Kratom may be marketed as a natural remedy, but regular use—especially in high doses—can lead to physical and psychological dependence. When someone stops taking kratom after prolonged use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable and difficult to manage alone.
If you’re considering quitting kratom, it’s important to understand what withdrawal looks like, how long it lasts, and what treatment options are available. At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we offer safe, supportive care to help individuals detox from kratom and begin their recovery with confidence.
Kratom interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors, primarily through a compound called 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH). Over time, the brain becomes dependent on this stimulation. When kratom use is suddenly stopped, the brain and body must adjust, leading to a withdrawal process similar to that of opioids—though typically milder in severity.
Withdrawal isn’t just a physical experience. Many people also face emotional and psychological symptoms that make it hard to stop using without support.
If you’re not sure whether you’re experiencing kratom dependence, this article explains why kratom is addictive and how 7OH plays a role.
The intensity and duration of symptoms can vary depending on how long and how heavily someone has used kratom. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
While kratom withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can be deeply uncomfortable and emotionally distressing—especially without medical or therapeutic support.
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on how long you’ve been using, how much you’ve used, and your overall health. Below is a general timeline of what you might expect during the withdrawal process:
Timeline | Symptoms and What to Expect |
---|---|
Day 1–2 (Early Withdrawal) | Symptoms usually begin within 6 to 24 hours after the last dose. Common signs include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and muscle aches. |
Day 3–5 (Peak Symptoms) | This is typically the most intense phase. Symptoms may include nausea, sweating, insomnia, strong cravings, and emotional distress like depression or frustration. |
Day 6–7 (Subsiding Symptoms) | Most acute symptoms begin to fade. Some people may still experience low energy, sleep issues, or occasional cravings. |
Week 2 and Beyond (Post-Acute Phase) | Lingering emotional or psychological symptoms—such as mood swings, anxiety, or cravings—can persist. Continued support and therapy are often necessary. |
Every person’s experience is unique. Factors like frequency of use, dosage, co-occurring disorders, and general health all play a role in how withdrawal unfolds. Having a supportive medical team can ease the process and improve outcomes.
While some people attempt to quit kratom on their own, unsupervised detox can be difficult. The discomfort of withdrawal may lead to relapse, especially without a plan or professional support.
Additionally, people often turn to other substances—like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or prescription opioids—to ease the symptoms, which can increase the risk of overdose or developing a secondary addiction.
At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we provide medically supervised detox in a safe, supportive environment. Our team monitors symptoms and offers interventions to ease discomfort, manage cravings, and ensure your physical and emotional safety.
Benefits of professional detox include:
Detox is the first step—but it’s just the beginning of the recovery process.
Once detox is complete, continuing care is critical to long-term success. MCA offers multiple levels of treatment to match your needs, including:
Each program includes counseling, group therapy, relapse prevention, and ongoing support for mental health and lifestyle stability.
Kratom addiction is real—and recovery is possible. If you’re experiencing withdrawal or worried about your use, help is available. At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we understand how hard it can be to take that first step. We’re here to guide you with compassion, experience, and evidence-based care.
Call 844-486-0671 or explore our Kratom Addiction Treatment page to get started.
Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today and begin your journey toward long-term recovery.