Kratom withdrawal produces broadly similar effects to opioid withdrawal and opiate withdrawal, although symptoms are not typically as severe. This herbal supplement contains alkaloids with pain-relieving properties that also exert stimulating and psychoactive effects on your brain.
While some people have promoted kratom as a safer alternative to opioids, using this substance long-term can lead to dependence developing. Luckily, there are treatment programs, like Huntington Beach rehab to help.
Can Kratom Cause Withdrawal?
Research shows that kratom withdrawal lasts from 3 to 10 days, producing adverse effects like nausea, muscle aches, and cravings for kratom.
When you introduce a substance like this into your system, your brain chemistry is altered. All substance use disorders lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain, and kratom is no different.
It is believed that kratom works on opiate receptors in a similar way to morphine, and kratom withdrawal is resultantly similar to opioid withdrawal. That said, some research shows that kratom withdrawal is not as intense or long as opioid withdrawal.
How bad is this problem then, then?
Well, the good news is that kratom withdrawal is not dangerous. Most people detoxing from sustained kratom use experience mild symptoms in line with a bad cold. For anyone without special medical needs, home withdrawal is typically indicated as safe.
Anyone with previous substance abuse issues should seek medical advice before suddenly quitting kratom.
Those who have been using kratom to stop using opioids are at heightened risk of relapse. The way in which tolerance to opioids shifts so swiftly means that opioid relapse can easily lead to a fatal opioid overdose.
Kratom withdrawal can trigger the following adverse psychological effects:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
- Irritability
- Agitation
You can also expect to experience any or all of the following physical symptoms of kratom withdrawal:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes to blood pressure and heart rate
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Sweating
- Hot flashes
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Jerky movements
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures
So, now you know what to expect from kratom withdrawal, how long does it last?
How Long Does Kratom Withdrawal Last?
Not everyone using kratom develops a dependence on the substance, and not everyone will experience kratom withdrawal either. The more kratom you use, the greater your risk of both dependence and withdrawal. As a rough benchmark, using more than 5 grams each day is liable to induce negative outcomes.
If you have been using this substance to self-medicate symptoms of pain, or if you have been using the substance to lessen the symptoms of other substances, you are at heightened risk of becoming dependent and suffering withdrawal symptoms when quitting kratom. The onset and duration of kratom withdrawal hinge on how much of the substance you were using, and how long you were using it for.
The size of your last dose also influences when the effects of the drug subside, and how quickly withdrawal sets in. Occasionally, symptoms manifest within a few hours of your last kratom dose.
More often, though, the first symptoms of withdrawal present within 12 hours to 24 hours of your last dose. Data shows that kratom withdrawal lasts from 3 to 10 days. Even for those heavily dependent on kratom, withdrawal symptoms should dissipate within a week or so.
There are some anecdotal reports of those using kratom heavily experiencing PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) characterized by depression, insomnia, and anxiety, although more research is needed in this area.
How to Ease Kratom Withdrawal
Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to ease the symptoms of kratom withdrawal.
- OTC antidiarrheal medication: Taking over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium can mitigate diarrhea associated with kratom withdrawal.
- OTC pain reliever: Taking an OTC pain reliever like Tylenol or ibuprofen can soothe both fever and muscle aches, both common symptoms of kratom withdrawal.
- OTC antiemetic: Antiemetic medication like Dramamine can help lessen the vomiting and nausea that comes with kratom detox.
- Eat little and often: Try eating small and frequent meals. Stick to bland food to minimize vomiting and nausea, while at the same time easing stomach discomfort.
- Stay fully hydrated: Vomiting and diarrhea, as well as excessive sweating – all common symptoms of kratom withdrawal – easily cause dehydration. Drink lots of water to combat this. Consider a rehydrating supplement.
- Practice relaxation techniques: From mindfulness and breathing exercises to meditation and yoga, there are many ways to help alleviate insomnia, anxiety, and pain accompanying kratom withdrawal.
- Speak with your doctor: If you are concerned about withdrawing from kratom at home, talk with your primary healthcare provider and voice your concerns.
Overcome Addiction at The District
If you have been using kratom and decide to quit, there is a chance you will experience withdrawal symptoms during detox, the risk increasing in line with your kratom consumption.
While most symptoms of kratom withdrawal can be managed at home, this is not always the case. For anyone who uses this supplement heavily, especially long-term, a tapered reduction can reduce the intensity of symptoms.
While kratom withdrawal can be challenging, it represents the first step on an ongoing recovery journey. Here at The District Recovery Community, we have a variety of evidence-based outpatient treatment programs to help you combat addiction without needing to head to residential rehab.
In addition to regular outpatient programs for kratom addiction, we also offer PHPs (partial hospitalization programs) and IOPs (intensive outpatient programs) for anyone in need of more structure and support.
If you have a co-occurring mental health condition like depression or anxiety, unpack this and kratom addiction simultaneously with one of our dual diagnosis treatment programs.
Our programs involve a proven combination of medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy like CBT or DBT, counseling, and holistic rehab. We also ensure you have all the vocational development and aftercare you need for a sustained recovery without relapse.
To get started, just reach out to admissions at 844.287.8506.
