Kratom is often marketed as a natural supplement with pain-relieving and mood-boosting effects. However, what many users don’t realize is that prolonged use can lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction. And an addiction to kratom can be just as life-destroying as addiction to other opioids like Oxycodone and heroin. 

If you’ve found yourself struggling to quit or manage your kratom use, you may need professional help through kratom rehab. In this article, you’ll learn about kratom, why it can be addictive, the withdrawal symptoms you may experience, signs that indicate you need rehab, and whether quitting on your own is a viable option.

We also explore how more processed forms of kratom can lead you to become even more dependent on this drug.

If you think you may need to attend kratom rehab, speak with us today. Our team knows what it takes to get through kratom addiction, and can support you to get the help you need. Contact us today on +44 20 4530 5225.

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Its leaves contain active compounds, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in your brain to produce pain relief, euphoria, and increased energy.

For centuries, kratom has been used in traditional medicine to manage pain, improve productivity, and ease opioid withdrawal. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a legal herbal supplement available in powders, capsules, and teas.

While some people use kratom recreationally or for self-medication, the reality is that frequent use can lead to dependence and addiction, much like opioids.

Why Kratom Can Be Addictive

Kratom’s addictive potential comes from its interaction with your brain’s opioid receptors. Although it’s not classified as a traditional opioid, it mimics their effects, leading to tolerance and dependence over time.

Here’s how kratom addiction develops:

• Regular Use – You start taking kratom to relieve pain, anxiety, or fatigue.
• Tolerance – Your body adapts, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects.
• Dependence – You rely on kratom daily and feel unwell without it.
• Addiction – You struggle to control your use despite negative consequences.

Since kratom is legal in many places and sold as a natural supplement, you may not initially recognize its addictive nature. However, once you find yourself needing higher doses or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop, it becomes clear that kratom is not as harmless as it seems.

Dangers of More Addictive Forms of Kratom

While many of the alkaloids in kratom can be addictive, 7-hydroxymitragynine is by far the most addictive alkaloid. In most forms of kratom, this alkaloid makes up less than 1% of the total alkaloid content. However, fermented kratom, kratom extracts, resins and some powders contain far higher levels, with some semi-synthetic kratom extracts containing up to 15%.

Some kratom manufacturers deliberately process the kratom they sell to increase levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Often, these kratom formulations are sold in gas stations and convenience stores, with consumers not knowing that the kratom they are ingesting is far more potent and addictive than other brands on the market.

Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

If you’ve been using kratom regularly and try to stop, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those of withdrawal from other opioids. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and difficult to manage on your own.

Common kratom withdrawal symptoms include:

• Muscle aches and body pain
• Anxiety and irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sweating and chills
• Insomnia and restlessness
• Depression and mood swings
• Intense cravings for kratom

The severity of withdrawal depends on factors like how long you’ve used kratom, your dosage, and your overall health. Symptoms typically begin within 12 to 24 hours after the last dose and can last for several days or even weeks.

How to Reduce Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms

There are a few ways you can reduce symptoms of kratom withdrawal. These include:

• • Exercise. While you are in the worst of kratom withdrawal, the last thing you will want to do is exercise. But once you are a few days into the kratom detox, moving your body can help to get your endorphins flowing again, helping your body and mind to feel a little better.

• Hot and Cold Showers and Baths. Kratom withdrawal can cause your temperature regulation to go haywire. One minute you’re boiling hot, the next you’re freezing cold. Taking showers and baths with different temperatures can help you regulate your temperature, and may also help get endorphins back in your body.

• Stay Hydrated. Kratom withdrawal can cause you to become dehydrated. Make sure you drink enough water, particularly if withdrawal is causing you to vomit or have diarrhea. 

• Eat. Munching on foods rich in nutrients can help you keep your energy up, speeding up the process of achieving equilibrium. These foods will also help your brain create neurotransmitters, which is so important during the initial stages of the kratom recovery process.

Signs You Need Kratom Rehab

Not everyone who uses kratom becomes addicted, but if you find yourself struggling to control your use, rehab may be the best option. Here are some signs that you may need professional treatment:

• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop.
• You’ve increased your dose over time to feel the effects.
• You feel unable to function normally without kratom.
• Your kratom use has caused problems in your personal or professional life.
• You’ve tried to quit but relapsed multiple times.
• You spend a significant amount of time and money obtaining and using kratom.
• You use kratom despite knowing it’s harming your health or relationships.

If any of these sound familiar, you may need help from kratom rehab.

Can You Quit Kratom Without Rehab?

Some people attempt to quit kratom on their own through methods like tapering down their dosage, switching to less potent strains, or using over-the-counter medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. While these approaches may work for mild cases of dependence, quitting kratom without professional support can be challenging, especially if you’ve developed a strong addiction.

Here’s why quitting without rehab can be difficult:

• Severe withdrawal symptoms – The discomfort of withdrawal can lead to relapse.
• Psychological dependence – You may struggle with cravings, anxiety, or depression.
• Lack of structure and support – Without professional guidance, it’s easier to fall back into old habits.
• Higher risk of relapse – Without a comprehensive treatment plan, the chances of relapse increase.

Our kratom rehab centers provide medical detox, counseling, and therapy to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. If you’ve tried quitting on your own and failed, rehab offers the structured environment needed to break free from kratom dependence.

Finding the Right Kratom Rehab

Overcoming kratom addiction isn’t easy, but with the right support, you can reclaim your life. Whether you need medical detox, therapy, or long-term recovery support, choosing a professional rehab facility significantly improves your chances of success.

Rehab in Thailand offers expert treatment options for kratom addiction in some of Thailand’s top rehab centers, including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Koh Phangan. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, kratom-free life, call us on +44 20 4530 5225 to learn more about your treatment options today.