Opiate addiction is a significant issue in the United States and globally. This addiction often involves illegal drugs, such as heroin or prescription medications used to manage or treat pain. Codeine, oxycodone, and morphine are some popular opiates used by addicts.
When addicts seek to quit their substance abuse, the issue that holds them back is withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms aren’t a walk in the park and why some addicts fall back to their terrible habits.
But there is hope. Numerous solutions help addicts deal with these symptoms, one of which is kratom.
In recent times, kratom has surfaced as a safe and effective remedy for opiate withdrawal. But as with every new product, you might not be sure if it’s a remedy that will help you. Kratom also has various strains, which makes deciding to use it even more confusing for a first-timer.
Here, we walk you through the best kratom for opiate withdrawal and how to choose which is best for you.
The Opiate Crisis and Issues of Withdrawals
In a testimony presented to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., Director, National Institutes of Health, stated that in 2016, over 11 million Americans abused prescription medications. Of those, 2.1 million had a diagnosis for opiate use disorder due to abuse of prescription medications or heroin.
The long-term use of opiates (prescription or illegal) leads to tolerance. Higher tolerance levels mean individuals need higher doses of the drug to experience its effects.
Tolerance leads to dependence and then addiction. At this stage, if the addict tries to stop taking the opiate, they are bound to experience withdrawal symptoms.
That’s why those addicted to opiates need options like kratom to help them transition through the withdrawal process.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom — also called Mitragyna speciosa — is a tropical plant found in Southeast Asia. Indigenous Asians have used the coffee-like plant to deal with numerous ailments such as:
- Fevers
- Pain relief
- Coughs
- Diarrhea
But it’s quickly gaining popularity as an effective solution for opiate cravings.
The kratom plant has various strains. A unique blend of naturally forming alkaloids make up every strain. These strains work similarly to other opiates. The effects are identical to those produced by codeine and morphine.
Some results kratom has in the body are:
- Clears the mind
- Boosts the mood
- Energy boosts similar to caffeine
- Increased awareness and focus
The excellent news is the continuous use of kratom isn’t addictive. Although its effects are similar, it’s not an opiate. The distinction means that the plant can be a natural way to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and ease opiate addiction.
Best Kratom Strains for Opiate Withdrawal
With the promising potential for opiate withdrawal relief, many users will ask: what is the best kratom for opiate withdrawal? Here, we’re sharing the three strains that will target opiate withdrawal symptoms and help you recover.
Each strain gets its name from its place of origin. It’s also important to note that each strain might have slightly different effects on the individual, depending on your symptoms.
1. Maeng Da Kratom
Thailand was the initial birthplace of the Maeng Da strain. But in recent years, growers across the world have produced Maeng Da anywhere the conditions are right.
This organically modified varietal contains more alkaloids than the original herbal tree. The tree itself has darker leaves, which become green when powdered or crushed.
Some anecdotes also claim it’s a sexual performance and libido enhancer. The effects are perhaps why you’ll hear it called ‘pimp kratom’ in certain circles.
The Maeng Da strains are available either as capsules, powder, or liquid extracts. As with most other kratom strains, the powder is the most popular form for consumption.
Benefits of Maeng Da Kratom
When taken appropriately, the Maeng Da strain provides the following benefits:
First-rate antidepressant
It increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. Increased serotonin levels help fight anxiety and depressive thoughts, and they improve your general mood and emotions.
Enhanced mental acuity
Maeng Da kratom improves your mental stamina. By interacting with the brain’s opioid receptors, they reduce the possibility of mental fatigue and enable you to work longer hours.
Increased focus and concentration
The Maeng Da strain is also great at improving focus and concentration. This second-order effect of increased mental strength means you can stay focused for longer times than average.
Opiate withdrawal remedy
Opiates are great for combating mental disorders and severe pain. However, long-term use often leads to addiction. And when the individual decides to stop, the withdrawal symptoms can be nerve-wracking.
The Maeng Da strain is a safe substitute for opiates. You aren’t at risk of addiction or the common side effects of using opiates.
Dependable pain relief
Maeng Da kratom is an effective pain reliever for those suffering from chronic pain. It’s also safer to use than chemical painkillers because it’s an entirely organic/biological option.
Increased stamina
Maeng Da kratom can also be a performance booster and libido enhancer. It improves the user’s stamina levels, and its euphoric capabilities can also induce enthusiasm.
2. Red Bali Kratom
As the name suggests, the Red Bali strain originates from the South-Eastern Asian island of Bali. It is one of the most popular and recognized red vein strains globally. Its smooth, mellow, and long-lasting effect makes it among the best kratom for opiate withdrawal.
To create the Red Bali strain, farmers harvest the leaves once the kratom plants reach full maturity. The concentration of 7-hydroxy-mitragynine is higher than that of Mitragynine at this point (more on these chemical components later).
Benefits of Red Bali Kratom
Red Bali kratom’s benefits include:Relaxation and calming effects
The Red Bali strain is an effective muscle relaxant and sleep aid. It’s famous for its ability to help insomniacs or people suffering from chronic pain. With Red Bali, users can get deep quality sleep. Relieves pain and discomfort with ease
Red Bali is one of the most potent strains and effectively relieves chronic pain or discomfort. Mood and energy booster
In smaller doses, the Red Bali strain can boost one’s mood and increase energy levels slightly. Its long-lasting effects mean these benefits last longer than most other kratom strains.
3. Red Thai Kratom
The Red Thai strain is one of the best kratom varieties for opiate withdrawal. The Thai strain is excellent at generating relaxing and emotional well-being feelings for users. While it isn’t as energizing as the Maeng Da kratom, it’s similar to the Red Bali strain due to its long-lasting effects.
Benefits of Red Thai Kratom
The benefits of Red Thai kratom include:
Fast-acting pain reliever
Red Thai kratom is a useful natural pain reliever. The chemical components in the Red Thai strain are similar to endorphins. This property makes it great at tackling chronic or debilitating pain.
Relaxant and sedative
If you are looking for an organic relaxant, the Red Bali strain is your best bet. Due to the high concentration level of alkaloids in this strain, it is excellent at relaxing your muscles and nerves. And depending on the dosage, you could sleep off due to its mild sedative effects on the body.
Helps to fight opiate withdrawal symptoms
Opiate withdrawal can be a challenging process. The withdrawal symptoms are hard to handle, and most addicts find themselves back where they started. But with Red Bali kratom, one can battle the opiate addiction without suffering any infamous withdrawal symptoms.
You aren’t at risk of any side effects or addiction from using the Red Bali strain, making it one of the best kratom for opiate withdrawal.
Anxiety and stress reducer
The euphoric and relaxing effects of the Red Bali strain make it an effective medication for dealing with anxiety, stress, or depressive disorders. Its euphoric capabilities promote a positive mood, reducing anxious thoughts, and helping you handle stressful situations better.
Sleep aid
Insomnia is a gateway to numerous health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and respiratory illnesses. The Red Thai strain’s relaxing and soothing effects help you achieve deep quality sleep. You also get up feeling more refreshed and energized.
How Does Kratom Work for Opiate Withdrawal?
When an individual stops taking opiates, the body starts to exhibit various withdrawal symptoms as the opioids drain out of the system and the body heals from its adverse effects. The detox process can take some time, and this depends on:
- The severity of the addiction
- The overall health of the individual
- The type of opiate
- The addict’s tolerance levels
The withdrawal symptoms the individual will experience during this period include:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Uneasiness
- Muscle cramps
- A weakness of the body and joints
- Uncontrolled sweating
The best kratom for opiate withdrawal acts as an agonist to opiates.
In simple terms, this means when ingested, the kratom has the same effect as harmful opiates such as morphine, hydrocodone, and many more. Methadone, Subutex, and Suboxone are some other popular opiate agonists used by addicts battling withdrawal symptoms. However, these potent medications can also lead to addictive behaviors as individuals become dependent on their effects.
On the other hand, kratom contains two prominent alkaloids that help relieve the effects of opiate withdrawal. These two alkaloids are 7-Hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine, and they are more potent than opiates, such as morphine. Both these alkaloids bind to the delta and mu-opiate receptors of the brain, providing withdrawal relief.
So, how does the best Kratom for opiate withdrawal work?
The delta and mu-opiate receptors control your mood and pain levels. When Mitragynine binds to these receptors, the individual experiences pain relief and a euphoric feeling similar to morphine. But unlike opiates that usually bind more to the mu–opiate receptor, the kratom alkaloids bind with the delta receptor.
While binding more with the delta-opiate receptor does provide the same effects as other opioids, the individual isn’t at the risk of addiction. The brain recognizes kratom as food. The plant tricks the body into assuming it has taken an opioid while also cleansing it. As it cleanses, it won’t induce any of the withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate cravings.
Where to Buy the Best Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal?
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom specializes in a diverse range of Southeast Asian strains. You will get high-quality products at pocket-friendly rates. With a selection that ranges from the niche Maeng Da strain to the famous Malay and Borneo variants, you are sure to find your favorite strain in Kona Kratom’s store.
You also get free shipping to the U.S and an iron-clad money-back guarantee. So, you don’t have to worry about refunds if you think any of their products don’t meet the cut.
Star Kratom
Powders are the most convenient and consumed form, followed by capsules. However, if you prefer your kratom as a liquid extract, Star Kratom is your go-to vendor for liquid variants.
With Star Kratom, you get 100% organic and top-notch products. They are also one of the American Kratom Association approved merchants. They currently stock over six different labels, and their products are reasonably priced.
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom is a great store to visit if you want to cut out all the marketing fluff you’ll get in most stores. They sell their products based on a special X-factor.
The product listings break down by the strain type, so you know what you are getting. They also offer free shipping to the U.S for orders over $49.99.
Conclusion — Using Kratom for Opiate Withdrawal
Everyone has different tolerance levels. Before getting the best kratom for opiate withdrawal, consider your diet and weight, as these affect your tolerance levels.
But no matter your experience with kratom, start with the lowest dosage possible. That way, you can monitor how your body reacts to the strain. If you notice no effects, then you can increase it gradually.
With the best kratom for opiate withdrawal, it is possible to kick your addiction and live your life freely without discomfort. Check out the top vendors today and take steps toward an addiction-free future, the natural way.
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