Kratom Addiction: How to Spot the Signs and Find Treatment
Kratom is often promoted as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and even opioid withdrawal. But as its use rises across the country, some report experiencing symptoms of addiction and withdrawal. Here’s what to know about Kratom addiction—and where to turn for treatment. Read More
Author
Better Life Partners Team
Medically reviewed by
Juilana Ekong, MD
David de Gijsel, MD, MSc, MPH
Table of Contents
Start treatment today
Our team is ready when you are to start your recovery journey, often within hours of your first phone call.
Kratom (pronounced kray-tum), comes in many forms: pills, powders, or liquid, all of which can be found at gas stations and convenience stores across the country. Kratom is often promoted as a natural remedy for pain, anxiety, and even opioid withdrawal. But as its use rises across the country, some report experiencing symptoms of substance use disorder and withdrawal. Let’s explore the effects of kratom use, common signs of kratom addiction, and where to find care if you or someone you know is struggling.
What is kratom?
Kratom refers to Mitragyna speciosa, a tree found in Southeast Asia, and to products that come from its leaves, which can be sold as herbal supplements. People who use kratom might chew the tree’s leaves, swallow it dry, brew it in tea, or add the extract to a liquid. Like most plants, kratom contains many different molecules and some of them act like an opioid – which is why the effect of kratom is similar to other opioids, why it can lead to withdrawals and by buprenorphine is an effective treatment.
What is kratom used for?
Some use Kratom as a supplement to lift their mood. At low doses, it acts like a stimulant, bumping up attention and energy. At higher doses, it can have sedative and pain-killing effects—which is why some people take it to ease withdrawal symptoms from stopping opioid use. But, kratom can carry its own risk of addiction.
Is kratom legal? Is it safe?
While kratom products have been banned in several countries, they are currently legal and easily accessible in many areas of the United States. As the supplement has become more popular, safety concerns have led the Food and Drug Administration to warn consumers about using kratom.
Kratom can have a list of side effects from mild to severe, including nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, mental and neurological symptoms, as well as gastrointestinal, liver, heart and lung problems.
Ultimately, a lot is unknown about the effects of kratom use. While it is a legal substance that may not be a problem for everyone—like alcohol and cannabis—it could be a problem for some.
How to spot signs of kratom addiction
While kratom is often touted as a safer, more natural alternative to opioids, it still carries the risk of addiction, especially when used frequently or in high doses. But there’s a difference between dependence and addiction. For example, some people may be dependent on coffee to start their days—or medication to stay healthy and feel their best.
If you’re wondering whether you or someone you know is developing a kratom addiction, there are ways to spot the signs.
You may see signs of withdrawal symptoms, such as:
Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting
Weight loss, loss of appetite
Tiredness and sedation
Aggression, anxiety, depressed mood
Visual alterations and unsteadiness
Low sex drive
Muscle and bone pain, jerky limb movements
Cold symptoms like chills and sneezing
Sweats, dizziness, itching, mouth numbness
Where to finding care for kratom addiction
Better Life Partners offers same-day access to treatment for kratom addiction. When you give us a call, you’ll get a care team who’s on your side, no matter what recovery looks like for you. From supportive counseling to medical and mental health care, we offer options tailored to you.
Medication: such as Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings—but only if you want it.
Supportive counseling: with a community of peers and licensed professionals who understand your journey.
Mental and physical care: from a team of providers, social workers, and therapists who care for the whole you.
The Better Life Partners difference
Better Life Partners will walk alongside you through every step of recovery. We work with you to come up with a treatment plan based on your unique journey and what that means for you—including whether you decide to cut back on kratom use or stop completely.
Here’s what makes Better Life Partners different:
Same-day medications
Online and in-person treatment
Physical and mental care
Flexibility and compassion
Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance accepted, plus a sliding fee scale
We’re ready when you are to start treatment. Call us at (866) 679-0831 or request a call back to get started today.
