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Growing acceptance of kratom products has led to more people struggling with dependency on this substance, with effects ranging from mild to moderate in intensity.
Mitragyna Speciosa, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, provides the source material for kratom, with its leaves containing psychoactive compounds that create mind-altering effects.
While public attention has focused heavily on the opioid crisis, kratom use disorder emerges as a new concern requiring serious consideration. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory emphasizing the risks associated with kratom use. Problematic elements of kratom include its abuse potential, capacity for dependency formation, and addictive characteristics [1,2].
Many people discover they cannot stop using kratom once dependence has formed. Professional treatment programs are available to help individuals struggling with kratom dependency and addiction. Keep reading to learn more about this emerging substance’s risks and available recovery options from kratom addiction.
When independent kratom cessation becomes impossible, specialized treatment facilities like our California drug rehab offer professional support and guidance.
Kratom’s Addictive Properties Explained
Considering its addiction potential, kratom exhibits mild to moderate addictive characteristics, especially with regular use or high doses over extended timeframes. Research shows that kratom’s dependency risk is lower than traditional opioids, but serious concerns remain, particularly for people using it for self-medication or pain relief. Prolonged use periods and high-potency formulations significantly increase dependency risks.
Some individuals report experiencing mild dependency symptoms, while others face manifestations similar to opioid dependence, including cravings, agitation, muscle pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety when stopping use. Kratom affects opioid receptors in the brain, giving it the ability to create both physical and psychological dependence in certain users.
Though it remains federally legal across the United States, several states and local jurisdictions have enacted bans or restrictions due to dependency issues [6]. The DEA classifies kratom as a “drug of concern” in the US [4]. Widespread misconceptions about this substance have led many people to develop unintentional dependence.
Often marketed as a natural or safe option for pain management, anxiety relief, or opioid withdrawal support, growing clinical evidence shows kratom’s potential for dependence, adverse health effects, and abuse. For some individuals, kratom becomes another addictive substance rather than a solution, establishing new patterns of dependency and raising concerns about how to stop using it.
How Kratom Creates Addiction
Kratom’s addictive nature comes from its active compounds (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) that bind to opioid receptors in the brain. These same receptors targeted by substances like morphine and heroin regulate pain perception, mood, and pleasure responses.
Consistent use or high doses allow kratom to:
Create opioid-like effects, including euphoria and sedation
Trigger dopamine release, promoting repeated use patterns
Cause physical dependence, leading to bodily adaptation and withdrawal symptoms when stopping
Develop psychological cravings, especially in those self-medicating for pain, anxiety, or depression
Over time, this interaction with brain chemistry can make users dependent on kratom to feel “normal,” leading to tolerance buildup, dependence formation, and withdrawal symptoms, all classic signs of addiction.
Development Timeline for Kratom Dependence
Specific timelines for kratom addiction vary widely based on individual factors. However, dependence can develop in just a few weeks with frequent or high-dose use.
Factors influencing how quickly dependence develops include:
Dosage and frequency of use: Taking kratom multiple times daily or in large amounts increases risk.
Product potency: Stronger strains or extracts (especially concentrates) raise the likelihood of dependence.
Individual biology: People with a history of substance use or mental health conditions may become dependent faster.
Reason for use: Using kratom to self-medicate pain, anxiety, or withdrawal symptoms increases psychological dependence risk.
Some users report developing tolerance and mild withdrawal symptoms within 1-2 weeks of daily use. Other users may not notice addiction for months but still gradually develop physical dependence.
Methods for Breaking Free from Kratom Addiction
If you’ve developed kratom dependence, know that you’re not alone in this challenge – and quitting can be genuinely difficult. Recovery often involves uncomfortable symptoms including mood changes (such as depression, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability), muscle and joint pain, runny nose, sleep problems, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tremors, itchy skin, chills, and difficulty concentrating. While these symptoms can make quitting seem impossible, proper support makes complete recovery achievable.
Here are helpful steps to start your recovery process:
Seek professional help: Start by consulting with healthcare providers or addiction specialists. Medical guidance can help with safe tapering schedules, provide individualized care, and potentially suggest medication-assisted treatment to manage symptoms when appropriate.
Set a quit date: Choose a specific day to stop kratom use. Having a target date provides focus and allows for mental preparation.
Create a support system: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or peers. Consider joining support groups specifically for kratom or substance use recovery.
Use gradual tapering: Slowly reducing your dose can help minimize uncomfortable symptoms and make the process more manageable than stopping abruptly.
Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Replace kratom use with positive stress management activities – like exercise, hobbies, meditation, or social activities.
Stay accountable and motivated: Track your progress with journals or apps, remember why you want to quit, and celebrate small victories.
Quitting any substance is challenging. Getting help from addiction counselors or treatment programs can make kratom cessation safer. Finding the right support for kratom cessation could be key to successfully stopping this substance for good.
Common Questions About Kratom Addiction
Here are frequent questions people ask about kratom and kratom addiction:
Can kratom be addictive?
Yes. Kratom has addictive potential, though the severity of addiction varies between users. Some people may develop kratom dependence. Regular and long-term use increases the risk of addiction.
Does kratom affect dopamine or serotonin?
Yes, kratom affects both dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, which can contribute to addiction development.
Can kratom cause depression?
While kratom is often used for mood enhancement, heavy use can lead to problems, including depressive symptoms. However, individual responses vary, and some people may experience mood benefits from kratom use.
Where can I get help to quit kratom?
Medical professionals can help you determine safe and effective methods for tapering off kratom. Professional support includes guidance, encouragement, and potentially medication-assisted treatment to ease withdrawal symptoms and support recovery.
Kratom Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery
At Renaissance Recovery, we’re dedicated to addressing the growing challenge of kratom addiction. Our specialized outpatient treatment programs can help build a foundation for lasting recovery.
Discover personalized support and comprehensive approaches that meet your needs by exploring our outpatient treatment options. Renaissance uses holistic and evidence-based addiction treatment methods.
Because every addiction is unique, our treatment programs offer individualized therapeutic options including:
Family therapy
Group therapy
Talk therapy
Individual counseling
Holistic treatment
Aftercare
For help with kratom addiction, call our admissions team at 866-330-9449. We can help you start your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Sources
[1] https://www.jwatch.org/fw113538/2017/11/15/fda-warns-against-use-kratom
[2] https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32722734/
[4] https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/Kratom-Drug-Fact-Sheet.pdf
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/psychiatric-clinics-of-north-america/vol/45/issue/3?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32722734/
