Understanding Kratom Addiction and How Treatment Can Help

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, known scientifically as Mitragyna speciosa.[1] For centuries, communities in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have chewed kratom leaves or brewed them into a tea to relieve pain, increase energy, and manage fatigue while working long hours doing physically demanding jobs. Kratom began to gain popularity in the U.S. in the early 2000s, when it began to be sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online stores as a legal alternative to prescription opioids.

Today, kratom is sold in powders, capsules, teas, and concentrated extracts. Although kratom is derived from a natural plant, it is not regulated by the FDA. Because no standardized dosing or quality control exists, the purity and potency of kratom can vary widely from product to product. Kratom can be grown outside of Southeast Asia, but only in very specific tropical climates, meaning that most of the kratom products sold in America today are imported and may carry additional risks associated with contamination and inconsistent potency.

 

How Does Kratom Work?

Kratom’s properties are dose-dependent and come from two main alkaloids—mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—which bind to the brain’s opioid receptors.[2]

At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, increasing energy, alertness, and sociability approximately 10 to 20 minutes after consumption. At higher doses, it behaves more like an opioid, creating sedation, pain relief, and euphoria. 

Using higher dosages on a regular basis increases the likelihood of the user developing dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.[1] The effects generally last two to six hours, depending on dose, form, and individual metabolism, and long-term use can result in physical dependence and opioid-like withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped.

How Kratom Addiction Develops

Many people may think of using kratom as a natural or “safer” alternative to prescription opioids, but it carries a real risk for addiction.[3] Its active alkaloids bind to the same opioid receptors in the brain as drugs like morphine and heroin, which means regular use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and compulsive use over time.

The timeline for developing kratom dependence varies from person to person. For some, daily use over a few weeks is enough to trigger withdrawal symptoms when they stop. For others, dependence may develop more gradually. Higher doses and frequent use increase the risk significantly. Once physical dependence takes hold, quitting without support can be extremely difficult due to the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that appear when the body no longer receives the drug.

Symptoms of Kratom Addiction

Recognizing kratom addiction signs early can make treatment and recovery more effective. Because kratom is generally viewed as a harmless substance, many do not realize that they have developed a problem until they begin to experience withdrawal or have negative consequences from its use. Below are some of the most common behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms to watch for:

Behavioral Signs

• Using kratom more often or in greater amounts than intended
• Believing that you will not be able to function and manage stress without taking kratom
• Using significant time and money obtaining kratom
• Neglecting your career, academic, or home responsibilities due to kratom use
• Continuing to take kratom despite having experienced negative health, financial, or relationship consequences
• Making numerous attempts to reduce or eliminate your kratom use, without success

Physical Signs

• Tolerance (needing more kratom to feel the same effects)
• Weight loss or changes in appetite
• Constipation, nausea, or digestive issues
• Sweating, tremors, or changes in body temperature
• Dark circles under the eyes or changes in skin appearance
• Fatigue or lethargy when not using kratom

Psychological Signs

• Experiencing anxiety, irritability, and mood changes
• Cravings and obsessive thoughts about using  kratom
• Using kratom as a means to cope with emotions, anxiety, or pain
• Experiencing feelings of depression, sadness or despondency
• Difficulty concentrating and/or problems with memory

 

When to Get Help

If you feel, at any time, that kratom use is interfering with your life, your relationship with family or friends, or sense of control, then it is time to reach out for professional assistance.

You should seek treatment for kratom addiction if:

• You feel dependent upon kratom to get through the day
• You have experienced withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or decrease kratom use
• You have tried to quit on your own but returned to using
• You have had family or friends express concern about your kratom use
• You are using kratom as a means to manage opioid withdrawal, anxiety or pain without consulting a doctor
• You feel ashamed or secretive about the amount of kratom you consume

Kratom withdrawal can be uncomfortable and difficult to manage alone.[3] Symptoms often resemble opioid withdrawal, including muscle aches, restlessness, irritability, nausea, sweating, and strong cravings, and typically begin within 12 to 24 hours after the last dose. While withdrawal is rarely dangerous, it’s uncomfortable enough that many people return to using it if they don’t have the support they need.

At The Lakes, we coordinate referrals to accredited medical detox programs when needed and provide structured outpatient care to help clients move safely through early recovery and into long-term healing.

Kratom Addiction Treatment at The Lakes

At The Lakes, we understand that kratom addiction is often misunderstood. Many people turn to kratom believing it’s a safe, natural solution for pain, anxiety, or even opioid withdrawal—only to find themselves trapped in a new cycle of dependence. Our approach is rooted in compassion, clinical expertise, and evidence-based care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of kratom abuse.

Our Approach: Mental Health-Focused Care

Unlike addiction treatment programs built solely around substance use, The Lakes was designed with mental health as its foundation. Many people who struggle with kratom use also experience co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or chronic pain. Our dual diagnosis treatment addresses both conditions simultaneously, providing integrated care that leads to lasting recovery.

Our clinicians are trained in evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused interventions. These approaches help clients understand the root causes of their kratom use, develop healthier coping strategies, and rebuild their lives with clarity and confidence.

What to Expect in Kratom Addiction Treatment

When you begin kratom rehab at The Lakes, you’ll work with a multidisciplinary team of licensed therapists, psychiatric providers, and case managers. Every client receives a personalized treatment plan shaped by their needs, history, and long-term goals. Here’s what your treatment may include:

• Medical Detox Coordination: Referrals to accredited medical detox programs that offer 24-hour supervision, symptom management, and safe withdrawal support before transitioning into outpatient care.
• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions that explore the emotional and psychological factors driving kratom use through CBT and other evidence-based modalities.
• Group Therapy: Small group sessions that build connection, accountability, and peer support while reducing the isolation that often accompanies addiction.
• Behavioral Therapy: Skills-based interventions that help clients manage cravings, navigate triggers, and make healthier decisions in daily life.
• Psychiatric Services: Comprehensive assessments, medication management, and integrated mental health care for conditions like anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.
• Family Therapy: Guided sessions that help loved ones understand dependence, set healthy boundaries, rebuild trust, and support recovery without enabling.
• Relapse Prevention & Aftercare: Personalized plans focused on coping strategies, trigger awareness, and ongoing resources to support long-term wellness after treatment ends.