Kratom use has surged, affecting an estimated 15 million Americans experimenting with this controversial supplement. What was once a niche herbal remedy primarily used in countries like Thailand and Malaysia has now become widespread in popularity, with many users taking kratom recreationally or to self-medicate [1].
The unique blend of opioid and stimulant-like effects found in kratom has led to increased rates of abuse, dependence, and addiction. Although not as potent as typical opioids, kratom acts on similar regions of the brain as opioids, leading to intense withdrawal symptoms.
Read on to understand what to expect during kratom withdrawal and how a supervised detox program, such as Rushton Recovery, can help you recover from kratom abuse.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is an herbal supplement sold over the counter in drug stores, tobacco shops, and gas stations throughout the US. Known for its stimulating, euphoric, and pain-relieving effects, some use kratom as an “alternative” to prescription stimulants or opioids.
In small, controlled doses, patients have reported health benefits; however, there is no scientific evidence to support its medical efficacy, and the FDA does not approve it. Long-term use of kratom can lead to dependency, liver toxicity, and in severe cases, overdose.
How Does Kratom Affect the Brain?
Although kratom is not an opioid, it works on opioid receptor activity and affects similar regions of the brain as other drugs or alcohol. Some of the key ways kratom affects the brain are [2]:
- Opioid Receptor Activity: Kratom consists of two main alkaloids that act as partial agonists at the u-opioid receptor sites, producing pain relief, relaxation, and sedation, but with less risk of respiratory depression.
- Biased Agonism: Kratom alkaloids activate opioid receptors through a mechanism known as biased agonism. This selectively triggers certain neuropathways and may explain why kratom’s effect profile differs from standard opioids.
- Non-Opioid Receptor Effects: Kratom alkaloids also interact with other receptors in the brain, such as:
- Serotonergic: Serotonin receptors that play a role in mood, sleep, and appetite.
- Adrenergic: Adrenaline receptors that affect alertness and increase energy.
- Dopaminergic: Dopamine receptors that affect reward and motivation.
- GABA: The alkaloid Mitragynine activates GABA receptors, increasing calming effects associated with kratom.
- Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Alkaloids influence cellular pathways such as the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, which can help regulate antioxidant genes and reduce oxidative stress at low doses, but at high doses, can damage neurons.
What is Kratom Withdrawal?
Kratom withdrawal is the physical and psychological symptoms that arise during the removal of kratom from the body. Kratom impacts the opioid receptor system and other neurotransmitters. When use is decreased or suddenly stopped, it can lead to painful, uncomfortable, or in severe cases, life-threatening symptoms.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom can cause several distressing withdrawal symptoms that affect one’s physical and mental health.
| Physical | Emotional/Behavioral |
| Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, dizziness | Mood swings, odd changes, or shifts in personality |
| Diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination | Anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggression |
| Runny nose and watery eyes, chills, muscle aches | Depression, apathy, trouble concentrating |
| Change in sleep, loss of appetite, fatigue | Intense cravings |
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline
Kratom withdrawal usually takes about two weeks and includes several stages; however, this experience can vary based on factors such as frequency and duration of use, dosage, physical health, and the presence of other drugs or alcohol in the body.
Early Withdrawal (6 to 12 hours after last dose): Anxiety, irritability, sweating, muscle aches and tension, mild cravings
Acute Withdrawal (1 to 3 days after last dose): Severe muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, insomnia, intense cravings (symptoms peak)
Early Recovery (4 to 7 days after last dose): Physical symptoms begin to subside, depression, anxiety, and cravings persist
Post-Acute Withdrawal (2 weeks+): Lingering mood disturbances, fatigue, brain fog, and occasional cravings
Can You Detox from Kratom at Home?
Detoxing from kratom can be done at home for those who have mild dependence; however, risks still exist, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. If you choose to detox from kratom on your own, here are a few tips to help you increase safety and alleviate discomfort.
- Use Over-The-Counter medications to manage symptoms (e.g., pain relievers such as Tylenol, anti-diarrheals, sleep aids).
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious, bland foods that are gentle on your stomach.
- Engage in activities like walking, watching movies, or spending time with friends to distract yourself from cravings.
The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox
Medical detox is a kind of addiction treatment supervised by a licensed clinical team, often consisting of a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. Medically supervised detox is highly recommended when withdrawing from a serious kratom addiction to ensure that vitals are stable and cravings or pain can be managed.
At Rushton Recovery, we offer several comprehensive services that accompany our medically supervised detox program:
- 24/7 medical monitoring by a clinical team that can prescribe medication to alleviate cravings and withdrawal pain
- Customized detox plans designed around your individual health needs, lifestyle, and environment
- Emotional and mental health support with evidence-based therapies such as CBT and DBT to help heal underlying mental health challenges, such as stress, trauma, depression, and anxiety
Detox and Residential Treatment for Kratom Addiction in South Lyon, MI
Rushton Recovery understands how challenging recovering from substance abuse is and that it requires a comprehensive approach to care. Our supervised medical detox and holistic residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward a kratom-free life.
We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your kratom abuse. Let our team help you heal, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery.
Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] STATEMENT OF MAC HADDOW, SENIOR FELLOW ON PUBLIC POLICY. 2023. American Kratom Association.
[2] Rahman, M. A. (2023). A Critical Review of the Neuropharmacological Effects of Kratom: An Insight from the Functional Array of Identified Natural Compounds. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(21), 7372.