Kratom addiction and withdrawal

Kratom is a drug that has been popular in Southeast Asia for many generations. These days, it’s becoming more popular in Europe and the US. Famed for its unique ability to offer two directly contradictory experiences—one stimulating and one more akin to an opioid high—it’s an unusual and interesting drug.

In this article, we’re exploring the less exciting but equally important aspect of whether kratom is addictive. Keep reading to find out more about this pertinent issue.

Is kratom safe?

The safety profile of kratom is the subject of considerable debate. Now, we’re not qualified to make a call one way or another on this issue, so if you’re looking for an absolute answer, you won’t find it here. However, we can look at the debate and give you some important information.

On one side, you have proponents of kratom who claim that it has few negative health effects and poses little danger. On the other side, there are those who say that it is a dangerous drug that poses a significant risk of dependency and should be avoided at all costs.

In the middle, you have those who claim that it poses certain risks but can also be used in ways that are not unhealthy. They would claim that moderation is key.

Kratom Bali Green Powder (Super Speciosa)

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Kratom Bali Green Powder (Super Speciosa)

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Is kratom addictive?

The greatest risk identified with kratom is that it may cause substance use disorder (SUD)—or addiction.

There isn’t a huge amount of evidence one way or another regarding whether kratom can cause addiction. However, it is known that some of the compounds contained in kratom affect opioid and dopamine receptors in the brain, both of which are commonly associated with addiction to different drugs. While this isn’t enough to say that kratom itself is addictive, it probably means you should stop and think before using it too frequently.

One small study found that people who used kratom frequently experienced withdrawals similar to those experienced when coming off opioids, though less severe in nature (Broyan, 2022).

Kratom withdrawal symptoms

Kratom withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to extreme. The following list outlines some of the more common. Potential symptoms include:

• Nausea: This could be a slight feeling of sickness or a more extreme feeling of disorientation.
• Insomnia: This could range from difficulty falling and staying asleep to a total inability to sleep without the use of kratom.
• Irritability: Sustained irritability when kratom is not used is a common withdrawal sign.
• Restlessness: Feelings of agitation and anxiety can make it hard to settle. This might be physically apparent or may just be an internal feeling.
• Mood swings: A person facing kratom withdrawals may find that their mood changes rapidly.
• Diarrhea: Opioid drugs cause constipation, and when people suffer withdrawals they often experience diarrhea.
• Muscle pain and joint stiffness: Muscles and joints may ache, much like when you have a cold or flu.

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Kratom Maeng Da Red Tablets (Super Speciosa)

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Signs of kratom dependence

Signs of kratom dependence or addiction will be very subtle at first, making it hard to notice. However, it’s important to try and spot the signs early so that you can deal with the problem before it develops into something more serious.

Signs of a kratom dependence include:

• Desire to use more frequently: As tolerance develops, users may begin to use kratom more frequently and at higher doses. This tolerance build-up is a natural part of frequent drug use but is also one of the key drivers of the development of SUD.
• Use at unwanted times: If users find themselves saying in the morning that they don’t want to use kratom in the evening, but then change their mind, this might be a sign of addiction.
• Spending lots of time thinking or talking about kratom: As addictions develop, people become more and more focused on the problematic substance. This might characterize compulsive and frequent, or even constant, thinking about the substance in question. It may also mean someone talks about it an unusual amount and in inappropriate situations.
• Hiding usage: People with SUDs often hide their drug use from others. If you find yourself doing this, or notice someone else hiding their kratom use, it is a warning sign.
• Adjusting life around kratom: If you frequently make decisions that prioritize kratom over other aspects of your life, this can be a sure warning sign that a dependence is developing.
• Inability to function without kratom: Whether you or someone else finds it difficult to work, socialize, sleep, or do something else without kratom, it may be a cause for concern. When somebody feels that they need a drug in order to function normally, it is a sign that they may be developing a dependency.

How is kratom addiction treated?

Depending on the severity of the addiction, there are various treatment options.

Some will just involve ceasing usage and, with the help of a support network and medical professionals, managing withdrawal symptoms until they recede. In more extreme cases, drug treatments can be helpful (Bin Abdullah, 2020). The following can be used for the treatment of a kratom addiction:

• Sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone)
• Clonidine (intravenous)
• A combination of oral dihydrocodeine and lofexidine

Mango Kratom Gummies (Super Speciosa)

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Mango Kratom Gummies (Super Speciosa)

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Navigating kratom use

It’s unclear how safe or unsafe kratom use might be. However, it’s apparent that it does pose some risks if used irresponsibly. So, if you want to try kratom for yourself, then we advise doing plenty of in-depth research to understand the drug and the risks it poses. With most drugs, the worst effects can be avoided with comprehensive knowledge and responsible usage—and this means understanding yourself too!

If you use kratom, understand that it’s not a harmless drug and should be treated with respect.

Max Sargent

Max has been writing for over a decade, and has come into cannabis and psychedelic journalism in the last few years. Writing for companies such as Zamnesia, Royal Queen Seeds, Cannaconnection, Gorilla Seeds, MushMagic and more, he has experience in a broad spectrum of the industry.

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