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What Happens During Kratom Withdrawal?
Kratom, a commonly used recreational psychoactive drug, is typically found in herbal supplements. In 2020, an estimated 15 million people in the United States ingested Kratom in some form, including powder or capsules, as it does not require a prescription and produces effects similar to opioids. The drug has several strains with varying physical effects. Depending on which strain an individual ingests and how often, it can lead to drug addiction.
Once addicted, a person will likely experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop using the drug. The Kratom withdrawal process can be unpleasant and, although rare, even life-threatening. Below you can find a timeline of withdrawal, symptoms of a Kratom withdrawal, and an explanation of how to stop using Kratom safely.
Kratom Withdrawal Timeline
Like most drug addiction withdrawals, the experience of kratom withdrawal will vary depending on the level of use, the biology of the user, and if other addictions or drug use are in play. Mental health issues, such as chronic stress or unresolved trauma, can also impact the kratom withdrawal timeline.
Based on research, the typical timeline of kratom withdrawal symptoms starts to appear within 12 to 48 hours of the individual stopping use. It’s typical for the symptoms to last anywhere from 1 to 3 days, although in severe cases they can last for over three days and even up to a week.
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
Although varying from person to person, due to biological and other factors, kratom withdrawal symptoms are not pleasant. They are similar to opioids and, when not treated correctly, can lead to relapse, severe illness, and even death. A medical detox facility is the best course of action when experiencing symptoms related to kratom withdrawal.
Typical symptoms of kratom withdrawal include:
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Abdominal pain, including cramping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Watery eyes
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Muscle, joint, and bone pain
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Mood swings
- Craving for Kratom
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If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom addiction, call Emerge Healing Center today. We can help you find which kratom addiction treatment program in Alpharetta is appropriate for your situation.
Kratom Overdose
A study in 2019 found that over 7 years, 11 deaths in the United States were due to kratom misuse, and only 2 of those cases were from kratom alone. However, this does not mean kratom use is not severely dangerous. When used with other drugs, such as opioids or alcohol, the risk of overdose increases significantly. Additionally, although the rate of death is low, addiction and withdrawal symptoms are much more common.
Suffering through kratom withdrawal at home and alone is not recommended. The temptation to power through at home with pain medications and just quit kratom cold turkey is dangerous. Even if the symptoms of the withdrawal seem mild at first, other complications can arise that require medical care. Plus, since the risk of relapse is so high, the presence of medical attention is essential and can help alleviate the withdrawal process immensely.
More on Kratom
As noted several times, while research on Kratom is ongoing, its effects remain largely unknown. Currently, the effects of Kratom on the body are similar to opioids, but are still being understood and seem to be dose-specific, along with which strain is being used. Although the DSM-5, the text healthcare professionals use to diagnose substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, doesn’t have a specific diagnosis for Kratom use as of today, NIDA is researching to see to what extent people who use Kratom could experience substance use disorder symptoms.
Due to the limited knowledge and effects similar to other addictive drugs, Kratom should not be used lightly. When mixed with other known addictive drugs, it is especially dangerous.
Getting Treatment for Kratom Withdrawal
Kratom withdrawal is frightening and often requires professional medical treatment. This often begins at a kratom detox center but also continues into further kratom addiction treatment once kratom has been safely removed from the body. If you have questions or are ready to start your recovery journey, we’re here to help. Contact our skilled addiction and mental health professionals at Emerge Healing Center to learn more about our treatment and program options.
If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom addiction, Emerge Healing Center is here for you. Please give us a call today so you can begin the journey of a lifetime.
More About Kratom Withdrawal
If you’d like to learn more about withdrawal from kratom, then read some of our informative articles on the topic below. We dive into every aspect of kratom withdrawal so that we can answer any questions you may have.
