Kratom Addiction, Rehab Options and Co-Occurring Disorder Help

Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia.[1] For centuries, people in countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have used these leaves for their medicinal properties, traditionally chewing them raw or brewing them into tea. The active compounds in kratom, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects that can range from stimulant-like to sedative depending on the dosage.[2]

At lower doses, kratom typically acts as a stimulant, increasing energy, alertness and sociability.[3] Many people report enhanced focus and productivity, similar to the effects of coffee – which makes sense since kratom belongs to the coffee plant family. However, at higher doses, kratom’s effects shift dramatically, creating opioid-like effects, including pain relief, relaxation and euphoria. This dual nature of kratom contributes to its complex risk profile and potential for misuse.

The availability of kratom has expanded significantly in recent years, with products now sold in various forms including powder, capsules, extracts and supplements. While some people use kratom to self-treat chronic pain, anxiety or depression, others seek it out as an alternative to prescription opioids or to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms. This widespread availability, combined with misleading marketing that often portrays kratom as a natural and safe substance, has contributed to increased rates of problematic use and addiction.

Research shows that kratom use remains relatively limited in the United States, with studies indicating that approximately 0.7% of individuals have used kratom in the past year.[4] However, this statistic may underestimate current usage patterns as kratom’s legal status and availability continue to evolve. The substance’s addictive potential, combined with limited regulation and oversight of kratom products, raises serious concerns about safety and public health impacts.

Kratom’s addictive potential stems from its unique ability to mimic both stimulant and opioid effects in the body.[5] Someone looking for an afternoon energy boost might find that a small dose helps them power through work. However, over time, that same dose stops working as effectively, leading to a pattern of taking more kratom more frequently. The brain begins to rely on kratom to function normally, creating a cycle of use, brief relief and growing discomfort.

The physical grip of kratom addiction manifests through intense bodily reactions – sweating, tremors, bone-deep aches and flu-like symptoms that emerge when trying to quit.[6]

The legal status of kratom in the United States remains complex and sometimes confusing. While the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has listed kratom as a “drug of concern,” it is not currently scheduled as a controlled substance at the federal level.[7] This decision came after significant public and scientific debate about kratom’s benefits and risks, including pushback from researchers studying its potential medical applications and advocates who argued that criminalization could harm people using kratom to manage chronic pain or opioid withdrawal.

State and local governments have taken varying approaches to kratom regulation. Some states have banned the substance entirely, while others have passed legislation that aims to regulate product quality and sales rather than prohibit use. These laws typically require testing for contaminants, accurate labeling and age restrictions for purchase. The lack of federal oversight, however, means that kratom products can vary widely in quality and potency, creating potential risks for consumers.

The continued legal availability of kratom highlights the ongoing tension between public health concerns and individual autonomy in substance use policy. While research continues to examine both the dangers and potential therapeutic benefits of kratom, the current regulatory landscape leaves much of the responsibility for safe use in the hands of consumers. This situation underscores the importance of seeking professional guidance when dealing with kratom use or dependency, regardless of its legal status.

Recognizing a kratom addiction involves understanding distinct changes in both physical and psychological well-being. As dependency develops, these effects of kratom use become more pronounced and can significantly impact daily functioning:[8]

• Experiencing deep physical discomfort and pain, particularly when delaying or missing doses.
• Significant weight loss, reduced appetite or erratic eating habits.
• Chronic nausea, constipation or other gastrointestinal problems.
• Rapid mood swings, increasing irritability and difficulty regulating emotions.
• Frequent perspiration, especially during withdrawal periods.
• Difficulty maintaining regular sleep patterns, frequent nighttime waking.
• Problems with focus, memory and clear thinking, especially between doses.
• Inability to stay still, heightened anxiety when unable to use kratom.
• Irregular sleep patterns, vivid dreams or difficulty staying asleep.
• Physical trembling, particularly in hands and legs.
• Intense psychological urges to use kratom despite negative consequences.
• Escalating mental health symptoms, particularly during withdrawal.

Getting help for kratom addiction often feels like the hardest step. However, effective treatment options are available, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Lasting recovery goes far beyond just stopping kratom use – it involves developing new coping strategies, addressing underlying issues, and building a foundation of resource capability for lasting change.

At Synergy, we offer trauma-informed kratom addiction help and evidence-based treatment interventions. We combine clinical care at our Pennsylvania treatment facility with real-world skills development for the recovery journey. Our intensive outpatient program integrates multiple therapeutic approaches, including experiential therapies, while our structured sober living provides the daily support and accountability essential for recovery. Master-level therapists work closely with each person to create treatment plans that address both addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

Recovery flourishes in connection with others who understand your journey. Through Synergy’s treatment approach, you’ll find yourself surrounded by peers and medical professionals who celebrate your progress and support you through challenges. Together with your treatment team, you’ll develop the practical tools, healthy coping mechanisms and strong support network needed to build a life free from kratom dependency.