Kratom is a plant-derived substance made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly sold as a powder, capsule, tea, extract, shot, tablet, or gummy. People may hear about kratom online, in vape shops, in convenience stores, or from others who use it for energy, pain relief, mood, relaxation, anxiety, sleep, or opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Although kratom is often marketed as “natural,” natural does not always mean safe. Kratom can affect the body in different ways depending on the product, strength, amount used, frequency of use, and whether it is combined with alcohol or other drugs.
Some people report stimulant-like effects, such as energy or alertness. Others report sedative or opioid-like effects, such as relaxation, pain relief, or euphoria. Mayo Clinic notes that people report stimulant-like effects at lower doses and sedative or pain-relieving effects at higher doses, while also warning that kratom carries addiction risk.1
Table of contents
- What is kratom used for?
- What are the side effects of kratom?
- Is kratom an opioid?
- What are the risks of kratom?
- Why is kratom referred to as “gas station heroin”?
- Is Kratom addictive or can it lead to dependence?
- What are kratom withdrawal symptoms?
- Can kratom help with opioid withdrawal?
- When should someone seek help for kratom addiction?
- Can medical detox help with kratom dependence?
- FAQs about kratom
- Get support for kratom dependence at Tides Edge Detox Center
What is kratom used for?
People use kratom for many different reasons. Some people take it because they are looking for energy or focus. Others may use it because they want pain relief, relaxation, mood changes, anxiety relief, or help with sleeping.
Kratom is also sometimes used by people who are trying to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms or cut back on opioids or other substances. However, self-reported use is not the same as proven medical treatment.
Kratom is not an FDA-approved treatment for pain, anxiety, opioid withdrawal, opioid use disorder, or addiction. People experiencing pain, anxiety, withdrawal symptoms, or substance use concerns should speak with a qualified healthcare professional instead of relying on kratom to self-treat.
There are no FDA-approved kratom drug products or legally marketed over-the-counter kratom drugs in the United States.2 Kratom has also been associated with serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, substance use disorder, and dangerous interactions with other substances.
Common reasons people report using kratom include:
- Increased energy or focus
- Pain relief
- Relaxation or calm
- Mood changes
- Anxiety relief
- Sleep
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Attempts to cut back on opioids or other substances
Because kratom products may vary in strength, ingredients, and concentration, effects can be unpredictable. This article does not provide kratom dosage guidance. Speak with a medical professional before using kratom for any health-related concern.
What are the side effects of kratom?
Kratom effects can vary from person to person. The way someone feels after taking kratom may depend on the product, amount used, product strength, individual health factors, frequency of use, and whether kratom is combined with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other substances.
Some people report desired effects, such as increased energy, relaxation, pain relief, or euphoria. However, kratom can also cause unwanted side effects and may become riskier with repeated or heavy use.
Possible kratom effects and side effects may include:
- Increased energy or alertness
- Relaxation or sedation
- Pain relief
- Euphoria
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Anxiety or agitation
- Trouble sleeping
- Impaired judgment
- Cravings or escalating use
Reported Effects
Possible Side Effects/Risks
Energy or alertness
Anxiety, agitation, insomnia
Relaxation or sedation
Drowsiness, impaired judgment
Pain relief
Dependence or withdrawal
Mood changes
Cravings or escalating use
Euphoria
Risk when combined with other substances
Kratom side effects may become more concerning when a person uses kratom frequently, needs higher amounts over time, switches to stronger products, or combines kratom with other substances.
Is kratom an opioid?
Kratom is not the same thing as prescription opioids like oxycodone or illicit opioids like heroin. However, some of kratom’s active compounds can interact with opioid receptors in the brain.
This is why kratom may produce opioid-like effects in some people, including pain relief, sedation, euphoria, dependence, and withdrawal. The most accurate way to describe kratom is that it is a plant-derived substance with compounds that may produce opioid-like effects.
Kratom should not be treated as a safe substitute for opioids or as an approved treatment for opioid withdrawal. Anyone struggling with opioid use or withdrawal should speak with a medical professional about safer, evidence-based treatment options.
What is 7-OH kratom?
7-OH, also called 7-hydroxymitragynine, is a kratom-related compound. It may appear in concentrated products such as tablets, gummies, shots, extracts, or other kratom-derived products.
These products may be more concentrated than traditional kratom leaf products. Because of that, they may carry higher risks for dependence, withdrawal, sedation, impaired judgment, or other serious effects.
This section is for education and risk awareness only. It does not provide information on where to buy 7-OH, how to use it, how much to take, or how to avoid detection.
Warning
7-OH products may be more concentrated than traditional kratom leaf products and may carry higher risks for dependence, withdrawal, sedation, and serious side effects.
What are the risks of kratom?
Kratom safety is complicated. Products can differ in strength, purity, labeling, ingredients, and concentration. Some products may contain concentrated extracts, added compounds, contaminants, or inconsistent amounts of active ingredients.
There are no FDA-approved kratom drug products or legally marketed over-the-counter kratom drugs in the United States. Kratom has also been associated with serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures, substance use disorder, and dangerous interactions with other substances.
Potential kratom risks may include:
- Dependence
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Liver toxicity
- Seizures
- Sedation or impaired judgment
- Psychiatric symptoms
- Cardiovascular effects
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Respiratory concerns
- Dangerous interactions with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other drugs
- Product contamination or inconsistent potency
- Greater risk with extracts, tablets, shots, or concentrated 7-OH products
Risk may increase when kratom is used daily, used heavily, taken in concentrated forms, or combined with alcohol or other drugs. People with medical conditions, mental health concerns, or a history of substance use should be especially cautious.
Why is kratom referred to as “gas station heroin”?
Kratom and kratom-related products are sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin” or “gas station drugs” because some products are sold in convenience stores, vape shops, smoke shops, gas stations, and online.
This nickname can be misleading. Kratom is not heroin. However, some kratom products may produce opioid-like effects and may carry risks for dependence, withdrawal, sedation, impaired judgment, and polysubstance use.
Important Distinction:
Kratom is not heroin, but some kratom-related products can have opioid-like effects and may carry dependence or withdrawal risks.
Is Kratom addictive or can it lead to dependence?
Yes, kratom can lead to dependence or addiction-like patterns in some people.
Physical dependence means the body has adapted to regular kratom use. When a person cuts back or stops, withdrawal symptoms may appear. Addiction, or a substance use disorder pattern, may involve cravings, loss of control, continued use despite harm, and difficulty stopping even when someone wants to quit.
Signs of kratom dependence may include:
- Needing more kratom to get the same effect
- Using kratom daily or multiple times per day
- Feeling unable to cut back or stop
- Spending significant time getting, using, or recovering from kratom
- Using kratom despite negative effects on health, mood, work, or relationships
- Experiencing cravings
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Continuing use to avoid feeling sick
- Switching from leaf or powder to extracts, shots, tablets, or 7-OH products
- Combining kratom with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other substances
Kratom dependence can develop gradually. Someone may start using kratom occasionally, then begin using it more often to maintain the same effect or avoid feeling uncomfortable without it.
What are kratom withdrawal symptoms?
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can happen when someone who has been using kratom regularly cuts back or stops. Symptoms may vary depending on the person’s use pattern, product strength, duration of use, health history, and whether other substances are involved.
For a more detailed breakdown, read Tides Edge Detox Center’s guide to kratom withdrawal symptoms.
Possible kratom withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Anxiety or irritability
- Sweating
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Mood changes
- Cravings
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms
People using concentrated kratom extracts, tablets, shots, or 7-OH products may experience more difficult withdrawal symptoms, especially if they have been using them frequently or combining them with other substances.
Can kratom help with opioid withdrawal?
Some people use kratom because they are trying to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms on their own. Kratom may feel easier to access than medical care or prescription medications used in opioid use disorder treatment.
However, kratom is not an FDA-approved treatment for opioid withdrawal or opioid use disorder. Relying on kratom may lead to a new cycle of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, or continued substance use risk.
People experiencing opioid withdrawal should speak with a medical professional instead of trying to detox alone. A medical detox setting can provide monitoring, symptom support, and a safer path toward stabilization.
When should someone seek help for kratom addiction?
Someone may need help for kratom use if it has become difficult to control, if withdrawal symptoms appear when they try to stop, or if kratom use is affecting their health, relationships, work, school, or mental well-being.
It may be time to seek help if someone:
- Cannot stop using kratom even when they want to
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms when cutting back
- Uses kratom daily or repeatedly throughout the day
- Needs higher amounts or stronger products over time
- Uses kratom to avoid feeling sick
- Combines kratom with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs
- Has mood, sleep, work, school, or relationship problems related to use
- Hides kratom use from loved ones
- Has switched from kratom leaf or powder to extracts, tablets, shots, or 7-OH products
- Is using kratom after trying to stop opioids or another substance
If kratom use has become difficult to control, medical detox support may help reduce withdrawal discomfort and create a safer path toward recovery.
Can medical detox help with kratom dependence?
Medical detox may help people who are experiencing kratom dependence, kratom withdrawal symptoms, or polysubstance use involving kratom and other substances.
Detox needs can vary depending on the use pattern, product strength, duration of use, medical history, mental health symptoms, and whether alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other substances are involved.
Medical detox may help by providing:
- Clinical monitoring
- Symptom management
- Support for cravings, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, or body aches
- Evaluation for polysubstance use
- Safety planning
- Transition planning after detox
- Support for co-occurring mental health symptoms
Medical detox does not look the same for everyone. A clinical team can evaluate symptoms, monitor safety, and help determine the appropriate next steps after detox. Our drug addiction detox is here to help you or a loved one heal and feel supported.
FAQs about kratom
Kratom is a plant-derived substance made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly sold as powder, capsules, tea, extracts, shots, tablets, or gummies.
Kratom may produce stimulant-like effects, such as energy or alertness, or opioid-like effects, such as relaxation, pain relief, sedation, or euphoria. Effects can vary based on the product, amount used, individual health factors, and whether kratom is combined with other substances.
Kratom can lead to dependence or addiction-like patterns in some people. Warning signs may include cravings, daily use, difficulty stopping, withdrawal symptoms, and using kratom despite negative consequences.
Kratom is not the same as prescription opioids or heroin, but some of its compounds can interact with opioid receptors in the brain. This is why kratom may produce opioid-like effects such as pain relief, sedation, euphoria, dependence, and withdrawal.
Kratom is not risk-free. Product strength can vary, and some kratom products may be contaminated, mislabeled, or more concentrated than expected. Kratom may also be associated with dependence, withdrawal symptoms, liver toxicity, seizures, and dangerous interactions with other substances.
7-OH, or 7-hydroxymitragynine, is a kratom-related compound that may be found in concentrated products such as tablets, gummies, shots, or extracts. These products may carry higher risks for dependence, withdrawal, sedation, and serious side effects.
Yes. People who use kratom regularly may experience withdrawal symptoms when they cut back or stop. Symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, sweating, nausea, muscle aches, insomnia, restlessness, cravings, diarrhea, and flu-like discomfort.
Kratom does not always appear on standard drug tests, but specialized tests may be able to detect kratom compounds. Testing policies vary by employer, treatment program, legal setting, and laboratory.
Kratom’s legal status depends on location and may change over time. It may be legal in some places and restricted or banned in others, so people should check current federal, state, and local rules where they live.
