Kratom can be legally purchased and used in most states. However, that doesn’t mean that it is a harmless substance. If you are thinking about trying it, please be sure to educate yourself about its potential dangers, your risk of addiction, and how long the kratom withdrawal timeline lasts.
What Is Kratom?
Before we delve into a discussion of the kratom withdrawal timeline, let’s take a moment to review some basic facts.
Kratom is a psychoactive substance with effects that can be similar to opioids and stimulants. It is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which grows primarily in Southeast Asia. People in that region have used kratom for hundreds of years, both in traditional medicine and as an energy booster.
In the United States, kratom use is a relatively recent phenomenon. One of the reasons for its boost in popularity is that it is currently considered to be an herbal supplement, and thus there are no federal laws banning its sale, possession, or use. While a few states have passed legislation to regulate kratom, in most places it can be purchased in stores or via the Internet.
Traditionally, kratom users ingested the substance either by chewing on the leaves or brewing them into a tea. Today, kratom may also be consumed as a powder, tablet, or liquid extract.
In addition to using it for recreational purposes, some people claim that they take kratom for pain relief, to ease the symptoms of certain mental health disorders, or to alleviate the distress of opioid withdrawal.
Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
As we noted in the previous section, kratom is legal in most of the United States, and some people use the drug to help them get through withdrawal. These facts are sometimes misinterpreted as indicators that kratom is a harmless drug, with no risk of abuse or addiction.
The truth is that people can become dependent on kratom, especially if they have been using large amounts of the substance. When they attempt to stop using it, they may experience both physical and psychological symptoms.
Potential physical symptoms of kratom withdrawal include:
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain in muscles and bones
- Elevated heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Disrupted sleep
People who are going through kratom withdrawal may also develop the following types of psychological symptoms:
- Cravings for kratom
- Agitation and irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hallucinations
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline
The types, intensity, and duration of kratom withdrawal symptoms can vary from one person to the next. Influential factors can include a person’s weight and metabolism, how long they have been using kratom, how much they have been using, and if they have become dependent on any other substances.
In general, the kratom withdrawal timeline usually looks something like this:
- For some people, the onset of symptoms can occur within 10-12 hours after the last time they used kratom. For others, symptoms may not become evident for a day or two.
- Once kratom withdrawal symptoms have begun, they will typically become increasingly more intense over the following 24-72 hours.
- After withdrawal symptoms reach their peak, it may take another day or two for them to fully subside. For most people, the kratom withdrawal timeline will be over within a week.
- After the physical symptoms of kratom have dissipated, a person may continue to experience cravings and other psychological symptoms.
It’s important to remember that getting through the kratom withdrawal timeline is just one part of the recovery process. If you get through withdrawal, but then don’t get additional help, your ability to resist future urges to use kratom may be compromised.
Treatment can help you identify the concerns that may have contributed to your kratom abuse in the first place. During treatment, you can also begin to develop the skills that will be vital to your continued healthy recovery.
Kratom Addiction Treatment Options
If you have become addicted to kratom, please know that you many treatment options. There’s no perfect type of addiction treatment that works for everyone, so you should focus your attention on finding the type and level of care that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
If the distress of withdrawal has been preventing you from ending your kratom use, a detoxification program may be the ideal place to begin treatment. While you’re in detox, you will be under the care of professionals who may provide both medical and therapeutic support to protect your health and keep you as comfortable as possible.
Once you have completed detox, you can transfer directly into the next phase of your treatment. At Peachtree Recovery Solutions, this may include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), or an outpatient program.
Some people begin in our PHP, step down to our IOP, and then transition into our outpatient program for additional support. Others only spend time in one or two of these programs. Again, there’s no right or wrong path. All that matters is that you find the path that’s right for you.
Find Treatment for Kratom Addiction in Atlanta
Peachtree Recovery Solutions offers life-affirming outpatient treatment for adults whose lives have been impacted by addictions to kratom and other substances. We also offer dual diagnosis programming for individuals whose struggles with addiction are accompanied by anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns.
Each person who heals with us follows a customized treatment plan that is based on a thorough review of their history, needs, and goals. Every step of the way, our patients work in close collaboration with a team of experienced and dedicated professionals. We understand how addiction can impact virtually every part of a person’s life, and we are focused on providing the comprehensive care that can lead to lifelong recovery.
To learn more about our programs and services, or to schedule a free assessment, please either visit our Admissions page or call our center today. We look forward to answering all your questions about treating kratom addiction, so that you can make the best decisions for yourself or on behalf of a loved one.