Kratom withdrawal is the set of physical and mental symptoms that happen when someone who uses kratom regularly stops or reduces their use. Even though kratom is sold as a natural supplement and isn’t classified as a controlled substance in the U.S., it contains chemicals that affect the mind and body and can cause dependence. If someone becomes dependent, quitting can bring uncomfortable symptoms. Knowing what to expect and how to handle these symptoms is important for anyone wanting to stop using kratom safely.
Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It’s become more popular lately because it’s known to give users energy at lower doses and works more like a pain reliever or sedative at higher doses. Because it’s natural and easy to get, some people don’t realize it can be addictive. If you stop taking kratom after using it often, your body-which has gotten used to having it-reacts, leading to a variety of withdrawal symptoms. Some can be mild, while others are very uncomfortable.
Why Does Kratom Withdrawal Happen?
Kratom withdrawal happens because the body gets used to the drug. When someone takes kratom regularly, the brain and body change to work with it present. If kratom use suddenly stops, the body needs to readjust, which causes withdrawal symptoms. Knowing how kratom affects your brain helps explain why these symptoms appear.
How Kratom Leads to Dependence and Addiction
The main chemicals in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, attach to the same brain receptors as opioids. That’s what makes kratom relieve pain and create feelings of pleasure, especially at higher doses. Although some studies think kratom is less addictive than regular opioids, using it often can still cause your body to need more over time (this is called tolerance), and soon the body depends on it. Dependence means your body needs the drug to feel normal and quitting leads to withdrawal.
Dependence is different from addiction. Dependence is the body needing the drug; addiction means losing control and craving it despite negative consequences. While there’s no formal diagnosis for “kratom use disorder,” the withdrawal symptoms and potential for abuse show that it can be addictive.
Can Kratom Withdrawal Feel Like Opioid Withdrawal?
Because kratom acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, its withdrawal symptoms are often very similar to opioid withdrawal. Some people try to use kratom to ease opioid withdrawal, thinking it is safer, but there is no proof this works and it could lead to a new dependence or worse problems, especially if the kratom is mixed with other drugs like fentanyl.
Withdrawal from kratom can be just as tough as opioid withdrawal for some people. Both the physical need for the substance and the strong desire to feel better create strong urges to use again. This is why support and planning are important when stopping kratom.
What Are the Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal?
Kratom withdrawal causes both physical and emotional symptoms. These vary from person to person, and the strength of the symptoms can depend on how much and how long someone has used kratom. Recognizing these symptoms is a good first step to getting help and managing them.
Physical Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
Physical symptoms are usually similar to what you’d feel with the flu or opioid withdrawal:
- Muscle aches and joint pain: General discomfort or pain in the body, like having a bad flu.
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up a lot.
- Diarrhea: Frequent loose bowel movements, sometimes leading to dehydration.
- Sweating and hot flashes: Sudden sweating or feeling very warm.
- Runny nose and watery eyes: Symptoms similar to a cold or allergies.
- Fatigue: Feeling very tired or low on energy.
- Tremors or shaking: Shaky or jerky movements, usually in the hands or arms.
- Loss of appetite: Not feeling like eating, which can make fatigue worse.
These symptoms make daily life tough and can make it hard to stick with quitting.
Emotional and Mental Symptoms
Alongside the physical signs, many people experience emotional changes, including:
- Anxiety: Feeling nervous or worried a lot.
- Depression: Feeling sad, hopeless, or not interested in things you usually enjoy.
- Irritability: Getting easily upset or having mood swings.
- Insomnia: Trouble falling or staying asleep, or poor sleep quality.
- Restlessness: Feeling uneasy or unable to relax.
- Cravings: Strong urges to use kratom again.
- Trouble thinking clearly: Difficulty focusing or remembering things.
- General unhappiness: Not feeling satisfied with life overall.
These symptoms can make quitting harder, especially due to cravings and feelings of anxiety or sadness.
How Bad Can Kratom Withdrawal Get?
How severe withdrawal gets depends on how long and how much you’ve used, your health, and other individual factors. Some people feel only mild symptoms, others have a much tougher time. In serious cases, people can think about suicide or might even have seizures or hallucinations, especially if they quit suddenly. While death from kratom withdrawal is extremely rare, it’s possible to get very sick or even end up hospitalized if withdrawal isn’t managed well.
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline and Stages
Most people go through several phases of withdrawal, but how long each lasts can be different for everyone.
| Stage | Timeline | Main Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Early Withdrawal | 6-12 hours after last use | Anxiety, restlessness, mild cravings, runny nose, mild sweating |
| Acute Withdrawal | 1-3 days after last use | Strong muscle aches, severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, strong cravings, mood swings |
| Subacute/Late Withdrawal | Up to 2 weeks | Less intense physical symptoms, ongoing fatigue, sleep issues, lingering anxiety or depression |
| Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS) | Weeks to months (sometimes more) | Emotional instability, ongoing cravings, mood swings, depression, trouble focusing |
Early Withdrawal (6-12 Hours After Last Use)
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 6 to 12 hours. Early signs are anxiety, irritability, restlessness, cravings, and sometimes mild flu-like symptoms. These may be manageable, but the urge to use again can already be strong.
Acute Withdrawal (1-3 Days)
This is usually the toughest period. Strong body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, and strong cravings are common. Many people relapse at this stage if they don’t have help.
Subacute and Late Withdrawal (Up to 2 Weeks)
After a few days, many physical symptoms begin to fade, but some mild problems like tiredness or poor sleep stay with you. Emotional issues like anxiety or depression might linger. Cravings can continue but are usually less overpowering.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
Some heavy or long-time users get symptoms that last many weeks or even months, especially mood problems, lack of motivation, trouble concentrating, or strong cravings. This is called PAWS. Support and sometimes ongoing treatment are needed to get through this stage.
Is Kratom Withdrawal Dangerous?
Kratom withdrawal is usually not deadly by itself, but the risk comes from complications like dehydration, mental health issues, or accidents caused by confusion or agitation. Proper management is important, especially if symptoms are severe.
Possible Health Complications
- Dehydration and Malnutrition: Vomiting/diarrhea can cause serious fluid loss. Not eating can make you weaker.
- Mental Health Crisis: Anxiety and depression might get worse, sometimes leading to dangerous thoughts.
- Seizures or Psychosis: Rare, but possible if quitting suddenly after heavy use; may need emergency help.
- Relapse and Overdose: Cravings may cause relapse. After quitting, your body can’t handle as much kratom, leading to a higher risk of overdose, especially if the substance is mixed with stronger drugs like fentanyl.
- Physical Accidents: Restlessness or agitation could cause injuries, especially if you’re alone or not being watched.
When Should You Get Medical Help?
- Serious vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever (risk of dehydration).
- Severe emotional distress-panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations.
- History of using other substances, especially alcohol or sedatives-withdrawal may be unpredictable and dangerous.
- Existing health problems-like heart, liver, or other chronic illnesses. Extra care and monitoring needed.
- Can’t manage symptoms at home or feel likely to relapse.
A doctor can monitor your health and give medicines or advice to make withdrawal safer and more comfortable.
How Can You Manage Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms?
Managing the symptoms helps make withdrawal safer and easier. How you treat withdrawal depends on how bad your symptoms are and your personal needs.
Home Remedies for Mild Withdrawal
- Drink fluids and eat well: Keep hydrated and try bland foods to prevent weakness.
- Get rest: Sleep or take breaks as much as possible. Try relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or gentle stretching.
- Use pain relief if needed: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help with aches. Use anti-diarrhea or anti-nausea medicine if needed-ask your doctor first if unsure.
- Warm baths/showers: Helps relax the body.
- Light distractions: Activities like reading, music, or short walks can take your mind off symptoms.
These simple methods work best for mild withdrawal or as extra support during professional treatment. Do not try to stop kratom at home “cold turkey” if you have severe symptoms.
Tapering Off Kratom
Tapering means gradually lowering your kratom dose over time instead of stopping suddenly. This can reduce withdrawal severity but needs a clear plan and often works best with a doctor’s guidance.
| Benefits | Risks |
|---|---|
| Symptoms are less severe, more tolerable, less likely to relapse, safer overall | Hard to do alone, temptation to take more, process may take longer, may slow progress toward quitting altogether |
Professional Medical Detox and Treatment
- Medical Detox Centers: Staffed by nurses and doctors, these clinics keep you safe, comfortable, and away from kratom while managing your symptoms. Medicines may be given for relief.
- After Detox – Rehab Programs:
- Inpatient rehab: Live at the center for full-time support.
- Partial hospitalization: Day programs, go home at night.
- Intensive outpatient: Frequent therapy and counseling, but you still live at home.
- Standard outpatient: Weekly therapy or group sessions after initial recovery.
These programs support you physically and emotionally and help prevent relapse. They teach skills to handle triggers and rebuild life without kratom.
What Medications Help With Kratom Withdrawal?
There aren’t any medicines made specifically for kratom withdrawal approved by the FDA, but some drugs can help reduce symptoms. Doctors sometimes use medications used for other types of withdrawal, especially opioids, because the symptoms are similar.
Medications Often Used
- Pain relievers (NSAIDs): Like ibuprofen or naproxen for aches and pain.
- Anti-nausea drugs: Like ondansetron for vomiting or nausea.
- Anti-diarrhea medicine: Like loperamide (Imodium).
- Benzodiazepines: For severe anxiety or sleep problems-only used short-term because they can be addictive too.
- Clonidine: Helps with sweating, chills, muscle aches, and anxiety.
- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications: If feelings of depression or anxiety last longer than withdrawal.
- Sleep aids: For bad insomnia (usually non-addictive ones).
It’s always best to use these under a doctor’s supervision, especially if you have other health problems or take other medicines.
Treatments Similar to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
No formal MAT exists for kratom, but some medications used for opioid addiction might help:
- Buprenorphine: Helps reduce cravings; sometimes used off-label for kratom withdrawal.
- Naltrexone: Blocks opioid receptors and might help after detox for preventing relapse.
- Dihydrocodeine + lofexidine: Used in some places in Europe for kratom detox.
For long-term success, these are paired with counseling and therapy to support the mental and emotional parts of recovery. Some treatment centers use newer approaches like Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) but these are less common and more intense.
Support and Resources for Long-Term Recovery
- Counseling: Individual or group therapy sessions help you understand your use and cope with urges.
- Behavioral therapies: Such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or 12-step programs.
- Support groups: Groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) let you share experiences and encouragement.
- Healthy lifestyle changes: Exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, and relaxation practices help with overall recovery.
Combining medical care with emotional and social support increases your chance of staying kratom-free.
Important Points About Kratom Withdrawal
- Kratom can cause dependence: Even though it’s natural, kratom leads to withdrawal and addiction for many users.
- Withdrawal means dependence: If you have symptoms when stopping, your body relies on kratom.
- Symptoms range from mild to severe: Everyone is different, but getting support makes symptoms more manageable.
- You shouldn’t quit alone if symptoms are bad: Doing it alone increases the risk of relapse and dangerous complications.
- If you relapse, keep going: Slipping up is common and doesn’t mean recovery is impossible. Seek help and try again.
- Treatment and support are ongoing: Detox is only the first step; counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes are needed for lasting recovery.
- Be honest with your providers: Always tell doctors about all substances you use, including kratom, so they can help safely.
With the right help and determination, stopping kratom is possible. Learning about withdrawal and support options is the first move toward a healthier, drug-free life.