Kratom: Risks, Side Effects, Withdrawal

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Kratom has been one of the recent substances touted as an all-natural alternative to pain relief drugs, but that’s only one side of the story. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) has listed it as a drug of concern due to a significant increase in abuse of Kratom in recent years.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant that is found in Southeast Asia. It is used to treat various problems such as pain relief, stress reduction and as a relaxant. The leaves are chewed, or dried, and crushed into powder to make tea to fight tiredness. Kratom is sometimes sold in liquid form as a treatment to stop diarrhea and cramps. However, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved medical uses for Kratom.

Kratom can be effective in relieving pain because it contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which act on opioid receptors in the brain. However, it is a unique plant, and is not regulated by the Controlled Substances Act, so the dosage has different effects and impacts on the body. 

For instance, when consumed at a low rate, it boosts energy as a stimulant; at a higher rate, it alleviates pain, while at a very high rate, it acts as a sedative, and can induce psychotic symptoms, similar to some opioids. Due to this reason, the potential for abuse of Kratom is high, leading to the FDA ordering seizure and destruction of any products containing Kratom.

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Kratom Withdrawal

Although Kratom is a natural supplement, many individuals experience withdrawal symptoms after long term use or abuse of the substance. Because of the addictive nature of Kratom, individuals develop tolerance and then dependence on the substance over continued use. When they try to quit, they may develop withdrawal symptoms which leads to going back to using the drug, creating a vicious cycle. Withdrawal symptoms and their severity can vary depending on the dosage of the substance and the length of usage. 

Detoxification can be an effective way to stop using Kratom, however it should be performed professionally and under clinical supervision. Medical professionals can help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms and reduce risks by creating an individualized treatment plan based on the person’s history of Kratom use.

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Risks and Side Effects of Kratom

Many people think Kratom is safe because it is natural, but research has shown that it poses a great danger to the human body and can cause death in extreme cases. This is because it contains potent ingredients, so you need to consult an expert or a doctor before taking it. Below are the side effects of Kratom:

  • Weight loss
  • Dry mouth
  • Aggression
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tremor
  • Frequent urinating
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea and vomiting

Other crucial effects include:

  • Breathing suppression
  • Liver damage
  • Hallucinations
  • Cardiac issues such as high blood pressure and heart attack
  • It causes brain diseases like Encephalopathy.
  • Seizure and death

Is Kratom Legal?

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has warned people about the risks of taking Kratom, and it has been banned in a few states.

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Indiana.
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Wisconsin

In as much as the intake of Kratom poses more danger to the body, it is still legal under state law and available in states like California, Florida, and Colorado. However, it is forbidden and regulated in many countries.

How Long Does Kratom Last?

The effects of Kratom can last for 5-6 hours, depending on how you take it. If taken on an empty stomach, the effects will occur within 30-40 minutes. If taken after eating, it could take longer to kick in and stay longer than on an empty stomach. It could take over 60 minutes for the full effect to kick in if used after eating.

The Interaction Between Kratom and Other Substances

Kratom contains powerful ingredients, so combining it with another substance may worsen its effect. For example, consuming it with sedatives or coffee could cause respiratory problems. Research has also shown that the interaction between Kratom and other drugs can cause severe damage, so it is advisable to meet a doctor to get the appropriate dosage.

Having Trouble with Kratom?

Most specialists consider Kratom as an Opioid because it interacts with the Opioid Receptors in the brain and can act as a stimulant or pain relief just like an Opioid. And similar to other opioids, Kratom is addictive, and many people abuse it, especially when it is a prescribed medication. If you are struggling with Kratom addiction, don’t wait. 

Reach out to us to get started on your recovery. Call us at (844) 964-2770

Johnny Pickett

Patient Advocate

Jamie Nelson

Case Manager

Stephen Carmel

Co-Founder & CFO

I began my journey to recovery back in 2011 when i moved to California from New York.Along with my recovery and beginning a new way of life, I began to develop a heart for others struggling with sobriety.My journey to California was filled with many trials and lessons learned, but most of all, personal growth. I truly believe I would not have found success if I didn’t come to California.

I first opened an adult treatment center, California Prime Recovery(CPR) as a way to work with those struggling on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years, CPR has evolved into someting much more impactful and beautiful than i could’ve ever imagined. I have come to realize that my own happiness and growth depends on being involved in the lives of others in recovery. Helping people through recovery is a cornerstone of many 12 step programs, and it has become the most important aspect of personal life. Giving back to those still suffering is the only way not to lose what you have gained.

Throughout this journey, and by mentoring many adolescents, I realized i wanted to offer more to teens who were struggling just as i was. This is when i decided to start OC Revive. I had built many wonderful relationships throughout my professional journey and found two others who shared the same vision, and passion that i had for the youth. It didn’t take long for myself, Tyler Michaelis, and Derek Walsh to turn our dream into a reality. We are committed to providing the best possible treatment for adolescents and truly believe “their future is our collective responsibility”.

Derek Walsh

Co-Founder & COO

As Co-Founder & COO of OC Revive, Derek has a wealth of personal and professional experience dealing with the issues faced by today’s troubled teen. Throughout High School and College, Derek struggled with peer pressure, learning challenges, and substance abuse. Working with the support of family and friends, Derek set out to conquer those obstacles and find a richer, more fulfilling life.

On 15 October 2012, Derek overcame his own substance abuse problem and dedicated himself to help others work through their own addiction. A year later, Derek began a new journey and started his career in the recovery industry. Throughout his career, Derek has worked his way through numerous roles at top-rated treatment centers. While working at those treatment centers, Derek began to see a pattern that those struggling individuals would’ve benefited immensely from receiving earlier in life.

Derek decided that he wanted to be a part of the solution, and find a way to address those issues at an earlier age. He concluded that there needed to be interventions before adulthood, and he didn’t want to see anyone going through the same cycle that he did. That was when he and Tyler Michaelis decided to start OC Revive, to make sure teens get the help they need to find a purpose that leads them to a life of happiness and success.

Derek attended college at Orange Coast College and Santa Barbara City College.

Brittany Astrom

Clinical Supervisor

Brittany joins the OCR team with over 15 years of experience in the Mental Health adn Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings. Brittany has been supervising Associate Marrige and Family Therapists and Associate Social Workers for almost 6 years and works in compiance and auditing to ensure that treatment centers are up to par with biling regulations. Brittany has worked with young adults and adolescents for most of her career.

Brittany earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Baptist International University. Brittany enjoys working with adolescents and young adults and believes that ever single person has the ability to set goals and meet them, even when they can’t see it themselves. Brittany loves spending time with her family, traveling, good coffee, and being outdoors.

Patrick R. Smith

Program Director

Patrick is a mental health and addiction professional who has a passion for recovery and helping others. He was inspired and encouraged by his mentors to work with individuals and families that have been affected by mental health issues, and alcohol and drug addiction. He has been working in the field of addiction recovery for 23+ years and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Patrick is also certified in Adult and Adolescent Anger Management. His career in addiction treatment began in 2001 at the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage CA. as an Addiction Specialist working on the inpatient campus and is the co-creator of Betty Ford Center’s “Young Adult Track” specializing in work with 18-25-year-old Patients. He also excelled in working with addicted and impaired professionals in the “Relapse and Recovery Program”.

Patrick transitioned to Orange County in 2011 where he accepted a position as the Program Director for Orange County Recovery Services. Patrick is a gifted lecturer, group facilitator, and counselor with a passion for recovery who has been an active recovery member for over 25 years.

Anthony Fletcher

Director Of Business Development

Anthony is an Orange County local and has been a great addition to the Oc Revive team. Since 2015, Anthony has been working in the substance abuse field and has also pursued his drug and alcohol counseling license. Since being with Revive Anthony has established a relationship within the School Districts and serves as a voluntary speaker for substance abuse awareness in the community. By sharing his personal testimony, he has excelled in gaining trust and building rapport with others. He always seems to have a smile on his face and brings a positive vibe wherever he goes. With that being said, Anthony is very passionate about the work that he does and goes above and beyond to provide our struggling youth the care that they so desperately need.

Levi Sweet

Director of Operations

Brian Welsh

Director of Admissions

Chandra Medina

Lead Therapist

Kelly Pearson

Therapist

Christina Gherman

Therapist

Tyler Michaelis

Founder & CEO

Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.

April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.

In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families

Tylor Ramsey

Therapist

Patrick Fernandez-Her

AMFT Therapist

Steven Simon

Admissions

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Alejandro Alva, M.D.

Medical Director

Kayli Sullivan

Director of HR & Compliance

Carl Kutter

Operations Manager

Mustafa Stanizai

Case Manager

Allyson Lake

Case Manager

Ashley Becher

Admin Assistant

Kortnee Carralejo

Admissions

Madalyn Johnson

Case Manager

Matthew Lawler

Therapist - AMFT

Helen Riccobono

Therapist - AMFT

Rachel Dickinson

Therapist - AMFT

Max Howell

Case Manager

Leah Perle

Therapist

Angela Castellano

Case Manager

Tyler Michaelis

Founder & CEO

Tyler is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to teens and their families. Once a teenager that struggled with addiction, mental health, and poor choices, Tyler is aware of the growing demand and need for early intervention in adolescents and young adults. Growing up in Orange County, he battled addiction and peer pressure all throughout high school and during his time at Saddleback College. During those troubled years, Tyler’s parents and family were emotionally drained and heavily impacted by his addiction. Unfortunately, they did not know where to turn for help nor did they have the courage to set boundaries with him.After 7 painful years, they finally forced Tyler out of the house and into treatment at the age of 23.

April 5th, 2010 is a date that Tyler and his family hold dear. On that date, Tyler enrolled in a 4-month treatment program which laid the foundation for his recovery. With the help of treatment professionals, supportive friends and family, Tyler was able to build a better version of himself. This started with slowly building his self-esteem, and growing a community of peers to support him throughout recovery.

In 2011,with the desire to help others struggling with addiction, he decided to start working in the addiction field. Tyler obtained his CADAC || Counselor certification and graduated from Cal Sate University of Long Beach with a degree in Health Care Administration. Since then, Tyler has worked all areas of treatment starting as a detox technician and working his way up to Program Director. Today, Tyler feels blessed and grateful for getting a second chanse at life. He has a great relationship with his family, is happily married and has a great group of friends. Once a lost teen, Tyler now has purpose and passion. He’s dedicated his life’s work to helping teens and their families. As the Founder, Tyler Michaelis is confident that OC Revive will renew the lives of struggling teens while bringing back hope to their families