Kratom’s popularity has grown over recent years. This potent substance is billed as “natural,” but can damage your short and long-term health. Some states have laws prohibiting the sale and use of kratom, but it is still widely available in many parts of the country.

So, what exactly is kratom, and what are the risks? If you use kratom or know someone who does, you should understand what this substance is, how it works, and its dangers. While research is still needed to study the potential for kratom addiction, users may develop behaviors that suggest physical and emotional dependence. People who begin using kratom may be unable to stop using it without professional support and treatment.

Many people who take kratom and then stop may experience withdrawal symptoms. This guide will help you understand what symptoms are common in kratom withdrawal, how long they last, and what to expect in a detox or treatment program.

Reach out to the caring professionals at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn more about our holistic approach to addiction treatment. Explore our addiction treatment programs or find support at any stage of your recovery journey by calling today.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a substance that comes from a Southeast Asian plant called Mitragyna speciosa. People may purchase kratom from smoke shops or other retail stores in powder, tablet, or liquid form.

Kratom is not currently regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), but the organization has recently listed it as a “drug of concern.” Similarly, the FDA has warned the public about kratom, citing concerns about the substance’s toxicity. In some cases, they have demanded that some kratom supplements be seized and destroyed because of the risk of harm.

The FDA and DEA also believe that kratom supplements may also pose a risk for abuse and addiction. Some research suggests people can develop tolerance and dependence on kratom. There have also been many reports of sedation and psychotic episodes in people using kratom, especially in high doses.

Recognizing Kratom Withdrawal

While more research is needed to prove kratom’s potential for dependence and addiction, people who take it regularly often exhibit kratom withdrawal symptoms when they stop. These can vary from person to person and may depend on how much kratom a person uses.

Typically, kratom withdrawal symptoms include:

• Depression or sadness
• Tension
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Twitching or jerking in the limbs
• Poor sleep and insomnia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Runny nose and eyes
• Sweating
• Hot flashes
• Diarrhea

People experiencing kratom withdrawal may also have intense cravings for the substance, making it extremely challenging to avoid relapse. People who take kratom regularly may require supervised detox and treatment to complete detox and stop using the substance for good.

The Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

Many things can affect how your body responds during detox. Factors like genetics, biology, body composition, and severity of your substance use can affect the duration and severity of your kratom withdrawal symptoms.

Typically, the kratom withdrawal timeline follows this course:

• 12-48 Hours: Withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, tremors, sweating, and nausea may begin within the first day or two after your last dose of kratom.
• 24-72 Hours: Symptoms may worsen and peak during the first three days. Many people experience insomnia, nausea, hot flashes, sweating, diarrhea, and depression or anxiety as their body rids itself of kratom and other harmful substances.
• 3 Days-1 Week: For some, symptoms may begin to lessen after the first three days. Others will experience symptoms that can linger for up to a week.

The amount of kratom you use, your history of substance abuse, and other factors can impact your withdrawal timeline. It’s best to seek professional treatment during detox so that you can have a safe, complete withdrawal from kratom.

Treatment for Kratom Withdrawal

During detox, your body removes toxins from its systems and attempts to return to its natural, balanced state. Sometimes, people may experience severe kratom withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using it. While some factors can make you more likely to have a complicated or long withdrawal period, anyone can face complications or struggle to avoid relapse during detox. Getting help and treatment from a medically-supervised detox program is essential.

Many people may attempt to detox from home, but this can be challenging and dangerous–and it often isn’t successful. Even though kratom withdrawal isn’t often dangerous, many people find their withdrawal symptoms so uncomfortable that they cannot complete detox alone.

In a medically-supported detox program, you’ll receive treatments and support that will help you have a safe, complete detox from kratom. Treatments include:

• Medications to keep you comfortable
• Emotional support, including individual counseling when appropriate
• Holistic therapies to support healing and general wellbeing
• Supervision and distance from your triggers

People seeking treatment from a medically-supported detox program are significantly more likely to have a complete detox and avoid relapse than those who try detoxing at home.

Find Help Now

Reach out to the specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery if you or someone you love require help to manage kratom withdrawal. Call our admission counselors today to explore our holistic substance abuse treatment programs. Don’t wait for another day to go by before getting the help you need. Take the first step of your recovery journey today.

References:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Kratom, Retrieved June 2023 from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom
2. United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Kratom, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/kratom
3. National Library of Medicine: Novel case of maternal and neonatal kratom dependence and withdrawal, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5964386/