Kratom withdrawal symptoms present serious challenges to kratom addiction recovery. These withdrawals can be so unpleasant that someone continues to use kratom just to avoid the discomfort. Learn about the symptoms of kratom withdrawal and how effective treatment can help you recover from kratom addiction.
The symptoms of kratom withdrawal can be extremely unpleasant. Oftentimes these kratom withdrawal symptoms are the main reason someone will continue to use the drug. While rarely dangerous directly, the symptoms of kratom withdrawal can lead to potentially dangerous complications. Learn about kratom withdrawal symptoms and what you can do to minimize these risks.
The Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on the duration and amount of kratom used. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Irritability and mood swings
- Aggression or hostility
- Emotional changes, including anxiety and depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors or shaking
- Sweating and hot flashes
- Decreased appetite
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Diarrhea
Why Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms Occur
Kratom withdrawal symptoms arise due to the body’s physical dependence on the substance after prolonged and frequent use. The drug kratom contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain when taken in large doses. Similar to other addictive drugs, regular use of kratom can lead to the body’s adaptation to its presence, leading to withdrawal symptoms when kratom use is abruptly discontinued.
When someone stops using kratom after a period of regular use, the body must adjust to functioning without the substance. Kratom’s interaction with opioid receptors means that sudden cessation can disrupt the brain’s normal neurotransmitter balance, leading to withdrawal symptoms. The body has become accustomed to the presence of kratom to maintain a certain level of functioning and comfort, so its absence leads to a kind of rebound effect, where the symptoms kratom was suppressing (such as pain, anxiety, and lack of energy) can emerge more intensely.
Unique Dangers of Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
While kratom withdrawal symptoms are often compared to opioid withdrawal, it has unique dangers due to the variability of kratom products and the lack of regulation. The exact composition and potency of kratom can significantly differ, leading to unpredictable withdrawal experiences. Additionally, the dual stimulant and sedative effects of kratom can produce a complex withdrawal syndrome, affecting both physical and psychological well-being.
Psychological Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can have significant psychological impacts, which can be as challenging to navigate as the physical symptoms. These psychological risks stem from the brain’s adjustment to the absence of kratom, which had been affecting its neurotransmitter systems, particularly those related to mood and stress regulation.
Some of the psychological symptoms of kratom withdrawal can include:
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: The sudden cessation of kratom can lead to heightened anxiety levels and, in some cases, panic attacks. This heightened anxiety can be attributed to the body’s attempt to reestablish normal functioning without kratom’s calming effects.
- Depression: Withdrawal from kratom can lead to depressive symptoms, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and feelings of hopelessness. These symptoms occur as the brain works to rebalance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood and pleasure.
- Mood Swings and Irritability: Individuals undergoing kratom withdrawal often experience significant mood fluctuations. The absence of kratom, which may have been used to self-medicate for emotional or psychological issues, can lead to increased irritability and mood instability.
- Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Sleep patterns can be severely disrupted during kratom withdrawal, leading to insomnia or poor sleep quality. Lack of restorative sleep can exacerbate other psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
- Cravings and Obsessive Thoughts: The psychological desire for kratom can lead to intense cravings and obsessive thoughts about using the substance. These cravings can be a significant barrier to recovery, as they increase the risk of relapse.
- Decreased Cognitive Functioning: Withdrawal from kratom can lead to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making, impacting daily functioning and quality of life.
- Emotional Numbness or Detachment: Some individuals may experience a sense of emotional numbness or detachment during withdrawal, finding it challenging to connect with others or engage in previously enjoyable activities.
It should be noted that while these symptoms are not usually dangerous directly, they can lead to serious or potentially fatal consequences. There have been documented accounts of people attempting suicide due to the psychological symptoms of kratom withdrawal. This should be taken very seriously, and proper care and support are highly recommended
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Physical Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
Kratom withdrawal symptoms can lead to several medical risks, particularly for individuals who have been using large amounts of kratom for extended periods. While the symptoms of kratom withdrawal are generally not considered as severe as withdrawal from classical opioids, it can still present significant health challenges that require attention. These medical risks arise because the body becomes physiologically dependent on kratom, and sudden cessation can disrupt normal bodily functions.
Some of the physical symptoms of kratom withdrawal can include:
- Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating during kratom withdrawal can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration and the resultant electrolyte imbalances can be dangerous, leading to cardiac arrhythmias, kidney dysfunction, and in extreme cases, seizures.
- Increased Pain Sensitivity: Individuals who use kratom to manage chronic pain may experience a rebound effect, where their pain sensitivity increases once they stop taking kratom. This heightened sensitivity can complicate the management of their underlying pain condition.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia and disruptive sleep patterns are common during kratom withdrawal. Chronic sleep deprivation can have a broad range of negative health effects, including increased stress, weakened immune function, and higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The nausea and decreased appetite associated with kratom withdrawal can lead to inadequate nutrition, which can exacerbate physical weakness and slow down the recovery process. In severe cases, malnutrition can lead to further complications, including anemia and compromised immune response.
- Mental Health Risks: The psychological symptoms of kratom withdrawal, such as anxiety and depression, carry their own medical risks. Severe depression, for example, can lead to somatic symptoms and increase the risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
- Relapse and Overdose Risk: The discomfort and cravings experienced during withdrawal can lead to relapse, where individuals may return to kratom use or turn to other substances to alleviate their symptoms. This is particularly risky if individuals turn to more potent opioids, as their tolerance may have decreased during the withdrawal period, increasing the risk of overdose.
Managing the Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal
Due to these potential medical risks, it’s crucial for people experiencing kratom withdrawal symptoms to do so under medical supervision. Kratom detox centers are highly recommended for anyone who is experiencing kratom withdrawal symptoms. Healthcare professionals can provide supportive care to manage symptoms and minimize risks, including:
- Fluid and Electrolyte Management: To prevent dehydration and correct any electrolyte imbalances, ensuring the body’s essential functions are maintained.
- Pain Management Strategies: Non-addictive pain management alternatives can be explored to manage increased pain sensitivity without the risk of dependence.
- Nutritional Support: Ensuring a balanced diet or providing supplements to address nutritional deficiencies during the withdrawal process.
- Medications for Symptom Management: Medications may be prescribed to alleviate specific kratom withdrawal symptoms, such as antiemetics for nausea or antidepressants for severe mood symptoms.
- Monitoring for Mental Health Concerns: Close monitoring can help identify and address severe psychological symptoms early, potentially including intervention for individuals at risk of self-harm.
Given the complex nature of kratom withdrawal symptoms, a comprehensive approach to treatment, ideally in a medically supervised detox setting, can help manage the medical risks and support a safer and more comfortable recovery process.
Getting Help For Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of kratom withdrawal can be one of the biggest obstacles to recovery from kratom addiction. While it may seem hopeless, you are not alone and help is available. Emerge Healing Center can help you manage the worst symptoms of kratom withdrawal and undergo the withdrawal process in the safest way possible.
Call us and begin your journey today. Our kratom addiction treatment center is ready to help. The pursuit of freedom can begin as soon as you pick up the phone.
