Effects & Dangers Of Snorting Kratom

Kratom, also known as mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Kratom leaves contain the psychoactive ingredients mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Dried kratom leaves can be crushed into a fine kratom powder in which a person snorts to achieve desired effects like euphoria and sedation. In fact, snorting kratom produces similar effects to both opioids or stimulants.

Kratom is not a controlled substance but has no current medical use in the United States, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Snorting kratom may lead to serious and life-threatening side effects.

Effects Of Snorting Kratom

The ingestion of kratom can occur in various ways. Some choose kratom extracts in kratom capsules, kratom tea, or the insufflation of kratom in powder form which can be found in various kratom products.

Stimulant- Or Sedative-Like Effects

Depending on the dose of kratom inhaled, side effects can vary. When low doses of kratom are taken, stimulant-like effects may take place. When large amounts of the drug are taken, sedative-like effects can also occur.

Compared to oral consumption, insufflation of kratom causes the drug to enter the bloodstream much more quickly, affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and acting on opioid receptors in the brain.

Those who snort kratom’s dried leaves may also find plant fiber and cellulose in the powder, which can require a person to snort more of the drug to achieve effects of sedation.

Short-Term Side Effects

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), side effects of kratom may consist of:

• constipation
• dry mouth
• increased urination
• sweating
• itching
• loss of appetite

Any of these effects may be heightened when a person is snorting or smoking kratom rather than consuming the drug orally.

Long-Term Side Effects

Some of the long term side effects of snorting kratom can include:

• damage to the nasal cartilage
• frequent nosebleeds
• lung infections or damage to the upper respiratory tract
• fluctuations in blood pressure
• addiction and withdrawal

Dangers Of Snorting Kratom

In addition to the various infections which can occur in the upper respiratory system, there are a range of dangers and adverse effects associated with kratom use. Kratom addiction may result in someone abusing the drug continuously, which can create life-threatening health complications.

Damage To Nasal Passages

The insufflation of kratom is hazardous not only to your lung health, but your nasal passageways as well. Due to the harshness of snorting the drug, nasal cartilage may be damaged.

Other damage to the nasal passages can also occur, including:

• deviated septum
• bacterial infections of the mucous membranes
• frequent nosebleeds
• chronic runny nose
• frequent sinus infections

Kratom Addiction 

The risk of kratom addiction increases when you use the drug long-term. Characteristics of kratom addiction include tolerance and dependence. 

Tolerance means you need more of the drug to experience the desired effects, and dependence means you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop use.

Kratom withdrawal symptoms can include:

• irritability
• muscle aches
• sleeping difficulty
• changes in mood
• runny nose

Kratom Overdose

Large amounts of kratom can result in serious sedation and increase the risk of overdose. Symptoms of kratom overdose can include:

• pulmonary embolisms
• blood clots in the lungs
• respiratory depression
• loss of consciousness

For those of you seeking substance abuse treatment, consider Ark Behavioral Health. At our treatment center, we offer you and your loved ones a variety of drug addiction treatment options like detox, behavioral therapy, peer support, and inpatient/outpatient care.

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