Does Kratom Help with Suboxone Withdrawal? Understanding the Process and Best Strains
Kratom has gained significant attention in the realm of opioid addiction recovery as a potential aid for withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone, a common medication used to treat opioid use disorder, requires careful transitions when discontinuing. This article explores whether kratom can help alleviate suboxone withdrawal symptoms and provides guidance on the best kratom strains to use.
Understanding Suboxone Withdrawal
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, used to help manage opioid addiction. When discontinuing Suboxone, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, anxiety, and muscle pain. These symptoms can be severe and significantly impact an individual's daily life.
The Role of Kratom in Suboxone Withdrawal
Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, is known for its psychoactive properties and its potential to relieve pain and anxiety. Some individuals have found kratom helpful in managing withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone. However, it's crucial to understand that kratom is not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used with caution.
Personal Experiences
A personal account from a long-term kratom user shares insights on their experience:
I've used kratom for withdrawals from using morphine-rich opium tea and a suboxone program. While kratom helped, it wasn’t a complete solution. It alleviated around 90% of symptoms for opium withdrawal but only brought down the suboxone withdrawal by about half.
Another user notes that for suboxone withdrawal, kratom helped reduce the intensity of the symptoms by about 50%. It is important to approach kratom use for suboxone withdrawal with a cautious and informed mindset.
The Best Kratom Strains for Suboxone Withdrawal
Kratom comes in various strains, each with distinct effects. The choice of strain can significantly impact the effectiveness and side effects. While there is no definitive best kratom strain for Suboxone withdrawal, certain strains are more commonly recommended:
Red Vein Borneo
For those familiar with kratom, Red Vein Borneo is often recommended due to its strong sedative and pain-relieving properties. However, it’s important to note that results may vary.
Red Strains Generally
Red strains are generally preferred for pain relief and sedation. They may provide better relief for suboxone withdrawal symptoms, but the effects can vary.
Choosing the Right Strain
It’s essential to choose a medium-to-high quality kratom strain. The majority (90-99%) of kratom sold is decent in quality, making it a less critical factor. However, the choice of strain can still significantly impact the effectiveness. Red Bali and Meang Da strains are often recommended, particularly Red Bali due to its robust effects. Personally, Green Meang Da is preferred as it's less likely to have batch issues.
Transitioning from Suboxone to Kratom
A smooth transition is crucial when moving from Suboxone to kratom:
Tapering off Suboxone: Gradually reduce your Suboxone dosage, aiming to reach a low daily dose (2 mg or less), which will help to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Timing: Use kratom at the time you would normally take your Suboxone dose.
Strain Selection: For suboxone withdrawal, Green Meang Da is a popular choice due to its fewer issues with batch quality and its effective pain-relieving and sedative properties.
Managing Withdrawals with Kratom
While kratom can be beneficial, it’s essential to use it under careful consideration. The strength of kratom products can vary, so starting with a moderate dose (10 grams for Krave or 7-8 grams for O.P.M.S.) is recommended, and adjusting as needed. Always start with a smaller dose and monitor how your body responds. Overdosing can lead to physical discomfort such as dizziness, nausea, and disorientation (referred to as “the wobbles”).
For long-term use, Krave is often preferred due to its more cost-effective nature compared to O.P.M.S. However, if you have a higher budget and prefer the stronger effects, O.P.M.S. may be the better choice.
Additional Support for Kratom Withdrawal
If you aim to quit kratom, Kava can be a useful alternative. Kava is a legal, non-addictive plant that helps alleviate kratom withdrawal symptoms effectively. It can be purchased from supplement retail stores such as Vitamin Shoppe.
In conclusion, while kratom can help manage suboxone withdrawal symptoms, it should be used cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Always consider the quality and strain of kratom, and gradually transition to ensure a smooth recovery process.