Kratom vs. Opiates: What’s the Difference?

February 8, 2022 By Teresa Sabo Health

You’ve likely heard of kratom and opiates, but do you know the difference between the two?

Kratom is a drug that is legal in several states, like California and Nevada, but also outright banned in others, like Wisconsin and Alabama.

Opiates are either illegal or legally prescribed depending on which opiates you’re talking about.

These two drugs have similarities but also plenty of important differences that you should know about.

Read on to find out the crucial differences when it comes to kratom vs opiates.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom comes from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves contain compounds that, when digested, can have psychotropic effects on your brain.

The effect that kratom has on the brain has been described as similar to the feeling that opioids and stimulants produce. But, is kratom an opiate? The FDA classifies it as one.

The history of kratom use begins with the plant traditionally being eaten in its natural form to reduce fatigue. It has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia to manage chronic discomfort as well.

Today, kratom is taken in many different forms and for different purposes. Kratom can be taken as a pill or extract. You can also smoke or eat kratom leaves or even brew the leaves in water to make tea.

Since it is not an outright illegal substance, kratom can be bought in several ways, including on the internet! Kratom cost varies depending on how you want to consume it and where you buy it from.

There is also a tie between withdrawal and kratom, with some people claiming that kratom for withdrawal is effective for them. It has been used as a herbal alternative to medicine to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.

What Are Opiates?

Opiates are a class of drugs that include both legal and illegal substances. They generally produce a variety of effects, including relaxation, an elevated mood or euphoric feeling, and pain relief.

Opiates include prescribed medications like Oxycontin and Vicodin and illegal substances like heroin. Whether prescribed or not, opioids do have the capability of becoming addicting.

When taken in controlled, small doses and prescribed by a doctor, they can help manage pain. Regular use of any kind of opioid presents a risk for increasing your tolerance and dependency on them and may lead to addiction.

When taken at a higher dose, and not prescribed, opioids can sometimes restrict your breathing and even lead to an accidental overdose.

The U.S. is currently experiencing an opioid use crisis, with opioids being the cause of a majority of overdose-related deaths. In fact, opioids (both prescribed and not) were behind 70.6% of all drug overdose deaths in 2019.