Kratom contains powerful alkaloids that have stimulating, pain-relieving, and mood-altering effects on the brain. It has also been used by some to relieve the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Longer-term use of kratom can result in dependence. Kratom withdrawal, which can last between 3 and 10 days, may produce unpleasant symptoms like cravings, muscles aches, and nausea. This article covers everything you need to know about kratom and kratom withdrawal, including symptoms, a timeline, and how to seek help.
Overview
Kratom leaves are processed into powder, pills, extract, and gum. Dried leaves are sometimes eaten, smoked, or brewed into tea. Kratom, in larger amounts, produces opioid-like effects including pain relief, pleasure, and sedation. Small amounts reportedly produce stimulant-like effects such as alertness, energy, and sociability. Participants in one 2017 study reported they were using kratom to quit opioids or treat opioid withdrawal. While kratom isn’t illegal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns people against using it due to the risks of misuse, dependence, and addiction.
Signs & Symptoms
Using advanced computer modeling, the FDA came to the conclusion that kratom contains opioid compounds. Just as a person who is taking opioids regularly will experience withdrawal, someone who uses kratom regularly will experience kratom withdrawal when they stop. Research suggests that people taking large doses of kratom several times per day are more likely to experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms compared to those who consume smaller amounts of kratom. Reports show that kratom withdrawal is different for everyone. In one survey, most participants described their kratom withdrawal symptoms as a level 2 or 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is the most severe and 5 is the mildest. Frequently cited symptoms include fatigue, cravings, tremors, and muscle aches. However, more research is needed on the long-term effects of chronic kratom use, which is likely to intensify withdrawal symptoms. Commonly cited kratom withdrawal symptoms include:
AnxietyCrampingCravingsDepressionDiarrheaFatigueHot flashesInsomniaMuscle achesNausea or vomitingRestless legs Runny noseSweatingTremorsWatering eyes
Anecdotal reports suggest that some people who use kratom heavily experience what is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS happens in some people after withdrawal from a variety of substances. People with PAWS tend to experience depression, anxiety, and insomnia that comes and goes in waves in the days or weeks following discontinuation of a drug.
Coping & Relief
Kratom withdrawal can be difficult for some people. When it comes to quitting kratom, you have two options. One is to quit cold turkey; the other is to slowly taper down your dose. Tapering means taking progressively smaller and less frequent doses over the course of several weeks. Some people prefer a gentle tapering strategy, but others want to get withdrawal over with as quickly as possible. Whatever you decide to do, there are ways to make withdrawal more tolerable. Here are a few tips to ease the pain of kratom withdrawal:
Talk to a doctor. Explain the situation to a doctor and tell them you expect symptoms similar to opioid withdrawal. They may prescribe detox medications that can help alleviate problems such as anxiety and nausea. Try OTC medications. There are several medications available over-the-counter that can help treat the symptoms of kratom withdrawal. Examples include antidiarrheals, sleep aids, and pain relievers. Take a shower. Kratom withdrawal leaves some people feeling depressed and exhausted. A shower can help boost your mood, increase your energy, and soothe your aching muscles. Go for a walk. Many people have found that exercise, even a brief walk outside, can relieve some of the discomforts associated with withdrawal. It’s also a great way to distract yourself from cravings and work out excess tension. Keep busy. It may be tempting to take a few days off work and avoid your friends, but keeping busy may be just what you need to get through the worst of it. Remember why you’re quitting. It can help to write down the top reasons why you want to stop using kratom. Keep this list handy and refer to it when cravings hit.
Warnings
Kratom withdrawal isn’t dangerous. In most cases, it’s mild, like a bad cold. Unless you have special medical needs, withdrawing at home should be fine. If you are pregnant, talk to an OB-GYN about your kratom use as soon as possible. There are reported cases of infants who are born experiencing kratom withdrawal due to exposure in utero. If you have struggled with drug use, talk with a doctor before quitting kratom. If you have been using kratom to help you get off opioids, then you are at risk of relapse. Due to changing tolerance levels, opioid relapses can be very dangerous. When people overdose on opioids, it is because the drug causes them to stop breathing. Kratom, even in large doses, does not appear to affect the respiratory system. This means that kratom, on its own, is unlikely to cause a fatal overdose. As with any opiate problem, ask a doctor for a prescription for Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug, before you quit kratom.
Long-Term Treatment
If you were using kratom to self-medicate a mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you should consider making an appointment with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. You may find that a combination of therapy and prescription medication helps you manage your symptoms much better than kratom can. Plus, it is safer to have a doctor or mental health professional regulating any medication you take, reducing your risk of addiction or dependence.
Resources
If you are going through kratom withdrawal or are planning to quit, it may be helpful to reach out to other people who have gone through it, too. There are many online resources for addiction recovery, including support groups. Some support groups are for general substance use recovery, while others may be specific to kratom use and withdrawal. You can try participating in a few different groups until you find the one that works best for you. In fact, studies show a positive link between receiving peer support and recovering from addiction. Peer support may play a significant role in success rates for recovery from substance use. And it’s always helpful to know that you’re not alone in your journey.
A Word From Verywell
Most people start using kratom with good intentions. Many want a safe, natural way to treat pain and anxiety. And it may work for a while. But when kratom use starts to take over your life, you know it’s time to quit. Quitting may be a bit harder than you thought it was going to be, but it is achievable. If you’re struggling, reach out for help. There are plenty of resources to help support you during withdrawal and through your recovery. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
