Kratom Withdrawal & Detox

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “kratom” refers to a tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves contain chemical compounds that can provide potential benefits to the body and are commonly sold as an herbal supplement.

The kratom tree is in the coffee family and is found in Thailand and neighboring countries. Kratom leaves contain bioactive alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These are compounds commonly used for relieving pain, treating anxiety or depression, or treating opioid dependence. Some people who use kratom as part of their opioid treatment credit it for relief during their medical detox.

Forms of kratom vary. Most commonly, it’s consumed in a capsule or powder form that contains raw plant matter. Kratom powder can be mixed with drinks or food. The plant’s leaves can be brewed into tea. A liquid extract of kratom is also available. Despite its availability, the drug’s potentially harmful effects are important to recognize.

Anthropologists report kratom’s use in Southeast Asia for hundreds of years in traditional medicine to help increase alertness and energy while working as well as during social gatherings.

A person’s experience with kratom withdrawal side effects will be influenced by a variety of factors. The list includes the amount of kratom ingested, the concentration and strength of the dose, the presence of other drugs in the blood system, and underlying medical conditions. A person’s prior experience with kratom misuse also can be a factor in the duration and severity of side effects.

People who use kratom report both stimulant-like effects such as increased energy, alertness, and rapid heart rate, and sedative-like effects (relaxation, pain relief, and confusion). Studies and case reports suggest that rare adverse effects may be associated with kratom or kratom compounds.

Users have reported that low kratom doses cause increased energy, sociability, and alertness. High doses of kratom have been linked to sedation, euphoria, and decreased pain.

The NIDA continues to research the short- and long-term health and safety impacts and potential therapeutic uses to help inform kratom policy and health decision-making around kratom use, particularly how its use may impact opioid usage. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) has not approved kratom or its related compounds as safe and effective for any medical use.

Case reports suggest it has become more common over the past 20 years in the U.S. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2021, among people aged 12 or older that year, an estimated 0.6% (or about 1.7 million people) reported using kratom in the past 12 months.

In the U.S., kratom products are sold herbal stores, smoke shops, and online. Listed as a “drug of concern” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), kratom and kratom compounds are not yet listed on the U.S. schedule of controlled substances. Many kratom products have been found to contain harmful contaminants, like heavy metals and bacteria.

Signs of kratom misuse can show up as physical, mental, behavioral, or emotional changes in a person. The list of emotional signs of kratom abuse includes feeling agitated or anxious, feeling depressed, having emotional outbursts, emotionally detaching from others, and feeling generally irritable.

Physical Symptoms of Kratom Misuse

• Breathing problems
• Changes to skin color
• Constipation
• Inability to experience pain
• Increased energy (small doses)
• Nausea
• Perspiration

• Sedation (larger doses)
• Sleep issues
• Tolerance for the drug
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Weight changes
• Withdrawal

Cognitive Symptoms of Kratom Misuse

• Cravings
• Decreased sex drive
• Delusions
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hallucinations

• Heightened focus
• High levels of alertness
• Panic
• Poor decision-making

Behavioral Symptoms of Kratom Misuse

• Abusing kratom after facing serious consequences
• Erratic, violent, or aggressive behaviors
• Inability to stop using
• Increasing amount of kratom used and for longer durations

• Neglect of personal responsibilities
• Excessive talking
• Spending more time obtaining the drug and recovering
• Tearfulness

More research is needed as other health-related issues are still unknown, including its effects on the body when used in combination with alcohol.

Short-Term Effects of Kratom Misuse

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Sweating

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Increased urination
• Loss of appetite

Long-term Effects of Kratom Misuse

• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Skin darkening

• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Constipation

Hallucinations with long-term use at high doses have been reported in some users. Kratom has also been associated with rare effects, such as seizures, high blood pressure, and liver problems.

The kratom withdrawal timeline varies from person to person, but it does follow a similar progression during the first two weeks. Acute kratom detox symptoms begin around 12 hours from the last use and can last four to seven days.

Withdrawal symptoms may include the following:  

• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Hostility
• Aggression

• Emotional changes
• Runny nose
• Jerky movements

The NIDA reports that no clinical trials have been conducted on medications for kratom addiction. More research is needed to find out if behavioral therapies can be used to treat addiction to kratom. As we await this research, we can help you readjust and feel more comfortable throughout your kratom withdrawal process, regardless of your history of use.

Restored Path Detox will help you navigate your kratom withdrawal through treatment by caring medical professionals. We are with you every step of the way on your journey back to health.