Recent data indicate a rising trend in kratom use, with one national study estimating that more than 5 million individuals have abused the substance at least once in their lives, with the highest usage rates among people aged 21 to 34.
The herbal substance has psychoactive properties and has been known to cause physical dependence with regular intake.
If you or someone you know is experiencing kratom withdrawal, here’s everything you should know about how long it lasts and what symptoms to expect to help you recognize when professional support is needed.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a leafy plant found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries where it has a long history of medicinal and recreational uses.
Other names for kratom, depending on where you are, are:
- Biak
- Ketum
- Kakuam
- Thang
- Benisa
- Ketun
- Giam
Today, the psychoactive plant is typically sold as powder, capsules, extracts, or blended in other products.
While not considered a traditional opioid, kratom contains alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). These are compounds that bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, which produce opioid-like effects.
Common Uses of Kratom
In the US, kratom is commonly used for its opioid-like effects to manage chronic pain. Some take the herbal substance as a replacement for coffee and caffeine products for its energy-boosting effects.
Others report using the herbal extract to self-medicate for opioid withdrawal and mental health issues, including anxiety, panic disorders, and depression.
Moreover, with access to prescription opioids tightening in recent years, many people turn to kratom as a “natural” and legal alternative.
Because it’s relatively new, the psychoactive plant isn’t currently listed as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also not approved kratom for safe medical use.
Kratom Effects
At low doses, kratom extract and powder produce effects similar to stimulants. This includes increased energy, alertness, and chattiness.
Higher doses of the substance can result in depressive and sedative effects. Users report that it dulls their pain while making them feel calm and less anxious.
Other possible effects of kratom abuse are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Appetite loss
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Increased urination
- Muscle pain
- High blood pressure
- Slowed breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Itching
In some rare instances, the psychoactive plant has caused adverse reactions, such as liver damage, hallucinations, confusion, and delusions. Some users experienced weight loss, insomnia, seizures, and anorexia.
Combining kratom with benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioids, and other drugs can be especially dangerous.
Kratom Dependence, Addiction, and Withdrawal
There has been research on the potential of kratom plants in treating and easing withdrawal syndrome caused by opioids and other substances.
However, evidence indicates that using the herbal substance may cause kratom addiction and dependence rather than treating them.
Someone misusing kratom regularly can develop tolerance, requiring more of the substance to achieve the same effects. They may become unable to control their kratom abuse and prioritize it over their other commitments.
Over time, the person’s body becomes adapted to the presence of kratom, experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when cutting back or stopping intake.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom withdrawal can closely resemble opioid substance abuse because the drug affects a similar group of brain receptors.
These symptoms include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Agitation
- Mood swings
- Cravings for kratom
- Fatigue and restlessness
- Depressed mood
- Sleeping issues
- Dehydration
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Tremors
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Watery eyes
- Hot flashes
- Rhinorrhea or runny nose
Although usually not life-threatening, kratom withdrawal can be painful and distressing. Without proper medical supervision, the risk of relapse also increases.
How Long Does Kratom Withdrawal Last? Timeline
How intense and how long kratom withdrawal lasts depends on the severity of addiction and duration of use. Withdrawal can last from 4 to 7 days or more.
First Day
Symptoms may begin as quickly as within 12 hours after someone’s last kratom intake.
Excessive sweating and anxiousness are common in early withdrawal. Muscle, bone, joint, and abdominal pains aren’t uncommon. Severe cases may involve cravings and fever onset as early as the first day.
Many of these symptoms may start mild and escalate with time.
Second and Third Day
By the second day, the individual may feel depressed, and cravings for the substance intensify. This is considered the acute withdrawal phase.
Shaking and tremors typically occur by the second and third day of abstinence. The person may experience coordination issues in addition to insomnia and a sudden appetite change.
Muscle and joint pains become more noticeable.
Fourth to Seventh Day
Physical discomfort often subsides by the fourth through the seventh day. Tremors and shaking may improve, but nausea and other minor symptoms may persist.
Some people may still feel fatigued, experience trouble sleeping, and struggle with mood changes for several more days.
Second Week
It’s worth noting that addiction withdrawal can differ wildly from one person to another.
In some cases, symptoms can be protracted for longer, also called a post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
Some common lingering symptoms following medical detox include anxiety, depression, and cravings.
Treatment Options For Kratom and Opioid Withdrawal
If you or someone you know is trying to quit kratom abuse, seeking professional support is the safest route, especially in situations where the person engages in polydrug use.
Addiction treatment centers provide various levels of evidence-based care based on the person’s unique needs.
For kratom addiction and withdrawal, your physician may recommend:
- Medical detox: Medical professionals monitor and provide medication during medical detox to safely rid the body of the substance. Tapering may be effective for kratom and opioids.
- Behavioral therapy: Therapies are an important part of addiction recovery. Many programs involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling.
- Outpatient care: Entering a formal program, such as an intensive outpatient program (IOP), for kratom abuse provides structured and effective support.
Many treatment providers offer continuing care after rehab, including sober living homes, support groups, and 12-step programs.
Finding Reliable Kratom Detox Support In the Prairie State
Kratom is addictive and can result in dependence. As in other kinds of substance abuse, addiction to the psychoactive plant can lead to numerous health and relationship problems if left alone.
Accredited by The Joint Commission, Illinois Recovery Center provides expert kratom addiction and detox support in the Prairie State.
Get in touch with us to explore your treatment options today!
