Kratom has been used traditionally and in recent years for its medicinal and therapeutic effects as well as a dietary supplement. Kratom can cause dependence and addiction, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Some people may benefit from professional support when reducing and stopping kratom use. If you’ve been using kratom to manage a health condition or withdrawal symptoms from other substances, work with your healthcare provider to ensure you have a replacement approach in place. The kratom withdrawal timeline can vary from person to person, but it does follow a similar progression during the first two weeks.
Kratom withdrawal occurs when someone who has been using kratom regularly either reduces their dose significantly or stops using it altogether. Kratom acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, much like prescription painkillers, which is why its withdrawal symptoms resemble those of opioids, though typically milder. As with other substances with opioid-like effects, kratom can cause tolerance, cravings, and dependence. Eventually, this can lead to physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when people stop using it. Kratom withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, but it can be physically and emotionally intense.
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12 Those who have underlying mental health issues or a history of heavy use may face more severe symptoms. The intensity of kratom withdrawal symptoms is linked to the length of time it was used and the amounts used. Depending on the amounts used, kratom withdrawal can be expected to fall somewhere in the range of 4 to 7 days. The less kratom used, the less intense the withdrawals were and the shorter the symptoms persisted.
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Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. Compassionate evidence-based addiction care that delivers results.Find your peace and strength with us. The right combination of support can make withdrawal feel less overwhelming—and help set the stage for lasting change. They can affect both your physical health and your emotional well-being.
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While often marketed as a natural supplement, kratom carries the potential for dependence and withdrawal, especially with regular or high-dose use. For many, breaking free from kratom can feel overwhelming due to the range of symptoms and the uncertainty of the withdrawal timeline. Most people experience peak withdrawal symptoms within 3–5 days, but mental cravings can last weeks without treatment. If you take kratom, there’s a chance you’ll experience withdrawal when you cut back or stop, especially if you take a lot or use it often. In most cases, you can manage the symptoms on your own, but don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe or home treatments aren’t effective. Many Kratom Withdrawal Timeline people turn to kratom because they believe it’s a “natural” or safer alternative to opiates or opioids—but that doesn’t mean withdrawal is easy.
The size of your last dose will also impact when the effects wear off and when withdrawal symptoms set in. The symptoms may feel intense in the moment, but they fade with time, and there are ways to make the process easier. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to quit kratom, but safety and support can make a big difference in how manageable the process feels. Knowing what to expect—and how it compares to other substances—can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and recovery. Learning how to not be codependent can be crucial for family members supporting someone in recovery. Some users also find temporary relief in supplements such as magnesium (for muscle cramps) or L-theanine (for calmness), but these should be used with medical advice.
- Likewise, the tremors, fever, and coordination issues may resolve around the fourth day.
- Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing kratom dependence.
- The timeframe when withdrawing from kratom addiction may differ based on factors like usage duration, the amount taken, and individual metabolic rate and well-being.
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- During this time, emotional symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings may intensify, underscoring the importance of seeking assistance.
- However, the intensity generally lessens over time with appropriate care.
- Understanding the symptoms and timeline of kratom withdrawal is crucial for those looking to overcome their dependency on the substance.
- This phase can last weeks or even months, especially for long-term or heavy users.
- Those that had 3 or more kratom drinks per day had a much higher chance of developing kratom addiction, withdrawal, and cravings.
Similar to opioid withdrawal, the longer kratom is used and the larger the amounts used, the greater the withdrawal symptoms will be. During the next few days, depression may set in as well as cravings for kratom intensifying. The visual distortions that some people experience may disappear during this time. Tremors or shaking and impaired coordination usually appear during the second or third day. The most important step is recognizing that you need help and reaching out for support. The acute phase usually lasts 3–5 days, while post-acute symptoms like mood swings and cravings can persist for several weeks.
Hot and cold flashes accompanied by sweating are common, as are tremors or shaking, headaches, and severe sleep disturbances including insomnia. During the final withdrawal phase, typically lasting one to two weeks after the last dose, most physical symptoms have either disappeared or reduced significantly. People may continue to have episodes of anxiety, depression, and mood changes, as well as periodic desires for kratom. In this timeframe, it is crucial to prioritize mental health assistance and cultivate positive coping techniques to avoid recurrence. Successful recovery from kratom addiction extends beyond managing withdrawal symptoms. Long-term recovery involves addressing underlying issues such as mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, or trauma that may have contributed to kratom use.
Research suggests that withdrawal symptoms generally appear within 12 to 48 hours of stopping kratom use and typically last 1 to 3 days, though some individuals may experience symptoms for up to a week. Physical symptoms during this phase include muscle aches and pain throughout the body, joint stiffness, and significant fatigue with low energy levels. Many people experience runny nose and watery eyes, similar to having a cold, along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
With professional support and monitoring, and sometimes with the use of medications, this can be the fastest way to detox. However, abruptly stopping a substance can cause more severe withdrawal symptoms. For a more exact look, a collaborative study performed by the Universiti Sains Malaysia and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany seems to be definitive on this matter. They surveyed 293 regular kratom users and found that of those who used kratom for more than 6 months, more than half developed severe dependence.
If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom dependence, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and can prevent the progression to more severe addiction. Alternatively, people can gradually taper off the substance, slowly reducing their dosage. The content provided on this website is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Recovery Care is a Tennessee state-licensed virtual OBOT addiction treatment provider.TennCare BeSMART and BMAT Certified. Not everyone who regularly uses kratom becomes dependent on it or experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it.
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At Healthy Life Recovery, we understand that kratom addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive, individualized treatment. Older individuals may experience longer withdrawal periods, while overall physical fitness and general health can affect recovery time. Pre-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression may worsen during withdrawal, making professional support particularly important. Having a strong social support system can significantly improve outcomes and make the process more manageable.
