Kratom is a tropical tree that contains psychoactive compounds in its leaves. Producing both stimulating and opiate-like effects, kratom is often taken for pain relief and to boost energy. However, kratom is also an addictive substance with withdrawal effects that are similar to other opioids.

Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options for opioid addictions like kratom. In this article, we cover what symptoms can arise during withdrawal and the timelines for recovery. We also address the range of treatment options available and how to seek help.

Overview

While kratom is less harmful than other opioids, a detox process may still be required for those who become addicted to it. Depending on a person’s reasons for taking kratom, treatment will usually encompass the whole of their physical, psychological, and emotional health. The first stage is to detox from the drug before moving on to other stages of therapy. This requires a person to stop taking kratom, which is best done through medically supervised detox, especially as opioid-type substances can be difficult to withdraw from.

During detox, individuals will experience withdrawal symptoms from kratom, which can vary between each person. These are also dependent on several factors such as:

  • Levels of tolerance
  • Individual physiology
  • How long the person used the drug
  • Dosages and frequency of use
  • Whether they engage in “poly-drug use” (using multiple drugs at once)
  • If a person has co-occurring conditions or mental health issues

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms


Kratom withdrawal can create uncomfortable symptoms, which is why medical supervision is recommended. Symptoms are similar to withdrawal from other opioids and can include:

  • Muscle aches
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Hostility
  • Aggression
  • Emotional changes
  • Runny nose
  • Jerky movements
  • Irritability
  • Sweating
  • Cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure
  • Cravings
  • Nervousness
  • Delusions
  • Lethargy
  • Tremors
  • Aggressive or psychotic behavior
  • Diarrhea
  • Involuntary movement
  • Depression
  • Crying
  • Panic
  • Mood swings
  • Abdominal pain

Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal from kratom can occur within the first 6 to 12 hours after the last dose and is milder than other opioids such as heroin or morphine. A general withdrawal timeline can look like the following:

First 24 hours

The first 24 hours is considered the acute phase and is when symptoms of withdrawal usually begin. During this time, individuals can experience:

  • Cravings
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Muscle aches
  • Runny nose
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating

Days 2 to 4

This period is when symptoms typically peak and begin to slowly fade. Some of the main symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dilated pupils, and goosebumps.

Days 7 to 10

Most symptoms from kratom withdrawal will begin to subside after 7 to 10 days. However, there may be a few lingering psychological issues such as depression or anxiety.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Withdrawal symptoms that last for longer than 2 or 3 weeks are referred to as the PAWS period. The length and intensity of PAWS differ depending on the type of drug. However, with kratom, symptoms such as cravings, insomnia, anxiety, and depression can linger for weeks or months following withdrawal.

Is Kratom Withdrawal Dangerous?

While kratom is easier to detox from than other synthetic opioids, complications can occur. These primarily consist of:

Relapse

Opioid withdrawal can be uncomfortable, especially if a person has been using them for a long time. This discomfort can cause individuals to re-use kratom. The danger with relapses is that the body has a lowered tolerance, and it can lead to overdoses.

Aspiration Risks

Acute opioid withdrawal can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal distress. Vomiting poses the risk of aspiration, where vomited material can be inhaled into the lungs and cause infections or pneumonia.

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances

Excessive gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This can be especially worsened if it is combined with poor nutrition or if a person is already in poor health.

Along with these potential complications, other health complications are associated with long-term kratom abuse; these will depend on factors such as the duration and intensity of use.

Kratom Treatment Programs

Group in drug rehab program

There is no specific treatment for kratom addiction. However, individuals can benefit from other treatments that target opioid abuse and dependencies. While there are no set programs for kratom abuse, many centers are familiar with the effects of opioid-like drugs and can provide individualized recovery programs. Below is a list of the most common types of substance abuse treatment programs and what they entail.

Detox Programs

Detox programs are designed to medically supervise a person’s withdrawal from substances. As withdrawal from drugs like opioids can be dangerous, a detox center allows a person to wean off substances in comfortable surroundings gradually. Available at certain clinics, rehab centers, and medical facilities, detox programs are usually led by medical staff who have experience with addiction and drug withdrawal. The benefit of a detox center is that assistance is always on hand, and they can provide medications or other care to ease symptoms and make withdrawal as comfortable as possible.

Short-Term Inpatient (Residential)

Inpatient treatment can either be short or long-term, depending on your needs. Short-term inpatient centers typically consist of medical detox, followed by an addiction treatment program involving therapy or counseling. Lasting for around 30 to 90 days, short-term inpatient programs often provide 24-hour medical support and include a team of doctors, counselors, clinicians, and therapists. Ranging from basic amenities to luxury options, short-term inpatient rehab is suited to individuals who require detox and therapy but don’t require long-term treatment.

Long-Term Inpatient

Long-term inpatient treatment is like short-term rehab, but the length ranges between 3 to 18 months. This type of program is suited to clients with severe addictions or co-occurring mental health issues and who need extended support. Long-term inpatient programs can also be more effective as they provide an opportunity for a person to not only detox from substances but also to spend time getting to the root causes of their addiction. Like short-term programs, long-term inpatient rehab can vary in terms of basic or luxury amenities. Treatment typically consists of individual psychotherapy, group therapy, wellness programs (e.g., health and fitness), family programming, nutrition, and more.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are often a step down from inpatient treatment as they provide similar intensive therapies while allowing a client to live at home. PHP programs are also referred to as “day treatment” and typically involve 4 to 8 hours of treatment per day for 5 to 7 days a week. Like inpatient treatment, a medical staff is usually on hand to assist with detox, medication management, and withdrawal symptoms. PHP programs also include in-depth therapy programs such as individual and group counseling, and sessions that focus on key issues such as anger management, relapse prevention, coping skills, employment assistance, and more.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are ideal for individuals who need to fit therapy around other activities such as work and family. IOP is also ideal for patients who have just completed inpatient treatment and require ongoing therapy. While PHP is usually intended to be shorter term, IOP can often go on for a longer period, requiring 2 to 4 hours of treatment per day for 2 to 5 days a week.

Each intensive outpatient program varies, but they are usually a mixture of individual and group counseling, 12-Step programs, psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic therapies, and educational sessions about addiction, preventing relapses, and building new skills.

Standard Outpatient Programs

The most basic rehab programs are standard outpatient. These programs involve less time commitment and are often viewed as a stepping stone towards independent, sober living. Standard outpatient programs typically involve treatment 1 or 2 days per week and are ideal for clients who are juggling other responsibilities like family, school, or work. Standard outpatient programs typically include counseling, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.), and the 12-Steps, as well as practical sessions that deal with autonomy, goal setting, and skill-building.

Online Forums

While online resources aren’t necessarily a form of treatment, there are numerous internet forums that support people trying to quit their kratom use. For example, on Reddit, “r/quitting kratom” and “r/kratom” have over 68,000 members and are two of the most popular communities. Forums such as these could be a first port-of-call or a place to acquire resources on where to seek help.

Cold Turkey

While kratom is milder than other opioids, withdrawing on your own is not recommended. Opioids are notorious for producing uncomfortable symptoms during the withdrawal period. Therefore, it is recommended that you do this under medical supervision where you can be kept safe and comfortable. Stopping on your own can result in complications and other side effects that need monitoring.

Therapeutic Modalities

During rehab, centers and clinics provide a range of treatments such as medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies. Below are some of the more effective therapy options for Kratom addiction.

Dual Diagnosis

Rehab facilities that offer dual diagnosis programs are often staffed with psychiatrists or clinical therapists that can diagnose and/or treat co-occurring mental health conditions. This kind of treatment is especially useful for people who have underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This allows clinicians to address these conditions alongside withdrawal from the kratom itself.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapies for substance abuse and concurrent mental health conditions. CBT helps individuals change negative cycles of thought and behavior into more positive ones. Proven to be effective for addiction and mental health conditions, CBT also helps clients learn how to recognize “automatic thoughts” and dysfunctional thinking patterns, as well as how to understand the behavior of others, and how to develop a greater sense of self-understanding and confidence. CBT also helps clients find solutions to triggers that might encourage drug use.

Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical-behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on mindfulness, how to live in the moment, cope with stress, and improve relationships. DBT also helps clients identify negative influences in their lives and learn how to develop healthy coping skills. This kind of therapy is useful for people who have other mental health conditions like anxiety or mood disorders. DBT is also effective for PTSD and for people who exhibit self-destructive behaviors.

The Matrix Model

The Matrix Model is another form of therapy that has shown to be effective in treating substance abuse. This 16-week approach is comprehensive and consists of a mixture of behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, family education, drug testing, and encouraging non-drug-related activities. Through guided therapy, patients learn about issues connected to addiction and relapse. These sessions are designed to promote self-esteem and self-worth while the patient and therapist work together to reinforce positive behavioral changes.

Contingency Management

Contingency management is another effective treatment for addiction and is based on a reward system. In most cases, the therapist provides incentives to the patient in exchange for ongoing abstinence and acceptance of treatment. One well-known contingency approach is Motivational Incentives for Enhancing Drug Abuse Recovery (MIEDAR), which is effective for teaching individuals that it is possible to achieve abstinence using self-control. Participants who continue to abstain receive rewards such as prize draws for money or in-demand objects.

Medications & Supplements

While there is no specific medication for kratom addiction, it can be treated like other opioid dependencies. Some of these drugs are used to help wean a person off kratom, while others assist with the side effects of withdrawal. Below are some of the most common types of medications that can be helpful for a person withdrawing from kratom.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is commonly used in medication-assisted treatments (MAT) for opioid addiction. This medication produces weak opioid-like effects and is a safe way to wean off stronger opioids like heroin. When buprenorphine is combined with naltrexone, it is known as Suboxone, which is an effective treatment for individuals addicted to opioid substances.

Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications

As depression and anxiety can be side effects of kratom withdrawal, sometimes doctors will prescribe drugs to help with these conditions. These include anti-depressants like Paxil or anxiolytics like Xanax.

Other Medications

Sometimes doctors will prescribe other medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs to help with muscle or joint pain during opioid withdrawal. They may also provide anti-diarrheal medicines and anti-nauseants to help with stomach issues and vomiting. Examples of over-the-counter medications for withdrawal from drugs like kratom include:

  • Gravol, Dramamine, or Pepto Bismol: for nausea and gastric upset.
  • Benadryl, trazodone, or hydroxyzine (Vistaril): for improving or aiding sleep, or relieving itching.
  • Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen: to relieve headaches and pain.
  • Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, or milk of magnesia: to help with gastric complaints.

Alternative or Holistic Therapies


Many rehab centers also provide holistic therapies. The purpose of these therapies is to treat the whole person and not just the symptoms. These can be incredibly beneficial for providing calmness, spiritual support, emotional expression, improving physical health, and teaching valuable skills. Some of the popular holistic therapies include:

  • Nutritional therapy
  • Animal-assisted therapy (e.g., emotional support dogs)
  • Massage therapy
  • Adventure therapy (e.g., hiking or rock climbing)
  • Mindfulness and meditation
  • Art therapy, Music therapy
  • Yoga, T’ai Chi
  • Equine-assisted (horse) therapy

Lifestyle Adjustments

Recovering from kratom addiction can be challenging, but there are ways to make this process easier. Along with treatment, lifestyle adjustments and self-care can ease the symptoms while transitioning to a new life.

Exercise

Exercise can stimulate endorphins which can help with anxiety, depression, and low mood. Examples include low- and high-intensity exercises such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, or yoga.

Meditation

Meditation can help calm anxious thoughts and reduce impulsive behavior, which is useful when recovering from addiction.

Eating well

The right diet can help repair damage incurred following sustained drug use and lead to improved immunity, cognitive function, and energy.

Avoiding triggers

Learning to avoid triggers like certain people, situations, or circumstances can help prevent a desire to take drugs.

New Hobbies

While cravings can be difficult to manage, hobbies such as sports, art, music, or crafts can be useful distractions.

Resources

If you or a loved one are struggling with kratom abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Treatment and support are readily available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment.

You can also find a list of treatment centers near you on our website to help get you on the path to recovery.

Key Sources

Lesser, B. (2021). Kratom Addiction – A Comprehensive Guide for Treatment. Dualdiagnosis.org. https://dualdiagnosis.org/kratom-addiction.

Turea, M. (2020). 12 Things You Should Know about Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms. Healthcareweekly.com. https://healthcareweekly.com/kratom-withdrawal.

Wong, C. (2021). What to Know About Kratom Use. Verywellmind.com. https://www.verywellmind.com/kratom-for-pain-management-4089380.

Medical Disclaimer

At RehabAid.com, we are dedicated to helping people recover from problematic substance use and associated mental health disorders. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. Information on treatment and support options is readily available through the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357. To further assist you along the path to recovery, the treatment center locator on our website allows you to easily find rehabilitation programs and services in your local area.

We provide our readers with factual, evidence-based content concerning the causes and nature of addiction, as well as available treatment options. However, this informative content is intended for educational purposes only. It is by no means a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. With regard to any addiction-related health concerns, you should always seek the guidance of a qualified, registered physician who is licensed to practice medicine in your particular jurisdiction. You should never avoid or delay seeking professional health care advice or services based on information obtained from our website. Our authors, editors, medical reviewers, website developers, and parent company do not assume any liability, obligation, or responsibility for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences alleged to have happened directly or indirectly as a result of the material presented on RehabAid.com.