As kratom becomes more widely available in gas stations, smoke shops, and online marketplaces, many people mistakenly believe it is a safe, natural alternative to opioids or prescription pain medications. While kratom is derived from a plant, it can still be physically addictive, cause serious withdrawal symptoms, and lead to a condition known as kratom use disorder.
At Live Again Detox, we regularly help individuals who are struggling to stop kratom safely and comfortably. This guide explains what kratom use disorder is, the real risks of kratom withdrawal, and the most effective treatment options available.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain active compounds—primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—that interact with opioid receptors in the brain.
Depending on the dose, kratom can produce:
- Stimulant-like effects (low doses)
- Sedative and opioid-like effects (higher doses)
- Euphoria and pain relief
- Increased energy and focus
Because kratom is often marketed as “natural” and “legal,” many users underestimate its addictive potential.
What Is Kratom Use Disorder?
Kratom use disorder develops when ongoing kratom use leads to physical dependence, reduced control over use, and continued taking it even when it’s causing harm.
Common signs include:
- Tolerance: needing larger amounts to feel the same effects
- Withdrawal: feeling unwell when cutting back or stopping
- Unsuccessful quitting attempts
- Cravings or compulsive use
- Using kratom to cope with emotional distress or physical discomfort
- Negative impact on work, relationships, health, or daily responsibilities
Dependence can build slowly over time, especially for people who use kratom every day to manage pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Is Kratom Addictive?
Yes. Despite common misconceptions, kratom can be addictive, particularly with:
- Daily or long-term use
- High doses
- Concentrated extracts or powders
- Previous opioid or substance use history
Kratom acts on the same brain receptors as opioids, which explains why withdrawal symptoms closely resemble opioid withdrawal in many individuals.
Kratom Withdrawal: What to Expect
Kratom withdrawal can range from mild to severe depending on usage patterns, dosage, and individual health factors.
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Irritability and mood swings
- Depression
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating and chills
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Fatigue and low motivation
- Cravings for kratom
While timelines vary, a typical kratom withdrawal pattern includes:
- 6–24 hours after last use: Symptoms begin
- 2–5 days: Peak withdrawal symptoms
- 7–14 days: Physical symptoms gradually subside
- Weeks after: Psychological symptoms such as anxiety or cravings may persist
Without proper support, many people relapse simply to avoid the discomfort.
Attempting to quit kratom “cold turkey” at home can be risky, especially for long-term users.
Potential risks include:
- Severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Sleep deprivation
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Relapse due to unmanaged withdrawal symptoms
- Polysubstance use to self-medicate withdrawal
A medically supervised detox significantly reduces these risks.
Kratom Detox & Treatment Options
At Live Again Detox, kratom detox is approached with medical expertise, compassion, and individualized care. Because kratom can cause opioid-like withdrawal symptoms, safely stopping use often requires professional support.
Our kratom detox and treatment options are designed to ease withdrawal discomfort, stabilize both physical and mental health, and address the underlying reasons behind dependence helping individuals begin recovery safely and confidently in a structured, supportive environment.
Medical Kratom Detox
At Live Again Detox, kratom withdrawal is managed in a safe, structured medical setting.
Benefits of medical detox include:
- 24/7 medical monitoring
- Symptom-relief medications
- Stabilization of mood and sleep
- Reduced risk of complications
- Increased comfort and safety
Medications may be used to help with:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Muscle pain
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Insomnia
- Cravings
Inpatient Detox Programs
For individuals with:
- Heavy or long-term kratom use
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Prior opioid addiction
- Multiple substance use
An inpatient detox program provides full support, structure, and stabilization before transitioning into ongoing treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people use kratom to self-medicate:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
Treating kratom use disorder without addressing underlying mental health issues increases relapse risk. Dual diagnosis treatment ensures both addiction and mental health conditions are treated together.
Continuing Care After Detox
Detox is the first step, not the finish line. Long-term recovery often includes:
- Residential or outpatient rehab
- Individual and group therapy
- Relapse prevention planning
- Pain management alternatives
- Behavioral health support
Live Again Detox helps clients transition seamlessly into the appropriate next level of care.
Who Should Seek Professional Help for Kratom Use?
You should consider professional kratom detox if:
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using
- You take kratom daily or multiple times per day
- You’ve tried to quit and relapsed
- Kratom use is affecting your mental health
- You previously struggled with opioids or alcohol
- You’re using extracts or high-dose powders
Early intervention improves outcomes and prevents escalation.
Why Choose Live Again Detox for Kratom Withdrawal?
At Live Again Detox, we understand that kratom dependence is real—and recovery is possible.
We offer:
- Medical supervision and compassionate care
- Personalized detox protocols
- Comfortable, supportive environment
- Evidence-based treatment planning
- Discreet admissions process
- Seamless transition into long-term recovery care
Our goal is not just detox—but helping you live again, free from dependence.
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Medically Reviewed By:
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
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Clinically Reviewed By:
Board Certified Clinical Social Worker
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Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (2024). Annual overdose report. https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Opioid overdose: Understanding the epidemic. https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). National survey on drug use and health: Tennessee data summary. https://www.samhsa.gov/data
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). Common comorbidities with substance use disorders. https://nida.nih.gov/publications
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). https://www.hhs.gov/programs/topic-sites/mental-health-parity/index.html
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/
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