What is Kratom Addiction Like? Firsthand Accounts from Reddit Users

Kratom has gained popularity as a natural herbal supplement that some people use for pain relief, energy, or mood support. But for others, regular kratom use can lead to addiction.

Due to its increasing popularity in recent years, many people have questions about kratom. To better understand what kratom addiction really feels like, we turned to firsthand stories shared by users on Reddit. These personal accounts offer an honest look at the challenges, struggles, and cautionary tales from people who have personally dealt with kratom abuse.

You will learn:

• What kratom is and what side effects it causes
• How kratom addiction develops
• What people on Reddit say about kratom addiction
• How to spot the signs of addiction
• What people on Reddit say about kratom withdrawal
• What to expect during treatment and where to find help

To speak with an addiction specialist for immediate assistance or to learn more about treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Moving Mountains Recovery today.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Its scientific name is Mitragyna speciosa. The leaves of the kratom tree contain psychoactive compounds that can have both stimulant and sedative effects, depending on the dose.

Kratom is typically consumed in the form of capsules, various powder forms, or teas made from dried leaves. In its native regions, people have traditionally chewed fresh leaves for their energizing effects.

Kratom remains controversial in the U.S. It is legal at the federal level but banned in several states and municipalities. Where it’s legal, kratom is often marketed as a dietary supplement. 

While some people who use kratom advocate for its potential role in pain relief or as a harm reduction alternative to opioids, health officials and people who have used kratom themselves caution that more research is needed to fully understand its safety and long-term effects. They also warn that kratom has addictive potential when used for extended periods.

Side Effects of Kratom

In low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, making people feel more energetic, alert, and sociable. But in higher doses, it acts more like a sedative or opioid, causing pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria.

While some users seek out these effects, kratom can also cause a range of unwanted side effects, especially with frequent or high-dose use.

Common side effects of kratom include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness
• Itching
• Sweating

In higher doses or with heavy use, more serious side effects can occur, including:

• Brain fog
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Liver problems
• Trouble breathing
• Seizures

Can You Get Addicted to Kratom?

Yes, kratom can be addictive. Although it’s often seen as a natural or safer alternative to other substances, kratom interacts with the brain in a way that can lead to dependence over time. The main active compounds in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to opioid receptors, which can create feelings of pleasure, relaxation, or relief from pain. Similar to opioid use, these effects from kratom can reinforce repeated use.

Addiction to kratom can develop gradually, especially for people who use it frequently for pain relief, energy, or emotional support. Over time, the brain can start to rely on kratom products to regulate mood or manage stress, making it harder to stop. Some users may find themselves taking larger doses or using it more often to get the same effect, which is a common sign of tolerance.

Some of the earliest signs of kratom addiction are:

• Using kratom daily or multiple times a day
• Thinking about kratom often or planning your day around it
• Feeling unable to cut back even if you want to
• Continuing to use it despite problems at work, in relationships, or with your health

While not everyone who uses kratom products becomes addicted, the risk increases with regular, long-term use. If kratom starts to feel less like a tool and more like a need, it may be time to evaluate your relationship with it.

An Inside Look at Kratom Addiction: What Reddit Users Say About Kratom

On Reddit, users are quick to point out that kratom is addictive and dangerous. Unique_Razzmatazz_88 explains, “Kratom = gas station heroin. It’s illegal in some states for a reason. People die from kratom. They also offer detox services from kratom. Trust me – it’s seen my loved one addicted to it, I’ve seen my loved one use it to cope, to get off opiates only to use it in connection with opiates and eventually die bc their opiate usage increased. Stay away.”

How Addictive Is It?

In the r/addiction subreddit, one user asked, “Anyone have any experience with kratom addiction?” They admitted to being addicted themselves, but were looking for feedback regarding exactly how bad their problem was and what it would take to get sober.

In the responses, users share their lived experiences with kratom use. Vinegar_1 writes, “

My wife has a Kratom problem. It has literally torn our family apart the same way cocaine/opiate/alcohol addiction does. She vegetabled in bed for years, neglected the children, lost years of experiences with them, and now they have little desire for her to be around. She gained massive amounts of weight, her skin looks awful, and she hid 10s of thousands of dollars of debt the addiction created. This wasn’t who she was before the kratom. Please please stop for the people out there that love you.”

Another user, ImpossibleFront2063, who claims to be a clinician with experience in addiction treatment clinics, responded by saying, “I can confirm that kratom is every bit as addictive as Suboxone in that the withdrawal symptoms are similar.”

In another thread where a user is asking about Kratom due to concerns about their significant other’s kratom use, Fluffymckittyman shares their experience with the drug, stating, “I was ordering hundreds of dollars a week on bottles of full spectrum tincture and UEI (alkaloid enhanced leaf) from an online vendor. This was the stuff that was suspected to contain synthetic Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (the latter, found in smaller amounts is 13X stronger than morphine).”

It’s a clear consensus among Reddit users that Kratom is indeed highly addictive, perhaps as addictive as some opioids are.

When Does Kratom Use Become a Problem?

Kratom is not illegal, and in most states, it can be purchased over the counter as long as you’re at least 18 years old. As a result, many people undermine the risks associated with it, and they may fail to recognize that their kratom use has become a problem until they have developed a severe substance use disorder.

Wags1980 wrote on one Reddit thread, “I’ve known 3 people who have been addicted to Kratom. They each thought they had found some legal, less harmful opiate to enjoy, but they each spiraled into abuse.”

Ill-Entrepreneur-22 describes a simple way to tell if you have a problem: “If it’s making you isolate, affecting your relationships, finances, interfering with hobbies and limiting your opportunities… That’s when it’s a big problem. Spend some time and think about this honestly for yourself and you will have your answer.”

Is Kratom Addiction as Bad as Opioid Addiction?

While some say that opioids like heroin or fentanyl are more addictive, most Reddit users agree that regular use of kratom products can produce just as severe a substance use disorder as opioid drugs. Both former and current kratom users are quick to point out that kratom withdrawal is very similar to opioid withdrawal, causing intense flu-like symptoms.

The user Zooooooombie writes, “You can absolutely get addicted to kratom in the exact same way as other opioids. The withdrawals are exactly the same as other opioids as well. Source – been addicted to kratom on and off for years with many awful cold turkey quits.”

Another user whose account has since been deleted says, “It’s basically like an opiate substitute. I know ppl who have had to wean themselves off it like you would anything else. They were all ppl who enjoyed opiates previously.”

Stories About Kratom Addiction from Reddit

For more information from Reddit about what kratom addiction is like, check out the stories below.

• “My partner has been using for over ten years, became sober, relapsed many times.  I didn’t know what kratom was until two years ago, I kept finding multiple empty bottles/packs in my garbage.  He denied that he was dependent on it at first, and was super defensive about it.  Then slowly, it just took over his life.  He lost his job, hid it from me, until I discovered he was over drafting his bank account/stealing cash from me and denying it just to buy it from the smoke shop a mile away.  Multiple times per day.  He spent all of his money on the stuff.   There are people that say it’s safer than the alternative, which is true.  But it’s still an addiction and it’s still life-altering stuff.” – Resident-Cupcake-726
• “I personally hate kratom with a passion. My bf has been using it moderately for a couple years now and he’s ramped it up in the last several months. He spends hundreds of dollars a week on the chewable tablets and leaves me stuck with worrying about bills and our children. We’re actively trying to wean him off and help him, and it sucks. He’s irritable and can’t sleep at night without it. I don’t know how long withdrawal is supposed to last and I’m trying to be a supportive partner but I’ve told him I don’t know how much longer I can do this with him.” – s-avama-rt
• “I knew within the first two burns I was not going back to life without it. Been 2 years and still haven’t been able to quit. Tried several times but the Anhedonia is unbearable and seems unending. 2 months was my longest sober run but I went back. It’s just about dosing responsibility, limiting yourself, and setting boundaries. It can be a big help but it is very addictive as it is an opiate.” – Rowebot111
• “I was never as out of control in my life as I was while on kratom. I was addicted to it very quickly after discovering it and soon I was dosing multiple times a day every day. I could not find any way to make myself use it responsibly. I too took kratom for depression, anxiety and anhedonia. At first, it helped enormously and then it started making things worse when I started abusing it and using daily. Things went downhill fast.” – Pongpianskul

Signs of Kratom Addiction

If you or someone you love has been using kratom powder or other forms of the drug, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of addiction. Common signs to look out for include:

• Increased tolerance – Needing more kratom to feel the same effects, or finding that your usual dose doesn’t work like it used to.
• Cravings for kratom – Frequently thinking about kratom, feeling a strong urge to use it, or planning your day around when you can take your next dose.
• Loss of control – Taking kratom more often or in larger amounts than you intended, even if you told yourself you’d cut back.
• Neglecting responsibilities – Letting work, school, or family duties slip because of kratom use or the aftereffects of taking it. You may also pull away from friends or social activities in favor of using kratom or because you feel off without it.
• Emotional challenges – Feeling irritable, anxious, or low when not using kratom, or using it to manage moods or stress daily.
• Hiding kratom use – Being secretive or defensive about your kratom use, or going out of your way to conceal how often or how much you’re taking.
• Continued use despite problems – Still using kratom even when it’s causing issues in your life, like health concerns, relationship strain, or financial trouble.

If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek professional treatment.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone becomes physically dependent on kratom and suddenly stops using it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to uncomfortable and are often compared to a less intense version of opioid withdrawal.

Withdrawal usually begins within 6 to 24 hours after the last dose and can last several days. The severity depends on how long and how often someone has been using kratom, as well as the dose.

Common symptoms of kratom withdrawal include:

• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Insomnia
• Muscle aches
• Body pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Body chills
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Strong drug cravings

While kratom withdrawal is rarely dangerous, it can be uncomfortable enough to require professional support.

If you or someone you know is struggling to stop using kratom, help is available. Medical professionals, addiction counselors, and treatment programs can offer support, especially during the early stages of recovery.

What Reddit Users Say About Quitting Kratom

Kratom abuse and addiction are such prevalent issues today that there are entire subreddits, such as r/quittingkratom, dedicated to helping people beat the withdrawal symptoms and stay sober.

Jhassager describes their experience with detox from kratom as, “simply hell…. the absolute worst s*** ever to come off of.”

Lopsided_Ordinary997 also shared their experience, saying, “I’m currently on day 7 of my kratom detox and I’m still experiencing withdrawals. I’m so ready for this to end.. it’s driving me to the point of either relapse or suicide…I already made a vow to myself I will NEVER abuse a drug again if I manage to quit this.”

Days 3 and 4 after quitting tend to be most intense. KnightGoVroomVroom shares their experience, writing, “I’m on day 4 right now. am freaking dying, splitting headache, restless leg syndrome, cannot form a sentence. slept maybe 30 minutes last night . Also stopped nicotine. Not sure if I can make it another day though, maybe bit off more than could chew.”

While withdrawal can be challenging and painful, many users note that its easier to taper yourself down than to quit cold turkey. GregNice73 says, “What I did was taper down over like 4 months. I’d have periods of mild withdraw but it was manageable and I was able to meet work and family responsibilities. I was up around 80 GPD and immediately cut to 50 and then started the taper. I came on this sub everyday, multiple times and found support in others quitting at the same time. I jumped at 2 GPD, have a few weeks of uneven emotions and I was more or less done.”

Another user, waldoagave, recounts their experience with a kratom taper, writing, “Instead of taking six in the morning, I took five. Then, instead of taking four throughout the day when I needed them, I would take three. I let my body adjust until I was taking three in the morning, one every hour or so, and two at night. Then, I just took them in the morning and at night, then just two at night. Then, just one at night, and then none.”

Tapering off kratom takes discipline, but doing so slowly can help individuals avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment for Kratom Addiction

Whether you’re addicted to kratom or other drugs, getting professional support usually leads to better outcomes, especially if you’re dealing with cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Medical detox – Detoxing in a safe, supervised setting can help manage uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse during the early stages. Detox centers may prescribe medications like buprenorphine to help with the withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient or outpatient care – Inpatient programs offer 24/7 support in a structured setting, while outpatient care lets you live at home and attend therapy sessions several times a week. Both options can help you build new routines and obtain the skills for long-term recovery.
• Behavioral therapy – Working with a therapist can help you understand why you started using kratom and teach you better ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or triggers.
• Support groups – Talking to others who are going through the same thing can make recovery feel less lonely. Groups like SMART Recovery or 12-step programs offer encouragement and accountability.
• Aftercare – Ongoing support after treatment is important for long-term recovery. This might include follow-up therapy, check-ins with a counselor, or staying connected to a support group.

Find Help Now

At Moving Mountains Recovery, we recognize just how addictive kratom leaves, teas, and other products can be, and we provide personalized treatment programs that help patients get back on their feet. With partial care, intensive outpatient (IOP) programming, and standard outpatient (OP) programming available, we’re able to serve clients with various needs, from mild to moderate and severe substance use disorders.

To learn more about our drug abuse treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free evaluation, please contact us today.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Kratom
2. Science Direct: Beneficial and adverse health effects of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): A critical review of the literature
3. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Kratom
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Kratom
5. NIH: Assessment of Kratom Use Disorder and Withdrawal Among an Online Convenience Sample of US Adults
6. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Emerging Use of Kratom in US: Kratom Use Disorder Experts Propose Decision-Making Algorithm for Clinicians
7. NIH: Kratom withdrawal: Discussions and conclusions of a scientific expert forum
8. NIH: Kratom Dependence and Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature