Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Kratom is a potent substance marketed as a natural dietary supplement, but it has the potential for serious harm. This dangerous supplement is widely available throughout the United States. People may use kratom out of curiosity or because they believe it is a safer alternative to opioids or other addictive substances. 

However, kratom misuse can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. People who misuse kratom may find it challenging to stop taking it when they choose. 

This article will explore Kratom misuse and withdrawal. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of kratom use
• How kratom dependence occurs
• What happens during the withdrawal process after stopping kratom
• What happens during kratom detox treatment
• Where to find comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support

Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists now to learn more about Kratom withdrawal and SUD treatment. Our intake specialists can answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you determine which type of treatment is right for you.

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a substance derived from Mitragyna speciosa, a plant native to Southeast Asia. Kratom is available in smoke shops and other retailers in liquid, powder, or tablet forms.

When people use kratom, they can experience side effects that include:

• Sedation
• Decreased pain
• Euphoria
• Increased alertness

Kratom enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain. There, it binds to opioid receptors, producing similar effects to those of opioids. In some cases, people may use kratom as an alternative to opioid pain relievers. 

While people may believe kratom is safe and natural, many expects have expressed concern about the risk of severe side effects. Peopel who use kratom may develop life-threatening complications, including physical dependence. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently classified kratom as a “drug of concern.” However, it does not regulate kratom. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public warning about the dangerous effects of kratom. It warnes that kratom is unregulated and may be toxic. In some cases, federal authorities have seized and destroyed kratom products because of their risk to the public.

Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn more about the potential risks of kratom use or to explore our treatment programs. 

Understanding Kratom Dependence

More research is needed to prove kratom’s risk of dependence. However, there are reports of people developing symptoms of physical dependence after using it regularly. Symptoms of dependence include:

• Requiring higher doses to get the desired effects
• Experiencing cravings for kratom
• Having withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it

They may use kratom because they want to avoid opioid dependence. They may also believe that using kratom may reduce the risk of an opioid relapse since it works similarly to opioids. 

However, emerging research suggests that any kratom use is dangerous. Prolonged use may lead to serious complications, including physical dependence. 

If you or a loved one misuses kratom, find the support and treatment you need to stop at Blue Star Recovery. Contact us today to explore your treatment options or to schedule an intake appointment. 

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Regular kratom users may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using it. 

Kratom withdrawal symptoms may include:

• RestlessnessDepression
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Hot flashes
• Runny noseTension
• Mood swings
• Twitching in the arms and legs 
• Watery eyes
• Tremors
• Insomnia or poor sleep
• Nausea and vomiting

People may also experience intense cravings that make it challenging to avoid relapse. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms can depend on the frequency of a person’s kratom use, general health, and other factors. 

How Long Does Kratom Withdrawal Last? Understanding the Kratom Withdrawal Timeline

Several factors affect how long kratom withdrawal lasts. However, withdrawal symptoms generally follow a standard timeline. 

Here is an overview of what to expect during the kratom withdrawal timeline.

12-48 hours

Many people experience withdrawal symptoms within the first 12 hours after their final dose of kratom. Acute kratom withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Tremors
• Excessive sweating

Supervision, emotional support, and medical treatment can help you successfully manage the acute phase of kratom withdrawal.

24-72 hours

Your withdrawal symptoms may intensify over the first three days of detox. Symptoms at this stage may include:

• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Hot flashes

Worsening symptoms can increase the risk of relapse. It is critical to have supervision, medical care, and emotional support during this stage of withdrawal. 

72 hours-one week

Most people notice a significant improvement in their symptoms after the third full day of detox. Symptoms may become more manageable as the week goes on. By the end of the week, most of the symptoms should resolve completely. 

Blue Star Recovery offers comprehensive treatment and support programs to help people manage detox and recovery. Contact our intake team to learn more about our programs or to make your first appointment. 

Treatment During Kratom Detox

Treatment and support during detox are essential. Receiving supervision and care during detox can reduce the risk of relapse and help you work toward long-term recovery. 

During detox, medical and mental health specialists will assess your needs and provide the care you need. Your detox treatment plan might include:

• Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and manage discomfort
• Round-the-clock supervision and access to support
• Emotional support, including individual and group therapy
• Education about SUD and recovery
• Holistic therapies to soothe the body and mind, like yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition support

After a safe, successful detox, you must continue to receive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. A comprehensive treatment program will help you identify and address the complex roots of substance use. This treatment will help you to avoid relapse and support your lifelong recovery journey. 

If you or someone you love struggles with kratom use, you are not alone. Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.