Have you ever felt anxious before meeting new people? Do you avoid social gatherings? Are social events stressful for you? If the answer to these questions is yes, you may be suffering from social anxiety, a very common problem that many people experience every day. People who suffer from social anxiety typically avoid situations where they must interact with people, especially strangers. And, many times, this problem prevents them from getting better jobs, making friends, and have a healthy social life. Obviously, this has consequences, such as isolation, stress and ultimately, depression.
In this blog, we have explored the properties, effects and, of course, dangers of kratom. If you are a kratom connoisseur, you probably know the capacity of the plant to improve the user’s mood. People who use kratom on a regular basis have reported that their social anxiety has improved with its use. But how does kratom for social anxiety work? Which are the best strains and the right dosage? Is it safe to use it regularly? In this article, we’ll explore this subject and will give you some tips about how to use kratom for social anxiety.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is an anxiety disorder that causes irrational fear in social situations. People who suffer from this condition feel shy and anxious in social gatherings. This situation prevents patients from interacting with others, which can negatively impact their daily lives. Individuals who suffer from social anxiety typically experience the following feelings:
- Fear of being the center of attention
- Fear of eating or drinking in public
- A tendency to avoid places with many people
- Fear of speaking with other people, even friends
Symptoms of social anxiety include:
- dry mouth
- blushing
- difficulty to speak
- rapid heartbeat and palpitations
- excessive sweat
- loss of concentration
People who suffer from this disorder know that their fear is irrational, but they are not able to control it. For this reason, many individuals end up using alcohol or drugs to help them overcome the situation.
How to Use Kratom for Social Anxiety?
Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, an herbal substance from South East Asia, is used in the US for multiple purposes. One of the main uses of the plant is to give the user a sense of energy and euphoria. This property makes kratom an ideal candidate to deal with social anxiety, in fact, many individuals use it for this reason. Users who use the plant for this purpose report that they feel more confident in social situations and that it has helped them feel like “normal people”.
If you are planning to use kratom for social anxiety, there are some questions that you should consider first. Are all the strains equally effective for this purpose? What is the correct dosage? How to use kratom for social anxiety? Are there any dangers? Let’s answer all of these questions below.
Best Varieties for Social Anxiety
When using kratom for social anxiety, green, and red varieties are people’s top choices. Typically, red varieties are more relaxing, so if you need to relax, they would be the best strain. On the other hand, green varieties have the relaxing effects of the red, but their effects are milder (people report that the green varieties don’t provoke the drowsiness of the red). So, if you prefer a milder strain, green kratom would be the best option. Some of the best strains for this purpose are:
- Red and Green Maeng Da
- Red Bali
- Green Malay
However, you must understand that kratom doesn’t have the same effects on everyone. So, you may have to try different strains until you find the one that works best for you.
How to Use Kratom for Social Anxiety: Dosage and Consumption Methods
Now that you know the best varieties, you must know how to use kratom for social anxiety, specifically the dosage and consumption method.
Regarding the dosage, as we always say, there is no general rule, since everyone is different. But you must remember that, at higher doses, kratom can be too calming and relaxing, to the point that it can be sedative. So, when dosing kratom for social anxiety, start always on a low dose. So, starting with a dose of 1-2 grams is recommended. If this doesn’t work for you, you can add 0.5 grams every 45 minutes until you feel the desired effects. However, consider that you shouldn’t go above 4-5 grams to avoid unpleasant effects.
To use kratom for social anxiety, it is recommended to use it 30 minutes before you think you are going to need it since this is the threshold for kratom to work.
As per the consumption method, again it depends on your preference. There is no best way to use it. So, you can use the usual methods, i.e.: toss n’ wash, kratom tea or capsules.
Dangers of Kratom for Social Anxiety
Kratom shouldn’t be a dangerous plant to use if you use it cautiously. Like any other herbs, overdoing kratom can provoke unwanted effects, such as dry mouth, dizziness, and stomach upset. However, these typically disappear after discontinuation of use. So, if you feel any unpleasant effect, it is recommended to lower your dose, switch your strain and, if they continue, stop using kratom completely.
On the other hand, consider that using kratom for too long can end up developing tolerance. So, if you only want to use kratom for social anxiety, you must be very careful with your dosage and your timing. Like any other substance, with kratom, less is more. So, keep your intake to the minimum necessary to experience its effects. And only use it when you feel that it’s absolutely needed.
Other Ways to Combat Social Anxiety
Now that you know how to use kratom for social anxiety, let’s see some other ways to deal with this condition.
Typically, social anxiety must be treated by a psychologist or therapist that will recommend one of the following therapies:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy. This will help you understand the thoughts that are provoking your social anxiety, and to replace them with other thoughts that won’t trigger your disorder.
- Exposure therapy. This type of therapy involves exposing the patient to the situations that are causing anxiety. They typically start in easier situations and work their way up to the hardest ones, until the patient learns how to overcome their anxiety.
- Group therapy. You will interact with people facing the same problem. This will help you understand how your anxiety disorder works and will help you overcome it.
So, if you suffer from a social anxiety disorder, it is recommended to seek therapy to help you!
