Kratom Addiction Treatment at Crestone Wellness
Kratom addiction is a growing public health concern owing to its increasing availability. While proponents of kratom claim that it can alleviate pain, boost energy, and help with anxiety, prolonged or excessive use can lead to addiction and other negative consequences.[1]
Kratom addiction can manifest through increased tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon stopping use. As with other substance use issues, kratom abuse can severely affect your overall quality of life. Addressing kratom addiction may require a combination of detoxification, therapy, and other evidence-based treatments to help you or a loved one regain control of your life and break free from the cycle of addiction.
- Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, is known for its stimulating and sedative effects, utilized traditionally for centuries by indigenous people.
- The leaves of kratom contain alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors, providing pain relief, relaxation, and mood enhancement.
- Concerns about kratom include its addictive potential, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of abuse due to its opioid-like effects.
- Treatment options for kratom addiction include various evidence-based modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and holistic approaches like yoga therapy and art therapy.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, primarily found in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea.[2] The leaves of this evergreen tree have been used for centuries by the indigenous people for their stimulating and sedative effects, as well as for traditional medicine and religious ceremonies. The leaves contain a complex array of alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects such as pain relief, relaxation, increased energy, and mood enhancement.[3]
Kratom leaves are typically consumed by chewing, smoking, or brewing into tea, and more recently, they are also crushed and sold in the form of capsules, powders, or extracts. Depending on the strain and dosage, kratom can have stimulant or sedative properties. While it is not an opioid, its effects on opioid receptors have led to some controversy surrounding its use and safety, particularly the potential for addiction and withdrawal symptoms.[4]
Kratom Addiction and Abuse
Alongside its perceived medical use, concerns about kratom have emerged regarding its addictive potential and abuse:[5]
Addiction potential:
Kratom contains alkaloids that act on the brain’s opioid receptors, leading to effects similar to opioids. Regular use of kratom can lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects. This tolerance can quickly escalate into dependence, where you experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping your use.
Withdrawal symptoms:
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, aggression, nausea, vomiting, and mood swings. These symptoms can make it challenging to quit kratom without professional help, particularly if someone has been taking high doses of the substance.
Abuse potential:
Due to its ability to produce opioid and stimulant effects, kratom has the potential for abuse. Some people may misuse kratom to experience euphoria or to self-medicate underlying mental health issues. The lack of regulation and oversight in the kratom industry has also contributed to concerns about the purity and potency of kratom products, increasing the risk of adverse effects and addiction.
Health Risks:
Long-term kratom use has been associated with various health risks, including liver damage, respiratory depression, seizures, and psychosis. Additionally, mixing kratom with other substances, such as alcohol or prescription drugs, can amplify these risks and lead to dangerous interactions.
Opioids Addiction
Kratom Quick Reference Chart
Drug Category
Plant-based
Commercial & Street Names
Biak, kakuam, ketum, thang, thom
DEA Schedule
None, and not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration
Administration
Orally, ingested
How Long Does it Take to Get Addicted to Kratom?
The timeline for developing an addiction to kratom can vary widely depending on factors such as your individual physiology, frequency of use, dosage, and duration of use. Some people may develop dependence and addiction to kratom relatively quickly, while others may use it for an extended period without experiencing significant addictive effects.
Generally, with regular use, tolerance to kratom can develop. As tolerance increases, you may need higher doses to achieve the desired effects, which can escalate into dependence over time. Dependence occurs when the body adapts to the presence of kratom and experiences withdrawal symptoms when kratom use is discontinued.
Withdrawal symptoms typically emerge within 12 to 24 hours after the last dose of kratom and can last for several days to weeks, depending on factors such as your usage patterns and overall health.[6] These withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and mood swings.[7]
While some people may become addicted to kratom relatively quickly, others may use it recreationally without developing significant dependence or addiction. However, it’s essential to recognize the potential for addiction and to use kratom cautiously and responsibly, ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
If you or someone you know is struggling with kratom addiction, seeking professional help for substance use disorders (and dual diagnosis issues) is crucial for safely detoxifying and addressing the underlying issues contributing to addiction.
What Are My Options for Kratom Addiction Treatment?
There are several evidence-based, holistic modalities that can help you overcome an addiction to kratom and begin the recovery process:
Frequently Asked Questions About Kratom Addiction Treatment
What are the signs of addiction to kratom?
Signs of addiction to kratom may include increased withdrawal symptoms, cravings for kratom, neglecting your responsibilities to use, and gastrointestinal and respiratory problems.
What are the withdrawal symptoms of kratom addiction?
Withdrawal symptoms and side effects of kratom addiction can include muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, tremors, and mood swings. These symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the individual’s usage patterns and overall health.
Is medical detox necessary for kratom dependence?
While medical detox may not be necessary for everyone struggling with kratom addiction, it can be beneficial for those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or underlying health issues. Medical detox at a treatment center provides supervision and medical support to manage withdrawal symptoms safely
How can I prevent relapse after completing treatment for kratom use?
Preventing relapse after completing treatment for kratom addiction involves implementing coping strategies, maintaining a strong support network, attending therapy or support group meetings regularly, avoiding triggers, practicing self-care, and staying connected with your treatment team for ongoing support and guidance.
Sources
[1] Settle, A. G., & Yang, C. (2022). A Case of Severe Kratom Addiction Contributing to a Suicide Attempt. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29698 on June 5, 2024
[2] DEA Office of Diversion Control. (2013). KRATOM (Mitragyna speciosa korth) (Street Names: Thang, Kakuam, Thom, Ketum, Biak). https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/kratom.pdf on June 5, 2024
[3] Buckhalter, S., Soubeyrand, E., Ferrone, S. A. E., Rasmussen, D. J., Manduca, J. D., Al-Abdul-Wahid, M. S., Frie, J. A., Khokhar, J. Y., Akhtar, T. A., & Perreault, M. L. (2021). The Antidepressant-Like and Analgesic Effects of Kratom Alkaloids are accompanied by Changes in Low Frequency Oscillations but not ΔFosB Accumulation. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 696461. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.696461 on June 5, 2024
[4] Hossain, R., Sultana, A., Manit Nuinoon, Kunwadee Noonong, Jitbanjong Tangpong, Kazi Helal Hossain, & Md Atiar Rahman. (2023). A Critical Review of the Neuropharmacological Effects of Kratom: An Insight from the Functional Array of Identified Natural Compounds. Molecules, 28(21), 7372–7372. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217372 on June 5, 2024
[5] Office of the Commissioner. (2019). FDA and Kratom. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom on June 5, 2024
[6] Henningfield, J. E., Chawarski, M. C., Garcia-Romeu, A., Grundmann, O., Harun, N., Hassan, Z., McCurdy, C. R., McMahon, L. R., Sharma, A., Shoaib, M., Singh, D., Smith, K. E., Swogger, M. T., Vicknasingam, B., Walsh, Z., Wang, D. W., & Huestis, M. A. (2023). Kratom withdrawal: Discussions and conclusions of a scientific expert forum. Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 7, 100142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100142 on June 5, 2024
[7] Settle, A. G., & Yang, C. (2022). A Case of Severe Kratom Addiction Contributing to a Suicide Attempt. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29698 on June 5, 2024
