855-813-2105
Have you ever felt like your usual kratom dose just isn’t working anymore? You’re not alone. It can be baffling and frustrating for kratom users but don’t worry, as there’s an explanation.
This article will explore why your kratom might seem less effective over time. We’ll talk about factors like your body’s reactions to kratom use and how your personal tolerance can impact its effectiveness. Get ready because we’re about to take a deep dive into the fascinating world of kratom, tolerance, and how it all works together.
What Is Kratom and Why is it Gaining Popularity?
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Kratom leaves have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but in recent years, the plant has gained global popularity for its unique properties.
Kratom leaves contain compounds called alkaloids. These compounds interact with the body in a way that can produce various effects, making kratom an attractive option for those seeking natural alternatives for their health and well-being in everyday life. Two of the most notable kratom alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, which are believed to be primarily responsible for the effects of kratom.
As modern society continues to explore natural and holistic avenues for health and wellness, this herb from Southeast Asia has emerged as a popular choice for many individuals. Whether you’re taking the herb as a kratom extract, tea, or in capsule form, the potential benefits of kratom ingestion have captured the attention of a global audience.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Stance
Despite kratom’s popularity, the Drug Enforcement Administration has declared kratom a “drug and chemical of concern,” meaning that it is not approved for medical use and has a high potential for abuse. In addition, it is not on the list of controlled substances of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Why Is Kratom Not Working Anymore?
If you’ve noticed that taking kratom isn’t producing the expected effects, there could be several reasons for this. Here are the most common ones kratom users report:
1. Tolerance Build-Up
The body can build up a tolerance to taking kratom over time, especially if you’re taking kratom frequently or in high doses. The body becomes accustomed to the presence of kratom, and higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effects. Regular breaks from kratom use can help to prevent tolerance build-up.
2. Quality of Kratom
The quality can vary significantly depending on factors like where it’s grown, how it’s harvested and processed, and how old it is. Low-quality kratom may not produce the same effects as a high-quality product.
3. Different Strains
Kratom comes in several different strains, each with a unique blend of alkaloids. If you’ve switched strains, you might not experience the same effects as before.
4. Body Metabolism
Everybody is unique, and so is our metabolism. The way your body metabolizes kratom can influence how you experience its effects. Factors like your overall health, liver function, and genetic makeup can all play a role.
5. Empty Vs. Full Stomach
The effects of kratom can vary depending on whether you’re taking kratom on an empty stomach or after eating. Kratom users report that effects are more potent when consumed on an empty stomach.
6. Interactions With Other Substances
If you’re taking other substances or medications, they could interfere with kratom’s efficacy. These interactions could either enhance, diminish, or even lead to kratom not working anymore.
More on Kratom Tolerance
Kratom tolerance is a form of physiological habituation that can occur with many substances, not just kratom.
Tolerance typically builds over time with regular use of kratom products, especially with frequent or high doses. This happens because the body is always striving to maintain a state of balance or homeostasis. When kratom products are introduced regularly, the body will make adjustments to compensate for its effects.
One way it does this is by reducing the sensitivity of the receptors that interact with kratom’s active compounds. As the receptors become less sensitive, more kratom is needed to elicit the same response, leading to a need for higher doses.
Several factors can influence how quickly and to what extent kratom tolerance develops:
Dosage
Large kratom doses are more likely to lead to tolerance because they cause more significant disruption to the body’s equilibrium.
Frequency and Duration of Use
Frequent kratom use over a long period can increase the likelihood of developing tolerance. The body has less time to return to its normal state between doses, so it adjusts more dramatically to compensate.
Individual Physiology
Each person’s body responds differently to substances like kratom. Genetic factors, overall health, liver function, and metabolic rate can all affect how quickly a person develops tolerance.
Use of Other Substances
Other drugs may interact with the same receptors as kratom or affect its metabolism, potentially influencing the development of tolerance.
It’s important to be mindful of the potential for tolerance when indulging in this botanical from Southeast Asia. Strategies like rotating strains, taking regular breaks, and lowering doses when you consume kratom can help manage tolerance.
What Are the Risks Associated With Kratom Tolerance?
With kratom not working, you may be tempted to increase your kratom dosage, which may lead to kratom tolerance. This, in turn, can lead to a variety of risks and challenges, including:
Increased Consumption
As the body builds a tolerance to kratom, larger doses of kratom extract or another kratom product are often needed to achieve the same effects. Tolerance can lead to increased consumption, which may not only be more costly but also increase the risk of adverse effects and potential toxicity.
Dependence
Over time, regular, high kratom dosage can lead to physical dependence. The body may have already adapted to the presence of kratom and react negatively when kratom use is reduced or stopped. This can result in withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, and discomfort.
Reduced Effectiveness
As the body builds a tolerance to kratom, its effects may become less noticeable or satisfying. This can reduce the benefits users originally seek from kratom use.
Health Risks
Use of a long-term, high kratom dose can potentially lead to significant adverse effects and certain health risks. One such risk is liver damage, particularly in those with pre-existing liver conditions. It might even increase as a person consumes more kratom to overcome tolerance.
Drug Misuse
If kratom is no longer working, users may cut kratom with other substances to enhance its effects. This can create a dangerous drug combination that increases the potential for an overdose or other adverse reactions.
What to Do in Case You Experience Kratom Tolerance
If you suspect you’re developing a tolerance to kratom, there are several steps you can take to address this issue:
1. Take a Break
Often referred to as a “kratom cleanse” or “tolerance break,” taking some time off kratom can help reset your body’s sensitivity to the substance. This break could be a few days, a week, or even longer, depending on your needs.
2. Reduce Your Dosage
If you’ve gradually increased your kratom dosage over time, consider reducing it. You may find that low doses are still effective once your body has had a chance to adjust.
3. Rotate Strains
Rotating between different strains of kratom can prevent your body from getting too accustomed to one specific type. Each strain has a slightly different alkaloid profile, so this method can help keep your body’s receptors from becoming overly desensitized.
The Dangers of Taking a Kratom Break
While taking a break from kratom use can help mitigate tolerance, it’s important to understand that there can be risks associated with this practice, especially for those who have been using kratom regularly or in high doses. Here are a few potential issues to consider:
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you’ve been using kratom frequently or in high doses and suddenly quit kratom, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can include the following:
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Physical discomfort
Return of Symptoms
For those who use kratom to manage specific symptoms or conditions, taking a break might mean a return or worsening of those symptoms.
Psychological Challenges
Like with any routine or habit, altering your kratom use or dosage might present psychological challenges. Some may feel stressed at the thought of not having kratom as a part of their routine, especially if they rely on it for mood support or as a part of a wellness regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is kratom not working anymore?
Your body might have built up a tolerance to kratom, meaning it needs more to achieve the same effects. The quality of the kratom you’re using, changes in your body’s metabolism, the dose of kratom, and interactions with other substances could also be contributing factors.
How long should a kratom break last?
The length of a kratom break can vary depending on your individual needs and usage patterns. Some may benefit from a few days off, while others might need a week or longer. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of kratom and its effects can be complex, especially when you find yourself faced with the puzzling issue of kratom not working as it once did. Tolerance development and factors such as kratom quality, different strains, individual metabolism, and the timing of ingestion play crucial roles in kratom’s interaction with our bodies.
It’s crucial to approach changes in kratom’s effectiveness with knowledge and understanding, whether that means taking a tolerance break, rotating strains, or adjusting the dosage.
