Kratom is oftentimes marketed as a natural supplement, yet unfortunately, kratom dependency is overlooked. If you’ve tried to stop and run into uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, you’re not alone.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the kratom detox process and how you can safely and effectively overcome addiction.
At Multi Concept Recovery, we help people break free from addiction so that they can reclaim their lives. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery.
Why Kratom Causes Withdrawal
To understand the detoxification process, it is first important to understand why kratom is addictive and can cause dependency.
Kratom contains certain compounds that interact with the same brain receptors as opioids. This produces a pain relief / calming effect that can be addictive.
While kratom withdrawal is typically milder and shorter than withdrawal from stronger opioids, it is important not to neglect the potential severity of the addiction and inevitable withdrawal symptoms you will experience during the detoxification process.
What to Expect: The Kratom Withdrawal Process
While the withdrawal process can vary from individual to individual based on factors like how much kratom they used, how long they used it, and their other individual biological differences, below is typically what you can expect in terms of the withdrawal process:
- 6 to 12 hours in the detoxification process: Early symptoms like anxiety, irritability, sweating, and muscle aches often begin to appear.
- 1 to 3 days later: Symptoms usually peak, with nausea, muscle pain, insomnia, mood swings, and more starting to be noticed.
- 4 to 7 days in: Physical symptoms can start to improve, though low mood, anxiety, and cravings may persist.
- Two weeks after: Some people experience lingering fatigue, brain fog, or occasional cravings.
During the detoxification process for most people, the worst of it passes within about a week so you can start progressing along your recovery journey.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Because kratom affects opioid receptors, its withdrawal can look a lot like a milder version of opioid withdrawal. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms to look out for include:
- Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low mood and strong cravings
It is important to understand these symptoms are a temporary part of your healing journey.
Why Seeking Professional Support Is Important
You might wonder whether you can just “tough it out” at home. For people with mild dependence, that’s sometimes possible. But detoxing under professional guidance is safer and far more comfortable, which can also help support your long-term recovery to maintain sobriety.
Relapsing is your greatest threat to lasting sobriety. When cravings and discomfort peak, the urge to use again just to make it stop can be overwhelming.
In a supportive setting, expert medical professionals can ease your symptoms and keep you safe. When needed as prescribed, medication-assisted treatment can help reduce the intensity of withdrawal so you can focus on getting through it.
Withdrawal isn’t just physical. The anxiety and low mood during the detoxification process can make it difficult to overcome all on your own. Having people nearby who get what you’re going through and who can help you every step of the way to progress in your recovery journey is important.
What Makes Kratom Withdrawal Manageable
Fortunately, kratom withdrawal is usually milder, shorter, and less medically dangerous compared to detoxing from other drugs. For most people, it never reaches the intensity of a full opioid detox.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy, and it doesn’t mean you should undermine getting sober. But it does mean that with the right support, getting through kratom detox is achievable.
A supportive setting can help you stay hydrated, rest, manage the discomfort, and, just as importantly, get past the peak days when cravings are strongest and relapse is most likely. Having people in your corner during that window often makes the difference between quitting for good and starting the cycle over again.
Detoxing Is Just the Beginning
While detoxing is the first necessary step toward recovery, it isn’t the only step. Detox gets the substance out. It doesn’t fix the patterns underneath that keep the dependence alive and can impact your risk of relapsing in the future.
That’s why lasting recovery involves more than detox. After the physical symptoms fade, working with a therapist helps you understand your relationship with kratom and build healthier ways to cope with stress, pain, or the emotions that may have driven your substance abuse in the first place.
At Multi Concept Recovery, we offer evidence-based care like cognitive behavioral therapy, along with dual diagnosis treatment for anyone facing both dependence and a mental health condition.
Help Is Available
Gone are the days of suffering in silence- help is available! With the right support, you can move through detox safely and build a recovery that lasts.
At Multi Concept Recovery, our compassionate team is here to help you heal and transform your life for the better. Ready to start your recovery? Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does kratom withdrawal last?
For most people, withdrawal symptoms begin within 6 to 12 hours of the last dose, peak around days one to three, and ease over the following week. Some people experience lingering emotional symptoms, like low mood or cravings, for a couple of weeks or more into detoxification. While the exact withdrawal timeline can vary, individuals can typically expect it to take 1-2 weeks to withdraw.
Can I detox from kratom at home?
People with mild dependence sometimes detox at home, but it isn’t the safest option. The discomfort of withdrawal makes relapse very likely, and there can be health risks, especially with heavy use or when kratom is mixed with other substances. Detoxing with professional support is safer and far more likely to succeed than trying to detox on your own at home.
What happens after detox?
Detox is only the first step. After the physical symptoms pass, ongoing treatment helps you address the reasons behind your kratom use and build lasting coping skills. At Multi Concept Recovery, we provide therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy and dual diagnosis care to support long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn more!