Quitting Kratom: Managing Kratom Withdrawal & Stopping Use

Kratom is a substance made from the leaves of an indigenous plant known as Mitragyna speciosa native to Southeast Asia.¹ The substance is naturally occurring and has a range of effects that are similar to opioids (e.g., heroin) and stimulants (e.g., cocaine).¹

The United States and international agencies consider Kratom a substance of concern because of its potentially dangerous health effects.¹ Kratom may lead to dependence, a physiological adaption where the body becomes used to the presence of a substance and needs it to function normally. As a result of dependence, a person can experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they reduce or stop their Kratom use.² If you’re wondering how to stop using Kratom, this page will help you learn more about detox and treatment options for Kratom misuse or opioid use disorder (OUD).

Can You Quit Kratom Cold Turkey?

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence on the extent of withdrawal symptoms caused by Kratom use.^{1, 3} While research is ongoing, studies suggest that Kratom can lead to mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms when a person stops or reduces use.^{1, 3} Quitting Kratom “cold turkey” may be uncomfortable, but it does not appear to have any life-threatening side effects associated with its use or its withdrawal syndrome. However, because so little is known about the substance, it’s a good idea to get guidance from your doctor or another medical professional. Medical detox can help ensure your comfort and safety and ease the transition to ongoing treatment, such as an inpatient or outpatient rehab program, which can help you maintain recovery.⁴

Stopping Kratom Use

Attempting to quit Kratom on your own can be difficult. Many people use Kratom to help alleviate chronic pain and opioid withdrawal symptoms, which can further complicate quitting. If you’re trying to stop using Kratom, you should know that professional help is available and can help manage the discomfort associated with withdrawal from Kratom and opioid use disorder (OUD).¹

• Seek professional help. Seek advice from your doctor or another medical professional. They can assess your health, provide referrals, and help create a personalized plan for stopping Kratom safely that may involve detox and ongoing treatment programs.
• Actively participate in your program. Be willing to open up and address the root cause of your substance use. Therapy only works if a person makes an effort.
• Seek the support of loved ones. Knowing that at least one family member or friend loves and supports you can boost your motivation.
• Adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Incorporate regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep to support your physical and mental well-being.
• Set goals. Think about goals and aspirations that you may have had before using substances. Create measurable goals that you can work toward in the next 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years.
• Monitor and adjust. Regularly review your progress with your healthcare provider and adjust your plan as needed to address any challenges or setbacks.

Kratom Withdrawal: Timeline & Symptoms

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence on the withdrawal timeline of Kratom. The onset of withdrawal and how long Kratom withdrawal lasts may mimic that of opioid withdrawal, but more research is needed.⁵ Some studies suggest withdrawal symptoms may begin around 12 to 24 hours after a person last uses Kratom and may last up to 4 days.⁶ Several factors can influence withdrawal, including how much Kratom a person uses, for how long, and whether they use other substances.⁶

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

Kratom withdrawal symptoms may include:⁷

• Muscle aches.
• Insomnia.
• Aggression.
• Emotional changes.
• Runny nose.
• Jerky body movements.

How to Helped a Loved One

If someone you love is struggling with Kratom use, here are some helpful tips on how to talk to them, and what to avoid. Ways to approach your loved one include:

• Be prepared. Approach your loved one with specific examples of why you are concerned.
• Use “I feel” statements. When you bring your concerns to your loved one, prepare your statements so you avoid accusations. Avoid “you” statements such as, “You need to stop using drugs.”
• Make a list of providers and treatment centers. Having resources ready will allow you to offer various options. This strategy may help your loved one feel less cornered and more open to the possibilities.
• Reassure your loved one. Remind your loved one that you are concerned about their well-being. Also, tell them that you are willing to be there for them throughout their recovery.

Things to avoid when approaching a loved one:

• Bad timing. Do not approach your loved one when they are intoxicated. You want them to remember the conversation and to be as engaged as possible.
• Blaming, lecturing, and accusing. People who are addicted to substances tend to be defensive when discussing their use. Blaming, lecturing, and accusing will make them feel defensive.
• Judging. Don’t remind your loved one of all the things they have done or opportunities they have missed. Communicate love and compassion.
• Enabling. Do not enable future kratom use. Enabling could be paying their bills, not making them pay rent, giving them money, or making excuses for their actions.
• Pushing. Know when to leave the topic alone. No matter how much you love someone or want them to seek help, if they are not ready to quit kratom, they either will not seek treatment or will sabotage their recovery at some point. It may be difficult to tell what stage of readiness your loved one is in. However, a substance use professional will be able to assess this for you and guide you to the next steps.

Kratom Addiction Treatment: Rehab Options for Kratom

Although some people can quit taking kratom on their own, professional treatment provides several benefits to facilitate the process. Kratom addiction treatment centers and recovery programs include:⁸

• Medical detox: Medically managed kratom withdrawal in a detox center ensures that a person detoxes from kratom in a comfortable and safe environment. This can help patients more easily transition to ongoing treatment.
• Inpatient addiction treatment: Inpatient treatment programs involve living onsite full-time where a patient can focus on recovery. Programs vary but often include a combination of behavioral therapy, counseling, pharmacotherapy, and participation in support groups (e.g., 12-step programs).
• Outpatient addiction treatment: Outpatient kratom recovery programs vary in duration, intensity, and setting. Examples of structured outpatient treatment approaches include partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). These programs often emphasize group therapy sessions, but provide individual and family therapy as needed.
• Rehab aftercare: Rehab aftercare can support a patient’s recovery after completing a formal treatment program. It can help patients maintain progress and prevent relapse. Aftercare activities include ongoing counseling and therapy, participation in support groups, residing in a sober living home, and more.

If you’re looking to stop using Kratom and begin the journey to recovery, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. AAC admissions navigators are available around the clock to hear your story and answer questions about treatment. We can help determine if your insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehab in just a few minutes when you call or fill out the short form below.