Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms: What You Need To Know
Native to Southeast Asia, kratom is a tree whose use has rapidly increased in the United States in recent years, mainly as a natural pain reliever and mood-altering substance. Kratom is commonly consumed in powder, capsule, or tea form, and many people use it as an alternative to traditional opioids or to relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
However, like any substance that affects brain chemistry, long-term kratom use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when consumption is reduced or stopped. Kratom withdrawal symptoms, why they occur, and how to overcome them are the topics we cover in this article. This information is vital to anyone who intends to stop using kratom or is dependent on it.
What Causes Kratom Withdrawal?
The active phytochemicals of kratom involved in drug action are primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which act on the opioid receptors of the brain and induce opioid- and stimulant-like effects.
These compounds can produce euphoria, pain relief, and sedation. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when kratom use is reduced or stopped after long-term dependence.
Kratom dependence can be particularly concerning because many users don’t recognize the signs of addiction until it becomes difficult to quit. Just like with all central nervous system drugs, withdrawal occurs when the body attempts to acclimate to the absence of kratom in the system as a result of chronic use. Seeking professional support at a Beverly Hills rehab provides individuals with the specialized medical supervision and compassionate care necessary to navigate these withdrawal symptoms safely and successfully.
Common Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the individual, their usage pattern, and the amount consumed. However, there are some symptoms that are felt by the users at the time of withdrawal:
1. Physical Symptoms
Lethargy and fatigue: Fatigue is among the most common physical symptoms of kratom withdrawal. Many users report feeling so drained that they struggle to perform daily activities.
Muscle and joint pain: Muscle and joint pain is a result of kratom withdrawal, and it is like the body is having a mild case of the flu. It may be particularly frustrating for the individual who is used to kratom’s pain relief.
Sweating: There is excessive sweating, which is also typically accompanied by chills, one of the symptoms of kratom withdrawal. This is because the body tries to regulate its temperature without the drug.
Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals do have some degree of gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach. It results from the body trying to rebalance following the removal of kratom from the system.
Insomnia: Many people experience persistent restlessness and difficulty falling or staying asleep during withdrawal.
Dilated pupils: Similar to opioid withdrawal, dilated pupils are also caused by kratom withdrawal. It is the body’s physiological process of wanting to rebalance.
2. Psychological Symptoms
Anxiety: One of the most uncomfortable symptoms that the user undergoes during kratom withdrawal is anxiety. The user can be nervous, anxious, or excessively nervous without the normal dose of kratom.
Irritability: Similar to most other drugs that affect mood, kratom withdrawal makes a person irritable or unstable in terms of mood. This results in mood swings or outbursts of rage or frustration.
Depression: As the brain adjusts to the absence of kratom’s mood-enhancing effects, users may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or low motivation.
Cravings: Intense urge to continue kratom use during withdrawal. Cravings can make it hard to adhere to quitting and elevate the risk of relapse.
3. Cognitive Symptoms
Inability to concentrate: The foggy thinking that occurs during kratom withdrawal can hinder concentrating or having clear thinking. Most individuals have trouble getting things done on a daily basis that normally demands mental concentration.
Memory problems: Short-term memory loss can also be felt, as the brain is readjusting to the absence of kratom’s active agents. This can make individuals disoriented and forgetful throughout withdrawal.
How Long Do Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The duration and severity of kratom withdrawal symptoms vary greatly with the dose and frequency of use, duration of kratom use, and overall can be extremely varied. Symptoms usually begin 12–24 hours after the last dose and peak within 2–4 days. Although the physical symptoms wane after the first week, psychological symptoms of anxiety and cravings may remain, often for weeks.
Most individuals describe that withdrawal is agonizing but not lethal. Individuals with a history of drug abuse or psychiatric background will have more intense withdrawal symptoms and will need professional help when detoxing off kratom.
Beating Kratom Withdrawal
If you or someone you know is experiencing kratom withdrawal, there are several ways to make the process more manageable.
- Tapering: Rather than stopping kratom abruptly, tapering off the drug gradually over a certain period of time can reduce withdrawal symptoms. Tapering allows the body to acclimate gradually and can reduce the level of distress.
- Hydration and nutrition: Adequate hydration and nutrition are critical for withdrawal. Nausea and headaches are most often worsened by dehydration, while proper nutrition allows the body’s healing process to occur.
- Exercise and relaxation: Mild exercise, yoga, or even a walk can ease pain and fatigue in muscles. Meditation, deep breathing, or a warm bath can also ease anxiety and insomnia.
- Seek professional help: If the symptoms become too overwhelming to manage, it’s best to seek help from a healthcare professional. A doctor or addiction counselor can offer advice, symptom-easing medication, or even a medically supervised detox program.
Conclusion
Withdrawal from kratom is painful and hard, particularly for those individuals who have become addicted to the substance.
Although the withdrawal signs will differ with different individuals, they will typically involve a mix of physical, psychological, as well as mental issues.
If you plan to quit kratom, do so mindfully—preferably through gradual tapering or under professional supervision. With some forethought and awareness of the withdrawal symptoms, people will be able to navigate through this painful ordeal with fewer pangs and with more chances of recovery.
