead, I used it as a temporary replacement until the pain subsided, and then occasionally to enhance my energy.

Personal Experience with Kratom Quitting

Although I have an addictive personality, I have never been addicted to opiates. To stay clear of addiction, I avoid most addictive substances, knowing that if I had access to opiates, I would likely become addicted.

Before my trip to New Zealand, kratom was illegal, so I had to quit for a while. I didn’t face severe withdrawal symptoms, just a few days of feeling hot, sweaty, and generally uncomfortable. The withdrawal was no worse than a common cold, and it didn’t lead to cravings. In fact, the physical act of stopping kratom consumption was not as challenging as stopping pharmaceutical or illegal opiates cold turkey, which can be dangerous.

Contrary to some concerns, kratom has natural safeguards against overdosing. If consumed in too large a quantity, it typically causes nausea and vomiting, similar to other substances. Additionally, kratom does not depress the respiratory system, so you won’t stop breathing in your sleep. This is particularly reassuring for those who might have switched from other opiates to kratom.

Understanding Addiction and Withdrawal

For some individuals, the mental desire to use a substance can be incredibly challenging, especially those with an addictive personality. However, the physical act of stopping kratom is generally manageable, unlike stopping opiates abruptly. Kratom withdrawal is significantly less severe and less dangerous compared to the withdrawal from pharmaceutical or illegal opiates, which can be life-threatening.

My experience with kratom allows me to emphasize that while kratom can be a helpful replacement for opiates, it is not without its challenges. Those who are considering using kratom to manage their pain should do so with caution, understanding the potential for dependency and the importance of a gradual or controlled approach.

Conclusion

In summary, I used kratom to manage my pain, but I didn’t use it as a means to quit opiates. Instead, kratom served as a temporary replacement until the pain subsided. For those in a similar situation, it’s essential to approach kratom use with the understanding of its benefits and potential drawbacks, and to do so in a way that aligns with personal health and safety.

Additional Reading

For readers interested in learning more about kratom and opiate addiction, consider exploring credible sources such as medical journals, reviews from trusted health professionals, and personal stories from individuals who have successfully managed their pain with kratom.