Kratom refers to both a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and products derived from its leaves which are usually marketed as herbal supplements. In recent years it has become more commonly used and abused in the US. An estimated 0.6% or 1.7 million people reported using kratom in 2021.
Many who use kratom are self-treating chronic pain and acute withdrawal from opiates as they seek a safer and more accessible alternative to prescription medications [1]. Read on to learn more about what it is and withdrawal and recovery from its use.
What Is Kratom? Why Is It Addictive?
Kratom has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a remedy in traditional medicine and social gatherings. It contains a compound called mitragynine. Most commonly it is taken orally in the form of a tablet, capsule or extract. The dark green leaves may also be dried or powdered and drunk as a tea, or they may be chewed.
Consuming kratom can produce both stimulant effects (in low doses) for increased alertness and energy and sedative effects (in high doses) for relaxation. But it can lead to tolerance and both psychological and physiological dependence. Some studies have indicated rare adverse effects from using Kratom [2].
Kratom products are legal in the US and available online. It is not a controlled substance although the DEA has listed it as a “drug of concern”. Kratom products and their quality vary widely so effects are difficult to predict. And some contain contaminants. Although kratom has not been approved by the FDA as safe and effective for medical use, people report using it for many reasons including:
- To alleviate fatigue
- To alleviate pain
- To help manage mental health problems like anxiety and depression
- To alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, particularly from opioids
Mild side effects have been noted such as nausea, constipation, dizziness and drowsiness. More serious effects have been observed including:
- Mental and neurological: dizziness, confusion, tremors and seizures, hallucinations
- Heart and lung: high blood pressure and slow breathing
- Gastrointestinal: nausea and vomiting
- Liver
There are risks in using kratom with other drugs for which interactions are not well-known. Kratom is controversial because the long-term health impacts of kratom are not yet well understood. A small number of deaths are associated with kratom but usually due to the presence of other drugs or contaminants.
Kratom begins to work within 10 minutes and the effects last about 1.5 hours. The more taken, the stronger the effect, lasting up to six hours.
There is scientific concern about similarities in the way kratom compounds activate the same main opioid receptor (the “mu” receptor) as other drugs with known addictive properties, such as heroin and oxycodone. However, the way this takes place may reduce the potential for addiction, compared to opioids [1]. One study reported that 12.3% of kratom users qualified as addicted [4].
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
In some studies of kratom users, most reported that it had benefits and helped them achieve their daily roles and obligations. This is different from many other substance use disorders including opioid use disorder, in that psychosocial functioning is not impaired [4].
Some studies suggest people may experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. But the extent to which those who use kratom experience withdrawal or substance use disorder symptoms is not well known. Some report having kratom-related withdrawal symptoms while fewer experience other substance use disorder symptoms.
Studies with those who have taken kratom for more than six months reported withdrawal symptoms like those from opioid use and have known to begin craving it [3]. Withdrawal and substance use disorder symptoms from kratom have not yet been well studied. Some people do report having them.
Other users describe kratom addiction as comparable to caffeine addiction such as insomnia, gastritis and irregular heartbeat.[1] [4].
Kratom withdrawal is described by users as mild to moderate with symptoms such as [4]:
| Kratom craving | Restless legs |
| Low energy | Difficulty sleeping |
| Fatigue | Gastrointestinal upset |
| Irritability | Cold and hot flashes |
| Anxiety | Goosebumps |
| Depressed mood | Muscle twitches |
How Long Does Kratom Withdrawal Last?
So little has been studied about kratom that there is little evidence about withdrawal and treatment. Symptoms appear 8-24 hours after last use. The acute phase may range from 1-3 days depending on the individual and the strength and amount of kratom consumed. Post-acute withdrawal typically lasts 4-10 days but there may be ongoing psychological issues such as depression which need to be medically treated.
Kratom Detox and Recovery
Kratom can be addictive due to its opioid-like qualities. A small minority of people addicted to kratom require treatments for opioid use disorder. Going cold turkey to stop kratom use is not recommended. Medically-supervised detox is the safest route.
There are currently no approved medical therapies specifically for people who have developed a dependence on kratom. They may need medically-assisted treatments (MAT) given for opioid addiction, such as buprenorphine (Brixadi, Sublocade, others) and buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone, Zubsolv).
How to Cope with Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from kratom use are similar to, but possibly milder than, with opioids. They may include the following:
| Physical Symptoms | Psychological Symptoms |
| Nausea | Anxiety |
| Sweating | Depression |
| Chills | Insomnia |
| Diarrhea | Irritability |
| Stomach cramps | Mood swings |
| Joint pain | Intense cravings |
| Tremors | |
| Muscle aches |
While very uncomfortable, withdrawal is usually not medically dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms can be managed with benzodiazepines (benzos), anti-diarrhea medications and anti-nausea drugs. Various holistic approaches such as massage, acupuncture and mindfulness meditation can also help.
Kratom Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team at The Encino now.
At the Encino Recovery & Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. All in a safe space.
We provide medically supervised detox. After detoxing, you may enter our residential treatment center. Trained staff are equipped to offer clinical care. They will provide the support, guidance and interventions necessary for you to reach your treatment goals. Participating in residential care greatly enhances your success rate at avoiding relapses.
Sources
[1] Grinspoon, P. 2024. Kratom: Fear-worthy foliage or beneficial botanical? Harvard Health Blog.
[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2022. Kratom.
[3] Kratom: Unsafe and ineffective. 2024. MayoClinic.org
[4] Smith, K.E., Epstein, D.H. & Weiss, S.T. 2024. Controversies in Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Kratom Use Disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep 26, 487–496 (2024).
