Kratom, a substance that is naturally derived from a tree in Southeast Asia, is legal in most states, banned in some, and regulated in others. Many people have no idea that this seemingly safe substance, often marketed as a supplement, can lead to dependence. When someone wants to stop, they can have kratom withdrawal symptoms that are very similar to those of withdrawing from opioids.
What is kratom?
Kratom comes primarily from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. The leaves contain compounds that bind with opioid receptors in the brain. At low doses, kratom can have stimulant effects. At high doses, it may be more like a sedative and have pain-relieving qualities. Kratom is used, often with no medical supervision, for things like:
- Mood regulation
- Anxiety relief
- Pain relief
- Insomnia
Some people also turn to kratom to help them wean off opioids like heroin or fentanyl. Since kratom binds to opioid receptors and creates opioid-like euphoria, it might seem like a safe way to stop using. But kratom can also create dependence and cause withdrawal symptoms.
Why does kratom cause withdrawal?
Kratom’s active compounds—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—bind with the brain’s opioid receptors. As with other addictive substances, the brain’s repeated exposure to kratom desensitizes those receptors. Because they become less responsive to the effects of the kratom, more is required for someone to feel the desired effects. As someone takes higher doses, their body stops fulfilling the same functions, since kratom takes over those roles—including dopamine production. Dopamine affects the brain’s reward functions.
When someone stops or reduces their kratom use, withdrawal symptoms set in. The Tides Edge opioid detox program can help you or your loved one manage withdrawal symptoms in a medically supported environment.
Common kratom withdrawal symptoms
Kratom withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of opioid withdrawal, though they may be less severe. Regardless, it is often advisable to withdraw under medical supervision in an opioid detox program, so medical staff can manage physical discomfort. You will also be provided with professional support for the challenging psychological process involved in leaving behind a substance you relied on both mentally and physically.
Physical symptoms
The physical symptoms of kratom withdrawal can range in severity. They tend to be somewhat less intense than opioid withdrawal but can last longer. They also take longer to set in after stopping use.
Physical withdrawal symptoms include:
- Flu-like muscle aches
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Runny nose
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Insomnia
Psychological symptoms
Kratom side effects also include psychological dependence. Someone stopping kratom might have a hard time experiencing pleasure or managing their stress until withdrawal is complete.
During withdrawal from kratom, you are likely to experience:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Restlessness
- Cravings for kratom
Do not underestimate the effects of these symptoms. For some people, the psychological side effects of kratom withdrawal lead to relapse. While undergoing detox and rehab, an individual therapy program can provide the support needed to keep making progress in recovery.
Kratom withdrawal timeline: What to expect
Many people dependent on kratom resist the idea of detox and rehab because they don’t want to quit or experience withdrawal symptoms. Knowing what to expect as you navigate the kratom withdrawal timeline can help you know what kind of progress you’re making, so you can keep going.
First 24 to 48 hours
Unlike opioids, withdrawal often is more delayed, beginning between 12 and 24 hours after the last dose. The kratom withdrawal symptoms of the first 48 hours include:
- Anxiety
- Uncontrolled yawning
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Strong cravings
- Aches and pains
- Irritability
- First signs of insomnia
Days 2 to 4
This period is considered the peak of withdrawal, with the most intense and challenging symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe medications that ease many of these symptoms so you can rest. Physical symptoms at this phase include:
- Muscle cramps and body aches
- Hot sweats, cold sweats, chills, goosebumps
- Restless legs
- Severe insomnia
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Psychological symptoms, made worse by chronic insomnia, include:
- Severe anxiety
- Depression
- Emotional dysregulation
- Mood swings
Days 5 to 7
At this point, the worst of the physical symptoms are over. Cravings and psychological challenges remain and may become worse.
- Muscle cramps and stomach problems ease
- Sleep hygiene begins to improve
- Extreme fatigue persists
- Cravings often increase
- Depression and anhedonia (reduced pleasure)
Week 2 and beyond
The most acute symptoms typically resolve within the first seven to 10 days. The second week may see a continuation of the following:
- Fatigue
- Anhedonia
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Psychological cravings
During this time, the above symptoms will ebb and flow, with some surging in waves at certain times and then abating.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a set of continued withdrawal symptoms—like blunted emotions, low motivation, poor sleep, and depression/anxiety—that last for weeks or months. PAWS is common among people withdrawing from opioids, but it has not been well-studied among kratom users.
At Tides Edge, our medical detox program will provide you with the support, medical attention, and safety you deserve during your withdrawal.
Factors that affect kratom withdrawal severity
The severity of kratom withdrawal symptoms is affected by several factors. The intensity of symptoms and duration of withdrawal depend on such considerations as:
- Kratom dosage and duration of use before detox
- General health, including physical and mental well-being
- Whether other substances were also being taken
Withdrawal symptoms can be less severe when managed by a team of addiction treatment professionals.
When do you need professional detox for kratom?
For many people, an inpatient detox center is the best place to start. The rehab team may use medications, nutrition and hydration support, and therapy to help you stay comfortable and make progress.
You may benefit from professional detox if you have:
- Used kratom heavily over time
- A history of relapse
- Used other substances, including addictive drugs
- Co-occurring mental health challenges
Can you go through this process on your own? Yes. However, inpatient, medically managed detox tends to reduce the risk of relapse and generally makes the kratom withdrawal symptoms less painful. It can also shorten the kratom withdrawal timeline.
Frequently asked questions about kratom withdrawal
The process of withdrawing from certain substances can be dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening—but not kratom. The most uncomfortable symptoms are typically over within a week to 10 days. The biggest risk factor is relapse if withdrawal is not managed successfully. Being in a substance-free space with a support network of professionals can help reduce that risk. Medical supervision is recommended for heavy or long-term kratom users.
It can be, but the chances of relapse are higher with cold turkey withdrawal. Some reasons for that are that outside a detox facility, you have access to more kratom, do not have medical interventions at hand to ease symptoms and help you taper off safely, and may have an inadequate support system.
Unlike fast-acting opioids that create a quick high and also leave the body swiftly, kratom has a longer half-life. It often takes several days to fully clear the body.
Many insurance plans cover substance abuse treatment in both detox and rehab centers. It is important to check with your insurance carrier before admission to confirm what they cover.
Detox is the first step in the recovery process. What happens after detox is just as important. Once the first phase is complete, professional recovery treatment is recommended. Evidence-based therapies, in either an inpatient or outpatient program, will help address the underlying reasons for kratom use and support you as you build the skills you’ll need for long-term success. If one of the reasons you used kratom was to alleviate physical pain, it is important to address that with a medical doctor who can provide safe treatments.
Get help for kratom withdrawal at Tides Edge Detox
If you or someone you care about wants to leave kratom behind and is unsure how to get started, reach out to Tides Edge Detox Center in Jacksonville, FL. Our detox center programs are designed to make the process of withdrawal and early recovery as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Contact us today by calling 866.723.3127 or using our online form. Ask us about our 24-hour medical monitoring, personalized care, supportive staff, and comfortable accommodations.
