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With the rising popularity of kratom, it comes as no surprise that more and more people are reporting an addiction to kratom ranging from mild to moderate.
Kratom leaves are obtained from a tropical tree – Mitragyna Speciosa – that grows abundantly in Southeast Asia. These leaves contain psychoactive properties, meaning that kratom is a substance capable of altering the mind.
While the opioid epidemic has received widespread attention, kratom addiction or kratom use disorder is also a growing concern. The Food and Drug Administration even issued a public health advisory in 2017 due to risks associated with kratom use. Kratom’s abuse potential, dependence, and addiction can be worrisome [1,2].
Many people struggle with quitting kratom once they’ve become dependent on it. However, treatment is available to help overcome dependence and addiction to kratom. Read on to learn more about the risks of this new drug, and how to deal with kratom withdrawal.
If you find you can’t quit kratom by yourself, treatment facilities like our California drug rehab are here to help.
How Addictive is Kratom?
Kratom remains legal at the federal level in the U.S., though some states and local governments have banned or restricted its use [6]. Derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, kratom produces two distinct effects depending on the dose: at low doses, it acts as a stimulant, while at higher doses, it acts like an opioid [3]. Although often marketed as a natural or safe remedy for pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal, growing clinical evidence suggests kratom carries a risk of dependence, adverse health effects, and misuse.
More and more people are reporting their experiences with kratom causing physical dependence and leading to misuse. The DEA has even called it a “drug of concern” in the US [4].
Side effects can be especially difficult to deal with for individuals who take kratom products for addiction management. Trying to replace stronger opioids and other illicit drug use with the “milder” drug is a risky process.
About 2.1 million people in the U.S. have been reported to use kratom—whether as a “legal high,” a form of self-medication, or for other reasons [5]. While research on kratom is still emerging, some studies do show that it may help manage symptoms of opioid use disorder or opioid withdrawal. At the same time, growing evidence suggests that kratom carries its own risk of dependence and may have addictive potential, particularly with frequent or high-dose use.
For some, kratom ends up functioning as a replacement substance rather than a solution, leading to new patterns of dependence and the eventual question of how to stop taking it.
How to Quit Kratom
If you’ve become dependent on kratom, you’re not alone—and quitting can be challenging. The process often comes with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes (including depression, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability), muscle and joint pain, runny nose, insomnia, diarrhea, decreased appetite, tremors, itching, chills, and difficulty concentrating.
- Seek professional help: Start by consulting a healthcare provider or addiction specialist.
- Set a quit date: Choose a specific date to stop using kratom.
- Create a support system: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or peers.
- Gradually taper off: Reducing your dosage slowly can help minimize withdrawal.
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Replace kratom use with healthy outlets.
- Stay accountable and motivated: Track your progress and celebrate milestones.
How to Taper Off Kratom
If you’re trying to figure out how to taper off kratom, follow this step-by-step guide to do so safely and effectively.
Weaning Off Kratom Guide
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Seek medical guidance.
2. Gradual Reduction: Reduce your dose by 10–20% every few days.
3. Manage Withdrawal Symptoms: Stay hydrated, eat well, and consider detox support.
4. Seek Support: Join a support group or counseling.
5. Stay Active: Engage in physical activity.
What Helps With Kratom Withdrawal?
1. Hydration: Staying hydrated helps flush toxins.
2. Nutritious Diet: A balanced diet supports recovery.
3. Over-the-Counter Remedies: OTC meds like ibuprofen may help.
4. Exercise: Physical activity reduces stress.
5. Professional Help: Consider medication-assisted treatment.
6. Relaxation Techniques: Meditation or yoga can help.
Kratom Addiction FAQs
Kratom can be addictive, especially with prolonged use.
Excessive use can contribute to depressive symptoms.
Addiction timelines vary, but dependence can develop quickly.
A healthcare professional can guide tapering and treatment.
Kratom Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery
At Renaissance Recovery, we offer specialized outpatient treatment programs for kratom addiction.
- PHP (partial hospitalization program)
- IOP (intensive outpatient program)
If you are looking for kratom addiction help, reach out to our admissions team at 866-330-9449.
Sources
- https://www.jwatch.org/fw113538/2017/11/15/fda-warns-against-use-kratom
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32722734/
- https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/Kratom-Drug-Fact-Sheet.pdf
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/psychiatric-clinics-of-north-america/vol/45/issue/3
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE
At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.
