Long-Term Kratom Effects

To put it in the simplest, most plain terms possible, there has been no conclusive study carried out on the long term effects of kratom. The last thorough study of long term kratom users was published back in 1975. The inquiry sought to better understand native Thais who reported an addiction to the plant after having used kratom for long stretches of their lives, and it great quantities. In some cases, these long term users chewed from 25-30 leaves per day, a very high dosage. Of these thirty long-term addicts surveyed, the overwhelming majority were grown men in the age range of 30-49.

Of these men who had developed a dependence on kratom, a few common side effects were seen from their long term addiction. Most notable was a discoloration of skin in the region of their cheeks, surely associated with their method of ingestion (chewing fresh leaves). There was also a drop in the amount of energy reported by these long-term kratom “addicts”. However, the exact relationship between long term kratom use and kratom addiction remains unclear. Clearly, more research is necessary to determine how quickly addiction can onset, and to breakdown exactly what portion of addiction is psychological, and what is physiological.

One thing remains abundantly clear: moderation is the key to happiness and health. This is certainly true with the various uses of the Mitragyna speciosa plant, which has exhibited the capacity to produce euphoria among its users, but also create problems for those who abuse its kratom in the long term. Like with all potentially addictive substances, including alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, education is the key to avoiding the potential pratfalls of dependence. We only hope that this herbal supplement, which has been used across several cultures safely for thousands of years, doesn’t become another victim of sensationalism and fanaticism based on false information.

For MUCH more, please read Is Kratom Addicting: My Kratom Addiction elsewhere on this site; it’s a personal account of one person’s non-existent battle with this natural herbal supplement.