Kratom is a tropical tree within the coffee family, indigenous to Thailand and neighboring South Asian countries. While some people use kratom for its stimulant and sedative effects, it has a dangerous history of adverse outcomes, including addiction and toxicity when consumed in higher doses.

According to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), kratom leaves have stimulant properties at low doses and act as a sedative at higher doses. Kratom is also used for pain management, although its use in this capacity is not clinically proven. Additionally, many individuals turn to kratom as a self-treatment for opiate withdrawal despite limited scientific evidence supporting its safety or efficacy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medical uses for kratom and continues to advise against its use. In the 2024 advisory, the FDA warned consumers about OPMS Black Liquid Kratom, linking it to serious health risks. Furthermore, the FDA maintains that kratom is not lawfully marketed as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive in the U.S.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is not classified under the Controlled Substances Act in the U.S., but the DEA does list it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern. You can sometimes find kratom in stores (or online) selling alternative medicines and supplements, depending on individual state regulations.

There are many names for kratom, including:

• Ketum
• Herbal speedball
• Kahuam
• Biak-biak
• Ithang
• Thom

The scientific name for kratom is Mitragyna speciosa. This tropical tree grows profusely throughout Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Kratom is used in parts of Asia as a mood enhancer and also for the treatment of:

• Pain
• Fever
• Cough
• Diarrhea

The dark green leaves of the kratom plant are dried and then powdered or crushed. People add the dried kratom leaves to tea or smoke the powder. The leaves have psychotropic properties, meaning that while kratom is legal, it is also a mind-altering substance.

Up to 5 million people in the United States use kratom, and it comes in many different forms, colors, and sizes, including white kratom.

Small doses of kratom induce stimulant effects, but at higher doses, kratom can deliver opioid-like effects. According to the FDA, kratom may impact the same opioid receptors as morphine. For these reasons, many people mistakenly believe kratom is an opioid rather than an evergreen plant from the coffee family.

Is kratom addictive, then?

Does Kratom Cause Physical Dependence?

Kratom has the potential for abuse and addiction. Current research suggests that while it may be less addictive than opioid painkillers, it still carries significant risks. Many people who develop opioid addiction turn to kratom as an alternative, believing it to be a safer option. However, this approach is not recommended, as kratom itself can lead to dependence and withdrawal, perpetuating the cycle of substance abuse rather than breaking it.

When kratom is used regularly and long-term, the following adverse side effects can manifest:

• Appetite changes
• Weight loss
• Disrupted sleep cycles
• Social problems caused by kratom use
• Physical dependence

For individuals using kratom to manage chronic pain, quitting abruptly can intensify discomfort, making withdrawal even more challenging. Additionally, those who develop physical dependence on kratom may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings when the substance is no longer present.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms Associated With Kratom?

Kratom withdrawal produces broadly similar effects to opioid withdrawal and opiate withdrawal, although symptoms are not typically as severe.

When you introduce a substance like kratom into your system, your brain chemistry is altered. All substance use disorders lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain, and kratom is no different.

Research shows that kratom withdrawal lasts from 3 to 10 days, producing adverse effects like nausea, muscle aches, and cravings for kratom.

Researchers believe that kratom interacts with opioid receptors similarly to morphine, which explains why its withdrawal symptoms closely resemble those of opioid withdrawal.

That said, some research shows that kratom withdrawal is not as dangerous or long-lasting as opioid withdrawal. Most people detoxing from sustained kratom use experience mild flu-like symptoms.

In some cases, kratom withdrawal can be more severe, especially for individuals struggling with polysubstance abuse.

Those who use kratom as a substitute for opioids face a higher risk of relapse, as rapidly shifting opioid tolerance can increase the likelihood of a fatal overdose. To ensure a safer withdrawal process, seek medical guidance before discontinuing kratom.

Kratom withdrawal can trigger the following adverse psychological withdrawal symptoms:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Agitation

Kratom withdrawal symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Changes to blood pressure and heart rate
• Decreased appetite
• Muscle aches
• Fever
• Sweating
• Hot flashes
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Jerky movements
• Diarrhea
• Blurred vision
• Dilated pupils
• Seizures

Not everyone using kratom develops dependence or experiences withdrawal. However, the more kratom you use, the greater your risk of both dependence and withdrawal. As a rough benchmark, using more than 5 grams daily can induce negative outcomes.

If you have been using kratom to self-medicate symptoms of pain or lessen the withdrawal symptoms of other substances, you are at heightened risk of becoming dependent and suffering both physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal when quitting kratom.

Kratom Sleep Issues

Kratom sleep issues can arise in some cases, though not necessarily typical. While many Kratom users report Kratom making them more drowsy, Kratom has also been reported anecdotally to cause sleep issues when taken too close to bedtime, similar to the effects of caffeine.

This is likely because, at low doses, Kratom can cause alertness, increase energy, and heighten brain activity, making it harder for your brain and body to become relaxed enough to doze off.

Due to this stimulation, kratom withdrawal symptoms may include insomnia, resulting from chemical dependence and increased wakefulness, further exacerbating kratom sleep issues.

Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

The onset and duration of your kratom withdrawal experience will depend on how much of the substance you were using and the duration of your usage.

The size of your last dose also influences when the effects of the drug subside and how quickly withdrawal sets in.

Occasionally, symptoms manifest within a few hours of your last kratom dose. More often, though, the first symptoms of withdrawal present within 12 to 24 hours of your previous dose.

Data show that kratom withdrawal lasts from 3 to 10 days. Even for those heavily dependent on kratom, withdrawal symptoms should dissipate within a week or two.

Although withdrawal experiences may vary from person to person, this general timeline provides an overview of what you can expect during kratom withdrawal:

Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

1. First 12 hours of withdrawal: Anxiety, depression, flu-like symptoms.
2. Days 1 to 3 of withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms peak; risk of relapse is greatest.
3. Days 4 to 7 of withdrawal: Severe symptoms dissipate as your body returns to equilibrium.

Some anecdotal reports suggest heavy Kratom users may experience PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome), characterized by depression, insomnia, and anxiety surpassing typical withdrawal timelines.

What Are the Risks Involved When Using Kratom?

A 2017 study examined the potential benefits and risks of kratom. Researchers found that while kratom has stimulant effects and may have potential benefits for treating depression, it also carries significant health risks.

In some cases, using kratom can trigger the following serious adverse outcomes:

• Memory loss
• Seizure
• Coma
• Death

Beyond this, kratom can also cause a range of physical and psychological side effects, such as:

• Aggression
• Hostility
• Dry mouth
• Euphoria
• Vomiting
• Jerky body movements
• Psychosis

The effects of kratom occur quickly, with feelings of calmness and euphoria typically emerging within 5 to 10 minutes after use. However, sustained kratom use can trigger:

• Nausea
• Itching
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Sleep disruption
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hair loss

While it is possible to overdose on kratom, most kratom-related deaths involve other substances, particularly drugs and alcohol dependence.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 9 out of 11 deaths linked to kratom exposure also involved one or more of the following substances:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Benzodiazepines
• Cocaine
• Fentanyl

Additionally, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports a dramatic increase in poison control calls linked to kratom use from 2010 to 2015. However, only two kratom-related deaths between 2011 and 2017 were solely attributed to kratom use.

Despite its growing use, research on the long-term effects of kratom abuse remains insufficient. Some case studies indicate prolonged, high-dose kratom use may contribute to serious health complications, including:

• Kidney injury
• Acute liver damage
• Cardiovascular complications
• Drug-induced hepatitis
• Seizures

Kratom Withdrawal Treatment

Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to ease the symptoms of kratom withdrawal:

1. OTC antidiarrheal medication: Taking over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicines like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium can mitigate diarrhea associated with kratom withdrawal.
2. OTC pain reliever: Tylenol or ibuprofen can help relieve fever and muscle aches.
3. OTC antiemetic: Dramamine can help lessen vomiting and nausea.
4. Eat little and often: Eat small, frequent meals of bland food to minimize nausea.
5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and use rehydration supplements.
6. Practice relaxation techniques: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga can help alleviate insomnia and anxiety.
7. Speak with your doctor: Talk to your healthcare provider before detoxing at home.

Addiction Recovery at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California

Struggling with Kratom addiction or an opioid use disorder? Gratitude Lodge can help!

We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment for all types of addictions and mental health disorders. Our pet-friendly and inclusive luxury rehab centers are located in Long Beach, Newport Beach, and San Diego.

Initiate your recovery from kratom addiction by engaging in a supervised medical detox at one of our Southern Californian locations. You can then transition directly into a 30-day inpatient program or an IOP (intensive outpatient program).

Your treatment team at Gratitude Lodge will personalize a treatment plan from the following interventions and therapies:

• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Psychotherapies (CBT and DBT)
• Family therapy
• Daily meetings
• 12-step immersion program
• Holistic therapy

When you are ready to move beyond kratom abuse or opioid addiction, reach out to Gratitude Lodge by calling 844-576-0144.

Sources

1. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Stimulants-2020.pdf
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_190.html
3. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf
4. https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf
5. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_190.html