Popularity Rising
You might be familiar with kratom. You may have heard of it as an “herbal supplement,” a safe high, or even a substitute for heroin or fentanyl. Whatever you have heard, kratom is an addictive substance. So we want to get a little deeper to help you understand kratom on the whole and the kratom Maeng Da strain in particular.
What Is Kratom Maeng Da?
Let’s break this down. Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna speciosa). It is actually related to coffee trees and is mostly found in Southeast Asia. Most commonly in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. “Maeng Da” is a Thai phrase that roughly translates to “pimp grade.” This a bit of a crass street-slang way to tell potential users that it is more potent. It’s like saying, “This is the strong stuff.”
Leaves of the kratom tree
The kratom tree has a group of compounds called alkaloids. Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds in plants. Coffee and tea are alkaloids (actually caffeine, but you get it). So are nicotine (tobacco) and morphine (poppy plants). You can guess where this is going.
Kratom has become popular because it has similar effects as opioids (morphine, heroin, fentanyl, et al.). Kratom Maeng Da is a strain of the kratom plant that is believed to have the highest concentration of alkaloid compounds.
In recent years, kratom has made its way out to Austin as a popular alternative for various opioid uses and abuses. In Asia, Kratom is usually chewed. But here in Austin, you can find it in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules, and extracts. It is often mixed in tea or just taken as pills.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Yes. Kratom is addictive. Physical and psychological dependence and addiction are highly likely with kratom use.
What Is the Maeng Da Strain of Kratom?
Maeng Da kratom is available in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules, and extracts. It is said to have a range of effects, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and increased energy. Some people also use it to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Maeng Da kratom is often considered to be a stimulating strain. People often say it is more energizing than other types of kratom. But really, the effects depend on each person, the amount taken, and each person’s biology.
Side Effects of Maeng Da Kratom
The effects of kratom can vary depending on factors such as how much you take, individual biochemistry, and the specific strain of kratom used. However, here are some of the effects that are commonly associated with the use of kratom Maeng Da:
Short-term effects of Kratom Maeng Da:
- Increased energy and focus
- Pain relief
- Mood enhancement
- Relaxation
- Euphoria (at higher doses)
- Nausea, constipation, and dry mouth (at higher doses)
Long-term effects of Kratom Maeng Da:
- Physical dependence, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop
- Psychological dependence and compulsive use can lead to problems such as neglecting responsibilities and difficulty controlling the amount of kratom used
- Tolerance, which can lead to increased dosages and increased risk of negative effects
- Risk of addiction
- Risk of overdose
- Risk of organ damage, specifically liver and kidneys
As mentioned above, yes, it is possible to overdose on kratom.
An overdose can occur when a person takes a large enough dose of the drug that it becomes toxic to the body. A kratom Maeng Da overdose can lead to serious health problems and even death.
Kratom Rehab Services in Austin, Texas
Since every person has a unique biochemistry, personal history, and social connection to substances and their uses, the Heartwood Recovery drug rehab program in Austin is customized for each client.
That said, if you receive treatment for an addiction to kratom, including the Maeng Da strain, it will involve a combination of approaches.
Heartwood Drug Rehab in Austin:
Our inpatient drug treatment program for men located in the city of Austin, Texas, offers a structured environment and SUD treatment and support during the initial recovery process.
Behavioral therapies: Our individual addiction counseling helps individuals develop coping strategies for dealing with triggers and cravings, improve communication and problem-solving skills, and learn how to manage stress.
12-Step Immersion: Our 12 Step immersion program is an intensive, inpatient treatment program that typically lasts 30-90 days. It includes attending daily meetings, counseling sessions, and other therapies to help men develop the tools to overcome addiction. It also includes working through the 12 Steps of the program, which involve accepting that one has a problem, reaching out for help, examining past mistakes, and making amends to those affected by the addiction.
We also offer a fitness for addiction treatment program and addiction treatment family therapy. But it’s important to note that addiction treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and different people may respond better to different approaches. This is why we offer a comprehensive drug rehab for men in Austin.
Call us today to chat more about a kratom rehab program or any other drug addiction treatment plan offered here at Heartwood Recovery in Austin, Texas.
