Kratom is an herbal substance used for its stimulant and opioid-like effects. It is commonly used to manage symptoms like pain, anxiety and opioid withdrawal symptoms, though it is not approved by the FDA for any medical use.
Kratom withdrawal timelines can vary depending on many factors, such as how long you have been taking the drug and at what dosage. As with most drugs, you can expect certain Kratom withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.
Is Kratom Addictive?
The simple answer to the question “Is kratom addictive?” is yes. Kratom is a relatively new drug, and researchers are still conducting studies to fully understand its addictive properties.
Some experts are concerned about the potential for Kratom to be addictive because it partially activates the same receptors in the brain that other known addictive substances do.
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline by Stage
Many people who use kratom report experiencing withdrawal when they quit taking the substance.
How long does kratom withdrawal last? The timeline can look different from person to person, but there are typical kratom withdrawal stages.
6-24 Hours
Early withdrawal takes place 6–24 hours from your last dose. You may start to experience mild symptoms at this stage as your body adjusts to the substance no longer being in your system.
Days 1-3
Acute withdrawal usually happens around days 1–3. This is the phase where withdrawal symptoms peak and you experience the highest severity of both physical and psychological symptoms.
Week 1
Subacute withdrawal is the next phase, typically happening around week 1. In this phase, symptoms may persist, but the severity begins to decrease.
Weeks 2–4
Some people will experience post-acute withdrawal, where the psychological symptoms persist for weeks or even months beyond the first week.
Physical Symptoms
Some of the physical symptoms you can expect during kratom withdrawal include:
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Muscle aches
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- High blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue or weakness
Psychological Symptoms
Many people also experience psychological symptoms during kratom withdrawal:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Cravings
- Difficulty focusing or maintaining attention
Can You Detox from Kratom at Home?
There are some risks involved when detoxing from Kratom at home.
The unpleasant physical symptoms can make you feel uncomfortable, which could be alleviated through a medical detox facility.
For example, nausea can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, which could cause dehydration. At a medical detox facility, they could provide you with interventions such as fluid and electrolyte replacement.
You may also experience psychological symptoms that are difficult to handle on your own at home. Anxiety and depression bring their own risks, with urges to self-harm or isolate.
The Federal Drug Administration warns against kratom use and detoxing without medical professionals due to the lack of information we have been able to obtain about the substance.
When considering where and how you detox, it’s important to pay attention to your physical and psychological needs.
When to Seek Medical Help
Kratom addiction treatment involves detox and ongoing therapy.
Therapy can help you develop new coping skills for stress and other mental health needs. Many professionals treat kratom addiction and withdrawal similarly to how they treat opioid addiction and withdrawal.
Signs that you might need to seek medical help for kratom use include:
- Increasing dosage to feel the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweats or nausea when you try to stop
- Strong cravings and an inability to stop using
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
- Secretive use or hiding kratom from loved ones
- Financial or legal problems related to kratom use
- Mood swings, irritability, or depression
- Using kratom with other opioids or substances
FAQs
Is Kratom Withdrawal Dangerous?
Kratom withdrawal can produce unpleasant symptoms both physically and psychologically.
Some of these symptoms could lead to dangerous conditions such as dehydration, mental/emotional distress or confusion, leading to poor decision-making. While the withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, detox should still be handled cautiously.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Symptoms typically start within 24 hours, peak around days 1–3, and then begin to subside after a week. However, some people experience ongoing psychological symptoms beyond a week.
Does Kratom Withdrawal Feel Like Opioid Withdrawal?
Some symptoms of kratom withdrawal are similar to those of opioid withdrawal since both substances affect similar receptors in the brain. Typically, opioid withdrawals can be more severe and last longer than kratom withdrawal.
Can You Quit Kratom Cold Turkey?
It is not recommended to quit kratom all at once because it may cause your withdrawal symptoms to be more severe and increase your risk of relapse.