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Many people turn to alternative medicines and herbal supplements to manage chronic pain or boost their energy levels. One popular supplement is kratom. Supplement manufacturers state that kratom will decrease your pain and improve your mood. Some people believe kratom can help people withdraw from opioids. Studies show that kratom does have benefits. However, there is also a high risk of misuse and addiction. Before you quit Kratom, you can learn more about Kratom withdrawal and detox. An addiction treatment center can help you overcome Kratom addiction safely.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is a relative of the coffee plant. The Mitragyna speciosa tree grows all over Southeast Asia. In countries where this tree is common, people use kratom as a traditional medicine. They may chew the leaves or use the powder in tea.
Kratom is available as a powder or an extract. Farmers harvest the kratom tree’s leaves. They dry the leaves and grind them into a powder. Herbal supplement manufacturers often place the powder in a capsule or drink. Kratom extract is available in oils and tinctures for topical use. Manufacturers may add this extract to tea or energy drinks. Kratom extracts are stronger than the powder form.
Kratom used in traditional medicines in Southeast Asia is different from the kratom found in the United States. Several states banned the sale and use of kratom. In many states, kratom is legal and available for sale online and in retail stores. Kratom’s legal status does not mean the drug is safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical purposes. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists kratom as a “drug of concern.”
Kratom's Side Effects
There are over 50 different types of kratom. Each type produces other side effects. Kratom acts on the opioid receptors in the brain. In small doses, users may experience increased focus and concentration. The effects may feel similar to drinking a cup of coffee. In larger doses, kratom can relieve chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. The drug can also make you feel high, similar to opioids. Kratom may seem like an attractive option for managing pain, anxiety, and depression. There are risks to using this supplement, including severe long-term side effects.
People who use Kratom may experience side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Drowsiness
Severe side effects include trouble breathing, liver damage, confusion, and hallucinations. Some people may also experience neurological side effects like seizures and tremors. Kratom users also have a high risk of becoming dependent on the drug. If you think you are suffering from Kratom addiction, it’s important to seek help from a licensed medical professional.
The Warning Signs of Kratom Addiction
Kratom acts on your brain’s opioid receptors, which means there is a risk of abuse. You can watch for these warning signs of kratom abuse. People who abuse kratom may appear restless and agitated. They may experience mood swings. Physical symptoms of kratom addiction include nausea, stomach pains, and dizziness.
As kratom addiction progresses, users may isolate themselves. Their relationships may suffer. They may lose interest in school, work, or hobbies. Their schoolwork or work performance may decline. Over time, people who abuse kratom also may engage in drug-seeking behaviors. They may spend a lot of time and money obtaining kratom.
Kratom can also cause long-term damage to multiple organs. People who abuse kratom may experience liver and heart problems. Studies show that kratom can cause drug-induced liver injury. Kratom can cause heart problems like high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm. Long-term health risks include heart inflammation and cardiac arrest. Quitting kratom can help you minimize or prevent long-term damage.
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What is Kratom Withdrawal?
Taking kratom consistently may lead to physical and psychological dependence. If you are dependent on a substance like kratom, your body becomes used to having kratom in your system. When you stop taking kratom, you will experience physical and psychological symptoms. You may notice increased anxiety and agitation. You also may crave kratom. People who are dependent on kratom may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
If you or a loved one stops using kratom after a period of heavy use, you can expect to go through withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms may begin around 12 to 24 hours after you take your last dose. These symptoms reach their peak after a few days. For many users, withdrawal symptoms will subside after a week. Some users may experience withdrawal symptoms for several weeks.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Body aches
- Muscle and joint pain
- Intense itching
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness or insomnia
- Dilated pupils
- Agitation
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Depression
As you withdraw from kratom, you may experience some or all of these symptoms.
Why You Shouldn't Go Through Kratom Withdrawal and Detox at Home
Going through kratom detox at home is more than just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous. Kratom withdrawal can lead to serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or heart problems. Psychological symptoms like paranoia and delusions can lead to reckless or unsafe behavior. People who try to quit kratom on their own have a higher risk of relapsing. An addiction recovery team can help you go through kratom detox safely. They can help you manage kratom withdrawal symptoms in a supervised environment and intervene in an emergency.
hells Going through kratom detox at home is more than just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous. Kratom withdrawal can lead to serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or heart problems. Psychological symptoms like paranoia and delusions can lead to reckless or unsafe behavior. People who try to quit kratom on their own have a higher risk of relapsing. An addiction recovery team can help you go through kratom detox safely. They can help you manage kratom withdrawal symptoms in a supervised environment and intervene in an emergency.
Medications Used During Detox
Addiction treatment professionals often prescribe medications to help you manage kratom withdrawal symptoms during detox. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat muscle and joint pain. They also may offer medications to ease an upset stomach or help you sleep. The blood pressure medication clonidine is a common medication used to manage withdrawal. This medication lowers your heart rate and enables you to relax. Studies show that suboxone is also an effective treatment for severe kratom dependence.
Kratom Addiction Treatment at Footprints to Recovery
If you’re concerned about your kratom use, you don’t have to detox alone. Safe withdrawal begins by contacting Footprints to Recovery. We take a customized approach to addiction recovery. Our treatment centers offer residential addiction programs, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs. Your program may include medical detox, individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic therapy. If you have other conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD, our dual-diagnosis program can help. No matter which program you choose, you’ll have the support of a caring, compassionate team of professionals.
- Kratom Dependence and Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
- Kratom-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Series and Clinical Implications
- Cardiovascular health in kratom users; a narrative review
- Drug Fact Sheet: Kratom
- Kratom Alkaloids: Interactions With Enzymes, Receptors, and Cellular Barriers
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