Taken increasingly often in recent years, kratom is an herbal supplement that users take to cope with chronic pain, depression, or anxiety, or as opioid withdrawal management. While kratom is frequently marketed as a โnaturalโ alternative to other drugs, it too can be dangerous and lead to addiction and dependence. If you or someone you love is suffering from kratom addiction, you may wonder: Do you need medical detox for kratom addiction?
At Moving Mountains Recovery, we want to help people understand their options when it comes to kratom addiction. Because kratom changes brain chemistry, as most substances do, kratom withdrawal symptoms are possible. This makes kratom detox necessary for many individuals prior to entering treatment.
Understanding Kratom Addiction
Kratom is made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree and is indigenous to Southeast Asia. Even though you can ingest kratom through teas, powders, capsules, etc., the effects are derived from two of its chemical constituents: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These components attach themselves to opioid receptors in the brain, which can relieve pain, produce feelings of euphoria, and cause sedation like opioids.
Kratom is technically legal in most states in America and regulated as a dietary supplement. Despite being legal, kratom is habit-forming when used regularly. Someone who abuses kratom will begin to develop a tolerance and be unable to feel normal without it. This causes them to become mentally and physically dependent on kratom.
Symptoms of kratom addiction include:
- Acting stressed if you donโt have kratom
- Building a tolerance and needing more to get high
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Neglecting responsibilities, loved ones, or self-care
- Using kratom despite consequences
If youโre experiencing some or all of these symptoms, itโs time to start a kratom detox to overcome addiction.
Can Kratom Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?
Yes, kratom withdrawal symptoms can occur. Despite being a herbal substance, kratom impacts neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin, as well as opioid receptors. This interaction makes withdrawal likely for individuals who have developed a dependency.
Symptoms of kratom withdrawal may resemble opioid withdrawal and can include:
- Muscle aches and pain
- Irritability or mood swings
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Sweating and hot flashes
- Runny nose or watery eyes
- Anxiety or feelings of depression
Because withdrawal affects both the body and mind, detoxing without medical support can feel overwhelmingโand for some individuals, symptoms may become severe enough to require professional attention.
Does Kratom Addiction Require Medical Detox?
Medical detox for kratom addiction helps many people withdraw safely from kratom use. Although kratom might not be as risky as synthetic opioids such as fentanyl or heroin, detoxing at home puts you at risk for discomfort, complications, and relapse.
Here are some reasons why kratom detox should take place with medical supervision:
Control Withdrawal Symptoms
Detoxing alone can lead to physical and emotional discomfort as a result of your withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox allows you to be monitored by clinicians so they can track your symptoms and administer medications to help keep you comfortable.
Avoid Relapse
Many times, people who detox alone end up relapsing because withdrawal symptoms can be too uncomfortable to manage on their own. By going to a detox center, you have continuous support and resources that can help you avoid turning back to kratom to make yourself feel better.
Address Co-Occurring Disorders
Just like any other substance, people who abuse kratom might also struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Medical detox can help treat not only your physical dependency but also any underlying issues you may have.
Address Polysubstance Use
Many people who use kratom use other substances either in combination with kratom or alone. These substances can include alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and more. Going through detox with medical professionals allows them to understand what youโve been using and how it can impact your withdrawal from kratom.
Not everyone who abuses kratom will need inpatient medical detox. However, if youโre experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms or are addicted to multiple substances at once, going through detox with medical assistance is your best option.
What Happens During Kratom Detox?
Kratom detox begins with thorough assessments by medical professionals, who evaluate the clientโs physical health, mental state, and substance use history. This information shapes an individualized detox plan that balances safety and comfort.
Some steps of medical detox for kratom addiction may include:
- Symptom management: Clinicians may provide non-addictive medications to ease symptoms of nausea, anxiety, or insomnia.
- Hydration and nutrition support: Withdrawal can be physically draining, but medical detox promotes recovery by prioritizing hydration and proper nutrition.
- Mental health care: Addressing co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression ensures clients feel supported holistically.
- Monitoring and supervision: On-site professionals track symptoms, preventing complications and providing reassurance throughout the process.
After completing detox, individuals transition into ongoing treatment, which may include therapy, support groups, relapse prevention planning, and other resources tailored to long-term recovery needs.
Is Kratom Detox Necessary for Long-Term Recovery?
For individuals with a dependency on kratom, detox is often the first step in achieving lasting sobriety. Without detox, the challenging symptoms of withdrawal may prevent growth and recovery.
Moreover, detox lays the foundation for sustainable healing by clearing the body of toxins and helping individuals stabilize physically and mentally. This stability allows clients to focus more fully on therapeutic components of treatment, such as discovering triggers, recognizing unhealthy patterns, and building coping skills.
Why Choose Moving Mountains Recovery for Kratom Detox?
If youโre asking, โDoes kratom addiction require medical detox?โ, the answer depends on your unique situationโbut at Moving Mountains Recovery, our compassionate team is here to evaluate your needs and guide you through every step of the process.
Hereโs why clients trust us:
- Licensed clinicians: Our medical staff specializes in safe and effective detox techniques.
- Personalized care plans: We tailor recovery approaches around each clientโs goals and challenges.
- Holistic focus: In addition to physical detox, we address mental health, lifestyle habits, and family dynamics.
- Comprehensive addiction treatment in NJ: From detox to aftercare, weโre dedicated to your long-term recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today
If kratom dependency is affecting your health, relationships, or well-being, donโt wait to seek support. At Moving Mountains Recovery, we provide compassionate, evidence-based kratom detox to help you gain control, overcome withdrawal, and build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and let us guide you to a healthier future. Together, weโll move mountains.
